Arthritis Treatment Barretts, MO

Arthritis Treatment Barretts, MO. Living with arthritis in Barretts, 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. Learn more about these and other important pieces of an arthritis treatment plan in Barretts, MO here, or reach out to Axes Physical Therapy today to discuss how our joint and movement experts can help you continue to live the life you want.

With fifteen area locations and counting, Axes Physical Therapy is positioned to serve the arthritis treatment needs of hundreds of individuals in the Barretts, MO area and throughout Eastern Missouri. Explore our conveniently located facilities or begin your path to enjoying life to the fullest while living with arthritis by requesting an appointment now.

Arthritis Treatment Barretts, MO: A Background on Arthritis

Arthritis refers to a physical condition characterized by joint inflammation. Approximately 58.5 million adults in the United States have some form of arthritis, and of them, almost half — about 25.7 million — report that their condition have a severe impact on their ability to operate and execute daily tasks. That makes arthritis the third leading cause of disability among working-age adults, after neck and back problems and mental health conditions like depression.

The numbers illustrate the reach arthritis has, but , but the statistics on their own don’t paint a complete picture where your own experience is concerned. As an arthritis treatment patient at Axes Physical Therapy near Barretts, MO, you are more than a number. Our physical therapists and occupational therapists in the Barretts, MO area have dedicated their clinical careers to caring for arthritis patients with the arthritis treatment plan designed for their specific diagnosis and goals. When you entrust Axes for your Barretts, MO arthritis treatment, you will work with your own dedicated arthritis treatment therapist who possesses the knowledge and experience needed to to design a treatment plan for you that addresses your goals and fits your lifestyle.

Types of Arthritis

According to the CDC, there are more than one hundred conditions that are grouped under the categorization arthritis. The causes and treatment methods differ from one diagnosis to the next, but all arthritis conditions generally include joint stiffness and inflammation. Landing on the safest and most effective arthritis treatment in Barretts, MO for you depends in part on getting a timely and accurate diagnosis that allows you and your treatment team to grasp your condition.

Of the many diseases that fall under the category of arthritis, some are more widespread than others. Below, we briefly examine the two most common forms of arthritis. By understanding the unique etiology, mechanics, and outlook of each type of arthritis, our Barretts, MO physical therapists and occupational therapists are skilled in effectively treating many patients living with various types of arthritis in the Barretts, MO area.

Osteoarthritis: a degenerative disease of the joints. Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, affecting an estimated 27 million individuals in the United States. While people with the disease may differ in their experience of osteoarthritis, symptoms commonly include joint stiffness, pain, and redness and swelling. Your osteoarthritis can affect any part of the joint, as cartilage, tendons, ligaments, and bones in the affected joint(s) can wear down.

Medical professionals highly recommend physical therapy as a treatment for osteoarthritis. Physical therapy, targeted joint exercises, lifestyle modifications, and education are important for any osteoarthritis treatment plan in Barretts, MO.

Rheumatoid Arthritis: an autoimmune inflammatory disease. When you have rheumatoid arthritis, the immune system attacks the lining found in joints, gradually moving farther to damage the rest of the joints, including bones and ligaments. Rheumatoid arthritis affects joints in a symmetrical fashion, such as in both knees or both wrists. Patients may experience other symptoms outside of joint inflammation, such as fevers 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 one of two goals: either reaching remission or reaching lower disease activity. With your goal in mind, your Barretts, MO arthritis treatment team will design a plan and measure progress through periodic tests.

Arthritis Treatment Methods

Everyone has their own way of processing receiving a diagnosis like arthritis. It can certainly be painful and difficult to learn that you may be living with permanent joint damage. The rate at which your joints break down depends, in part, on what you do after you’ve been diagnosed. Begin treatment in Barretts, MO as soon as possible 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 key after diagnosis is to act quickly and focus on moving forward by finding the right arthritis treatment that targets your condition and addresses your needs. With a sound arthritis treatment team in Barretts, MO and early education about your disease and how to care for yourself, you can have a positive impact on your arthritis. You will work toward slowing down permanent joint degeneration, preserving your mobility, and getting rid of pain.

The right arthritis treatment option for you is decided based primarily on the type of arthritis you have and what other health problems you face. Usually, an arthritis treatment plan consists of one or more of the following:

Medication. You may benefit from medications such as NSAIDs, counterirritants, steroids, or disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). Each medication comes with its own risks involved and possible side effects. Some of these medications are largely only effective in alleviating the symptoms of your arthritis. Others, like steroid injections and DMARDs have been shown to stunt the progression of your disease.
Physical or Occupational Therapy. Numerous peer-reviewed studies show that moderate, low-impact physical activity benefits the joints and helps manage arthritis. As part of your comprehensive arthritis treatment plan in Barretts, MO, you will work with your physical or occupational therapist to receive manual care techniques as well as education, exercises to do at home, guidance on changes to your lifestyle, and assistive devices. Physical therapy is a non-invasive approach that is tailored to the individual and poses little associated risk for most patients.
Surgery. Surgery treatment for arthritis is typically reserved for arthritis patients whose conditions have not responded to other more conservative arthritis treatment methods. Your Barretts, MO arthritis treatment team of medical professionals has a responsibility to explore and make you aware of 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 should include physical therapy to help you prepare for and heal from your surgery.

Physical Therapy Arthritis Treatment in Barretts, MO

Physical therapy is a non-invasive healthcare discipline based in the musculoskeletal disorders and movement health. A physical therapist’s job is to improve your quality of life through the use of evidence-backed treatment methods. The Barretts, MO physical therapists of Axes Physical Therapy work with patients of all walks of life. We see individuals of a wide range of ages, genders, fitness levels, socioeconomic backgrounds, and medical diagnoses, including different types of arthritis.

When you come to Axes Physical Therapy in Barretts, MO, you will be matched with a movement expert who has had a career of successfully treating arthritis for Barretts, MO patients. Your personal physical therapist will design a tailored arthritis treatment plan that addresses your specific needs. We will work with you one-on-one and with the other medical providers on your arthritis treatment team to select the appropriate physical therapy treatment modalities, supplemental exercises and education, and modifications to your habits and living conditions in an effort to maximize your quality of life.

Along with the hands-on care your Barretts, MO physical therapist will employ in order to target your arthritis symptoms or minimize the degeneration of your joints, education is an equally important part of the arthritis treatment puzzle. As experts in movement health and the musculoskeletal system, your physical therapist for arthritis treatment will work with you to help you:

Master proper posture and gait
Find the right assistive devices such as shoe inserts and braces.
Make changes around the house to make household tasks easier
Change your diet, if necessary

The Barretts, 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:

How can physical therapy arthritis treatment help me?

Ultimately, the purpose of physical therapy for treating arthritis is to treat symptoms or slow the progression of the disease. Because of your physical therapist’s background in movement science and an in-depth knowledge of the human musculoskeletal system, physical therapy patients are able to enjoy a number of advantages. As an arthritis treatment patient at Axes Physical Therapy near Barretts, MO, 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

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 Barretts, MO arthritis treatment needs.

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

The outlook of your Barretts, MO arthritis treatment requires your active involvement, which includes following through on home exercises and adjustments to your lifestyle your arthritis treatment team prescribes. It is important that you trust your Barretts, MO arthritis treatment team and 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
Reach and/or maintain a healthy weight
Avoid stress
Practice good posture
Practice good sleep hygiene
Make modifications to your home environment
Use heat applications
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 Barretts, MO

Get quality arthritis treatment from the leading physical and occupational therapists of the Barretts, MO area at Axes Physical Therapy. Your dedicated physical therapist will be an active member of your arthritis treatment team as a clinician who specializes 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.