Arthritis pain in your knees or hips might make you want to reach for opioid painkillers. These drugs can offer short-term relief, but they're addictive and won't fix the real problem. Try a safe alternative: physical therapy. Get in touch with Stride Physical Therapy to see how a physical therapist can help ease your arthritis pain.

What is Arthritis?

Arthritis causes joint pain, tenderness, and swelling. It's a myth that it only affects old people; it can strike at any age. Treatment at Stride Physical Therapy can help get your joints moving well again and increase flexibility.

Signs of Arthritis

Arthritis symptoms can be managed with physical therapy. Common symptoms include:

• Swollen Tissues: Arthritis causes tissue swelling near the affected joint, often making the area warm to the touch.

• Grinding Sensation: Loss of cartilage leads to a grinding feeling as bones move against each other.

• Lost Mobility: Arthritic joints can restrict your range of motion, making daily tasks difficult.

• Joint Stiffness and Aches: Joints are especially stiff upon waking and may be sensitive or painful to touch.

• Pain: Pain during or after physical movement is common in arthritic joints.

The Dangers of Opioids

Opioid prescriptions and overdose deaths have surged fourfold in 20 years, resulting in addiction, fatal overdoses, withdrawal, and depression. According to the CDC, opioid sales jumped 300% since 1999 with daily prescription opioid deaths over 40 in 2011. Physical therapy provides a safer option.

Physical Therapy: A Safer Alternative

If you’ve been diagnosed with arthritis, physical therapy can help you manage your symptoms without painkillers. During your first appointment at Stride Physical Therapy, you’ll discuss your medical history and symptoms. Your physical therapist will assess your strength, balance, and range of motion to create an optimal treatment plan.

Treatment Approaches

• Manual Therapy: Therapeutic massage helps loosen muscles, increase range of motion, and relieve stiffness and discomfort in arthritic joints.

• Body Mechanics: Learn how to perform daily activities with minimal strain on your joints to prevent the grinding sensation and slow arthritis progression.

Additional Treatments

• Posture: Learn methods to optimize joint function and minimize pain, and how to use muscles and joints efficiently to relieve pressure.

• Education: If needed, your therapist will teach you how to use assistive devices like canes or walkers properly.

• Exercise and Weight Management: Your treatment plan may include exercises to strengthen muscles, support weight, and relieve joint strain. Aquatic exercises in a pool may be recommended for joint relief.

Contact Us Today

Physical therapy can help you manage arthritis pain without powerful opioids or other painkillers. Call Stride Physical Therapy today to schedule your first appointment with a licensed physical therapist. Start your journey to pain-free living and improved mobility.