Arthritis Treatment Ballwin, MO

Arthritis Treatment Ballwin, MO. Living with arthritis in Ballwin, MO? Whether you just received your diagnosis or have struggled with symptoms for years, you need a treatment plan that works for you. Occupational and physical therapy are effective arthritis treatment options for millions of arthritis patients. Find out how these approaches can help you get the best arthritis treatment for you in Ballwin, MO here, or reach out to Axes Physical Therapy today to speak to a joint and movement specialist about how we can help improve your quality of life.

With fifteen area locations and counting, Axes Physical Therapy is capable of meeting the arthritis treatment needs of countless individuals in the Ballwin, 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 Ballwin, MO: An Introduction to Arthritis

Arthritis refers to a physical condition characterized by inflammation of the joints. An estimated 58.5 million adults in the United States suffer from form of arthritis, and of them, almost half — around 25.7 million — experience significant limitations in their daily life due to their condition. That makes arthritis the third leading cause of disability among working-age adults, after neck and back problems and mental health conditions like depression.

Arthritis clearly has a major impact on our society, but the statistics on their own don’t paint a complete picture where your own experience is concerned. When you come to Axes Physical Therapy for arthritis treatment near you in the Ballwin, MO area, you are more than a number. Our team of Ballwin, MO area physical and occupational therapists have years of clinical experience caring for arthritis patients with the arthritis treatment plan designed for their specific diagnosis and goals. When you entrust Axes for your Ballwin, MO arthritis treatment, you are assigned a dedicated arthritis treatment professional who knows how to design a treatment plan for you that addresses your goals and fits your lifestyle.

Types of Arthritis

According to the CDC, there are over one hundred conditions that fall under the category of arthritis. Each diagnosis is characterized by their own causes and treatment methods, but all arthritis conditions generally include inflammation and stiffness of the joints. Getting the safest and most effective arthritis treatment in Ballwin, MO for you requires receiving an accurate diagnosis and understanding your condition.

Of the many diseases that fall under the category of arthritis, some are more widespread than others. We provide basic descriptions of the two top kinds of arthritis below. By becoming experts on the specific etiology, mechanics, and prognoses of each condition, our Ballwin, MO physical therapists and occupational therapists are skilled in effectively treating countless patients with many types of arthritis in the Ballwin, MO area.

Osteoarthritis: a degenerative joint disease. Osteoarthritis is the most commonly occurring type of arthritis, reaching an estimated 27 million people in the US. While different people experience osteoarthritis in different ways, symptoms commonly include joint stiffness, pain, and irritation. Your osteoarthritis can affect any part of the joint. Overtime, the tissue in the cartilage, tendons, and/or bones breakdown over time.

Medical professionals put physical therapy at the top of the list of recommended treatments for osteoarthritis. Patients in Ballwin, MO with osteoarthritis should make sure their arthritis treatment includes physical therapy, targeted joint exercises, lifestyle modifications, and education.

Rheumatoid Arthritis: an autoimmune inflammatory disease. In rheumatoid arthritis, the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the lining found in joints, gradually moving farther to damage the bone and ligaments in the joints over time. Rheumatoid arthritis affects joints 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 whole-body weakness 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, your treatment team works toward one of two goals: either eliminating symptoms or lowering disease activity. With your goal in mind, your Ballwin, MO arthritis treatment team will design a plan and measure progress through periodic tests.

Arthritis Treatment Methods

Everyone has their own way of reacting to being diagnosed with arthritis. It can certainly be painful and difficult to learn that you could be living with permanent joint damage. The progression of your disease depends, in part, on what you do after you’ve been diagnosed. Do not put off getting treatment in Ballwin, MO for your arthritis.

There are many different diseases that fall under the category of arthritis, and many different causes. You may have arthritis due to a genetic trait, an injury, autoimmune reaction, or infection. Regardless of the cause, the important thing is to make it a priority to move forward by finding the best possible arthritis treatment that targets your condition and addresses your needs. With a strong arthritis treatment plan in Ballwin, MO and early education about your disease and how to care for yourself, you have the power to make an impact on your arthritis. You will work toward minimizing permanent degeneration, preserving your mobility, and getting rid of pain.

The best arthritis treatment solution for you is decided based on various factors, including what type of arthritis you have and what other health problems you face. Often, an arthritis treatment plan consists of one or more of the following:

Medication. Your doctor might prescribe or recommend the use of NSAIDs, topical counterirritants, steroids, or disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). Each medication comes with its own risks involved and possible negative side effects. Some are largely only effective in alleviating your arthritis symptoms, though steroid injections and DMARDs can actually stunt your disease progression.
Physical or Occupational Therapy. Research tells us that gentle, low-impact physical activity promotes joint heath and helps manage arthritis. As part of your comprehensive arthritis treatment plan in Ballwin, MO, you will work with your physical or occupational therapist to receive manual therapies as well as education, home exercises, guidance on changes to your lifestyle, and assistive devices. Physical therapy is a non-invasive approach that is tailored to the individual and presents minimal risk for most patients.
Surgery. Surgery treatment for arthritis is typically used for arthritis patients whose conditions have been unresponsive to other more conservative arthritis treatment methods. Your doctors and other members of your Ballwin, MO arthritis treatment team have a responsibility to consider and educate you on all of the benefits and potential complications of undergoing surgery. Surgeries for arthritis include synovectomy, joint repair, joint replacement, and joint fusion. If you are a candidate for surgery, your arthritis treatment plan should include physical therapy for post- and pre-operative treatment.

Physical Therapy Arthritis Treatment in Ballwin, MO

Physical therapy is a non-invasive healthcare discipline based in the musculoskeletal disorders and movement health. The job of a physical therapist is to improve your quality of life by using a combination of safe, proven treatment methods. Our Ballwin, MO physical therapists work with patients of all ages, genders, fitness levels, socioeconomic backgrounds, and conditions, including different types of arthritis.

At Axes Physical Therapy in Ballwin, MO, you will work with a joint expert who has had a career of successfully treating arthritis for Ballwin, MO patients. Your personal physical therapist will design an individualized arthritis treatment plan that meets your specific needs. We will work with you one-on-one and with the other medical providers on your arthritis treatment team to ensure you receive the most promising physical therapy treatment modalities, home exercises and education, and modifications to your environment to help you remain independent and free from pain.

In addition to the various modalities your Ballwin, MO physical therapist may use to target your arthritis symptoms or slow the degeneration of your joints, educating you is an equally important part of the arthritis treatment puzzle. As movement health experts who specialist in the musculoskeletal system, your arthritis treatment physical therapist will work with you to help you:

Correct posture and gait
Integrate the right assistive devices into your life.
Make adjustments around the house to make household tasks easier
Find the right diet

The Ballwin, 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 are the benefits of physical therapy arthritis treatment?

Ultimately, the purpose of physical therapy for treating arthritis is to treat symptoms or stunt the progression of the disease. Because of physical therapists’ approach based in movement science and expertise of the human musculoskeletal system, physical therapy offers a wide range of advantages. As an arthritis treatment patient at Axes Physical Therapy near Ballwin, MO, you may experience 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

Physical therapy as an arthritis treatment can make life with arthritis easier by treating 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 Ballwin, MO arthritis treatment needs.

What things can I do at home to support my Ballwin, MO arthritis treatment plan?

The outlook of your Ballwin, MO arthritis treatment requires your active participation, which includes following through on home exercises and changes to your lifestyle your arthritis treatment team prescribes. You must find an arthritis treatment team near Ballwin, 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
Practice good sleep hygiene
Make modifications to your home environment
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 Ballwin, MO

Come to Axes Physical therapy for the best quality physical therapy arthritis treatment in the Ballwin, MO area. As a part of your arthritis treatment team, you will work closely with a dedicated physical therapist 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.

Arthritis Treatment Ballwin, MO