Osteoarthritis is debilitating, but the condition can be greatly improved with physical therapy!
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease. It occurs when cartilage – which cushions and protects our joints – begins to wear down. This can cause pain, stiffness and swelling in the affected joints. The joint may lose its range of motion as the disease progresses, causing you or your loved one to become stiff and immobile. Osteoarthritis can also lead to deformities in the affected joint, further limiting mobility and increasing the risk of falls and accidents.
The pain and stiffness caused by osteoarthritis can make it difficult to maintain an active lifestyle. This lack of physical activity and exercise can decrease muscle strength and flexibility, further contributing to mobility issues. The fear of pain or discomfort may cause those living with osteoarthritis to avoid activities that might worsen their symptoms. This leads to a sedentary lifestyle.
Maintaining physical strength is important for individuals living with arthritis. Our healthcare system supports this by prescribing physical therapy following injuries or to combat the effects of chronic diseases (such as osteoarthritis). Physical therapy can help individuals get stronger, but when physical therapy services are discontinued, individuals often experience loss of strength and mobility. This often makes it hard for them to stay motivated, decreasing overall energy and mood. Fortunately, Tandem Strength and Balance offers hope!
Private Pay Physical Therapy for Individuals With Osteoarthritis
Physical therapists are very knowledgeable in working with patients that are suffering with osteoarthritis. They realize that all exercises must be modified to accommodate the individual’s potential pain, lack of energy and loss of strength that might be present on any given day. By modifying the exercises, the individual will not experience more pain and become discouraged. The ultimate goal is to strengthen the muscles surrounding the joints which in turn, takes pressure off of the joints. This is an achievable outcome when working with trained physical therapists!
Exercising properly reduces symptoms of osteoarthritis by…
- Strengthening muscles supporting the joints, alleviating the pressure on the joints
- improving balance and stability, diminishing the risk of falls and injury
- increasing mobility and flexibility, encouraging an active and more fulfilling life
- increasing overall energy and mood, elevating quality of life
Tandem Strength & Balance’s physical therapists have more than 20 years of experience helping individuals regain and maintain adequate leg strength to not only continue to participate in the activities that they love but to live safely in their homes. We offer customized exercise programs focused on building leg strength for individuals who have been diagnosed with arthritis. Contact us online, by phone or in person today and learn about our Minnesota private pay, in-home physical therapy program!
RESEARCH PROVES
Everyone starts to lose strength within 3-5 days after strength training has stopped. So many older adults can not afford to lose any strength because they are just getting by.
DID YOU KNOW?
As physical therapists, we continue to challenge all of our clients in a way that caregivers and families can’t. We address the root cause of their mobility issues and help older adults build strength so they can enjoy their independence and keep living costs lower.