Arthritis Treatment Arcadia, MO

Arthritis Treatment Arcadia, MO. Living with arthritis in Arcadia, MO? After being diagnosed, you need a sound treatment plan. Millions of arthritis patients benefit from physical and occupational therapy treatment solutions for their arthritis treatment needs. Find out more about these and other important pieces of an arthritis treatment plan in Arcadia, MO here, or contact Axes Physical Therapy today to speak to a joint and movement specialist about how we can help you enjoy your life and continue the activities you love.

With fifteen area locations and counting, Axes Physical Therapy is poised to serve the arthritis treatment needs of countless patients in the Arcadia, MO area and throughout Eastern Missouri. Discover our conveniently located facilities or take the first step toward enjoying life to the fullest while living with arthritis by requesting an appointment now.

Arthritis Treatment Arcadia, MO: A Background on Arthritis

Arthritis describes a physical condition characterized by inflammation of the joints. An estimated 58.5 million adults in the United States have some type of arthritis, and nearly half of them — about 25.7 million — report that their condition have a severe impact on their ability to operate and execute daily tasks. After neck and back problems and mental health conditions like anxiety and depression, arthritis is the third most common cause of disability for working-age adults in the US.

The numbers illustrate the reach arthritis has, but , but when it comes to your own condition, your experience is unique. As an arthritis treatment patient at Axes Physical Therapy near Arcadia, MO, you are not just a number. Our team of Arcadia, MO area physical and occupational therapists have dedicated their clinical careers to caring for arthritis patients affected by all different types of arthritis suffering from varying degrees of pain and disability. As an arthritis treatment patient at Axes near Arcadia, MO, you are assigned a personal, dedicated arthritis treatment professional who possesses the knowledge and experience needed to to address your condition and will approach your case using a treatment plan as unique as you are.

Types of Arthritis

According to the CDC, there are over one hundred conditions that fall under the category of arthritis. The causes and treatment methods differ from one diagnosis to the next, but all arthritis conditions generally include inflammation and stiffness of the joints. Getting the safest and most effective arthritis treatment in Arcadia, MO for you depends in part on receiving a timely and accurate diagnosis that allows you and your treatment team to grasp your condition.

There are numerous diagnoses that are considered arthritis, and some are more common than others. Below, we briefly examine the two most common forms of arthritis. By becoming experts on the unique etiology, trajectory, and prognoses of each disease, our Arcadia, MO physical therapists and occupational therapists are able to provide successful treatment for many patients with various forms of arthritis in the Arcadia, MO area.

Osteoarthritis: a degenerative joint disease. Osteoarthritis is the most commonly occurring type of arthritis, reaching approximately 27 million individuals in the United States. While it affects people in different ways, symptoms commonly include joint stiffness, pain, and redness and swelling. With osteoarthritis, any part of the joints can be affected, as tissue in the cartilage, tendons, and/or bones breakdown over time.

Medical professionals highly recommend physical therapy as a treatment for osteoarthritis. Patients in Arcadia, MO with osteoarthritis should make sure their arthritis treatment includes physical therapy, targeted joint exercises, lifestyle modifications, and education.

Rheumatoid Arthritis: an inflammatory autoimmune joint condition. When you have rheumatoid arthritis, the immune system attacks the lining found in joints, gradually moving farther to damage the bone and ligaments in the joints over time. Rheumatoid arthritis works in a symmetrical fashion, such as in both right and left knees or both wrists. Your rheumatoid arthritis can also present other symptoms not directly related to the joint, such as loss of appetite and low energy.

The American College of Rheumatology recommends using what is known as the treat-to-target approach for rheumatoid arthritis treatment. Following the treat-to-target method, you are treated for the purpose of a specific goal: either reaching remission or lowering disease activity. With your goal in mind, your Arcadia, MO arthritis treatment team will design a plan and measure progress through periodic tests.

Arthritis Treatment Options

There is no correct emotional reaction to being diagnosed with arthritis. It is normal to feel overwhelmed, angry, or hopeless when you discover that you could be looking at a future of irreversible joint damage. It is vital that you act quickly and seek arthritis treatment in Arcadia, MO as soon as possible after you have been diagnosed to minimize the progress of your disease and maximize your quality of life.

Under the umbrella of arthritis, there are a wide variety of conditions that have many different causes. You may have arthritis due to a genetic trait, an injury, autoimmune reaction, or infection. Regardless of the cause, the key after diagnosis is to act quickly and focus on moving forward by finding the best possible arthritis treatment for your condition and needs. With a strong arthritis treatment team in Arcadia, MO and sufficient early education, you can have a positive impact on your arthritis. You will work toward slowing down permanent joint damage, improving your mobility, and getting rid of pain.

The most effective arthritis treatment option for you will depend on various factors, including what type of arthritis you have and what other health problems you face. Usually, an arthritis treatment plan consists of a combination of any of the following:

Medication. You may benefit from the use of NSAIDs, counterirritants, steroids, or disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). These medications vary in the risks involved and the potential for negative side effects. Some of these medications are largely meant to address the symptoms of your arthritis. Others, like steroid injections and DMARDs can actually slow the progression of arthritic joint degradation.
Physical or Occupational Therapy. Ample peer-reviewed studies show that gentle, low-impact activity promotes joint heath and helps manage arthritis. As part of your comprehensive arthritis treatment plan in Arcadia, MO, you will work with your physical or occupational therapist to receive manual care techniques in addition to education, home exercises, lifestyle modifications, and assistive devices. Physical therapy is a non-invasive, customized approach and presents little associated risk for most patients.
Surgery. Surgery is typically used for arthritis patients whose conditions have not responded to other more conservative arthritis treatment methods. Your Arcadia, MO arthritis treatment team of medical professionals has a responsibility to explore and educate you on all of the benefits and potential risks of receiving surgery. Surgeries for arthritis include synovectomy, joint repair, joint replacement, and joint fusion. Your arthritis treatment plan will likely include physical therapy to help you prepare for and heal from your surgery.

Physical Therapy Arthritis Treatment in Arcadia, MO

Physical therapy is a non-invasive healthcare field concerned with the musculoskeletal disorders and movement health. The job of a physical therapist is to improve the quality of life of their patients by using a combination of safe, proven treatment methods. The Arcadia, MO physical therapists of Axes Physical Therapy improve the lives of patients of all ages, genders, fitness levels, socioeconomic backgrounds, and conditions, including different types of arthritis.

At Axes Physical Therapy in Arcadia, MO, you will work with a movement specialist with experience treating arthritis for Arcadia, MO patients. Your personal physical therapist will develop a tailored arthritis treatment plan that meets your specific needs. We will work closely with you and with the other medical providers on your arthritis treatment team to select the appropriate physical therapy treatment modalities, home exercises and education, and modifications to your environment to maintain a life of independence and freedom from pain.

In addition to the various modalities your Arcadia, MO physical therapist may use in order to manage your arthritis symptoms or minimize the progression of the disease, educating you is an equally important part of your arthritis treatment. As experts in movement health and the musculoskeletal system, your arthritis treatment physical therapist will work with you to help you:

Correct posture and gait
Find the right assistive devices such as shoe inserts and braces.
Make changes around your home to make your daily activities easier
Find the right diet

The Arcadia, MO physical and occupational therapists of Axes are equipped to help anyone manage chronic conditions, heal from injuries, prevent injuries and improve overall movement health. Learn more about a few of our services and capabilities, such as:

What can physical therapy as arthritis treatment do for me?

Ultimately, physical therapy as a treatment for arthritis aims to treat symptoms or stunt the progression of the disease. Because of your physical therapist’s approach based in movement science and expertise of the human musculoskeletal system, physical therapy offers a number of benefits. When you turn to Axes Physical Therapy for your Arcadia, MO arthritis treatment, you can expect any of the following benefits:

Increased range of motion
Reduced stiffness
Preserved bone strength
Increased joint support
Improved fitness
Weight loss
Superior balance and posture
Other benefits such as more energy, better mental health, and better sleep

With physical therapy as a part of your arthritis treatment, you will work toward alleviating your symptoms and preserving your ability to be independent. Start managing your arthritis and improving your overall movement health and quality of life with the gentle, personalized, evidence-backed care you get when you come to Axes Physical Therapy for your Arcadia, MO arthritis treatment needs.

What things can I do at home to supplement my Arcadia, MO arthritis treatment plan?

The outcome of your Arcadia, MO arthritis treatment is dependent upon your active involvement, which includes following through on exercises and any lifestyle modifications your arthritis treatment team prescribes. You must find an arthritis treatment team near Arcadia, MO that are comfortable with and trust to follow their advice. To support a good arthritis treatment plan, there a number of things you can do on your own, including:

Be active
Eat a balanced diet
Maintain a healthy weight
Avoid stress
Practice good posture
Get good rest
Make modifications to your home space
Apply heat
Quit smoking

One of the best things anyone with arthritis can do for themselves is to stay active. Physical therapy helps you optimize your efforts by prescribing the best home exercises and teaching you the proper technique to protect your joints. If you historically live an inactive lifestyle, remember to start slow and be patient. Protect your joints from undue stress by performing only low-impact exercises. Consult with your physical or occupational therapist to make sure you have the techniques and exercises that are safe and effective for arthritis treatment.

Begin Arthritis Treatment in Arcadia, MO

Get quality arthritis treatment from the leading physical and occupational therapists of the Arcadia, MO area at Axes Physical Therapy. Your dedicated physical therapist will be an active member of your arthritis treatment team as a clinician with expertise in movement and joint health and has clinical experience treating diseases like yours. Our network of local, practitioner-owned physical therapy clinics is here to provide you with personalized, one-on-one care for your arthritis. Visit the location nearest you today or contact us now to speak to a doctor about your arthritis treatment needs or to schedule your first appointment. When it comes to treating your arthritis, there is no time to waste. Contact Axes Physical Therapy today.