Arthritis Treatment Chesterfield, MO

Arthritis Treatment Chesterfield, MO. Living with arthritis in Chesterfield, MO? Whether you just received your diagnosis or have struggled with symptoms for years, it is important that you find a sound treatment plan. Occupational and physical therapy help millions of patients receive effective arthritis treatment. Find out how these approaches can help you get the best arthritis treatment for you in Chesterfield, MO here, or contact Axes Physical Therapy today to discuss how our joint and movement experts can help you enjoy your life and continue the activities you love.

With fifteen area locations and counting, Axes Physical Therapy is positioned to serve the arthritis treatment needs of countless individuals living with arthritis in Chesterfield, MO and throughout Eastern Missouri. Discover our conveniently located facilities or begin your path to a more mobile and independent life with arthritis by requesting an appointment now.

Arthritis Treatment Chesterfield, MO: A Background on Arthritis

Arthritis describes a physical condition characterized by inflammation of the joints. Somewhere around 58.5 million adults in the United States have some form of arthritis, and of them, almost half — around 25.7 million — experience significant limitations in their daily life due to their condition. 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.

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 Chesterfield, MO area, you are not just a number. Our physical therapists and occupational therapists in the Chesterfield, MO area have years of clinical experience caring for arthritis patients with the arthritis treatment plan designed for their specific diagnosis and goals. As an arthritis treatment patient at Axes near Chesterfield, MO, 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 in general, they all share the common traits of joint stiffness and inflammation. Landing on the right arthritis treatment in Chesterfield, MO for you depends in part on getting an 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 discuss the two most common forms of arthritis. By understanding the specific etiology, trajectory, and outlook of each disease, our Chesterfield, MO physical therapists and occupational therapists are able to provide successful treatment for countless patients with various forms of arthritis in the Chesterfield, MO area.

Osteoarthritis: a degenerative joint disease. Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, affecting approximately 27 million people in the US. While it presents differently in different people, symptoms commonly include joint stiffness, pain, and swelling. Your osteoarthritis can affect any part of the joint. Overtime, the cartilage, tendons, ligaments, and bones in the affected joint(s) can wear down.

Medical professionals highly recommend physical therapy as a treatment for osteoarthritis. Patients in Chesterfield, MO with osteoarthritis benefit from an arthritis treatment plan that includes physical therapy, targeted joint exercises, lifestyle modifications, and education.

Rheumatoid Arthritis: an inflammatory autoimmune joint condition. In rheumatoid arthritis, the immune system attacks the lining of the joints, gradually moving farther to damage the rest of the joints, including bones and ligaments. Rheumatoid arthritis attacks the body symmetrically, such as in both right and left knees or both wrists. Patients may experience additional symptoms not directly related to the joint, such as whole-body weakness and fatigue.

The American College of Rheumatology recommends the treat-to-target approach for rheumatoid arthritis treatment. In this treatment model, your treatment team works toward a specific goal: either reaching remission or lowering disease activity. With your goal in mind, your Chesterfield, MO arthritis treatment team will design a plan and measure indicators of your disease over time.

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 be told that you may be looking at a future of permanent joint damage. It is vital that you act quickly and seek arthritis treatment in Chesterfield, MO as soon as possible after you have been diagnosed to slow the progress of your disease and maximize your quality of life.

There are many different diseases that fall under the category of arthritis, and many different causes. Whether your arthritis is due to degeneration, trauma, an autoimmune response, or a specific infection, the important thing is to act quickly and focus on moving forward with the best possible arthritis treatment for your condition and needs. With a strong arthritis treatment team in Chesterfield, MO and early education about your disease and how to care for yourself, you can have a positive impact on your arthritis — reducing permanent damage, preserving your mobility, and reducing pain.

The best arthritis treatment option for you is decided based on various factors, including the 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 medications such as NSAIDs, counterirritants, steroids, or disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). These medications vary in the amount of risk involved and the potential for side effects. Some are really meant to address your arthritis symptoms. Others, like steroid injections and DMARDs have been shown to slow your disease progression.
Physical or Occupational Therapy. Ample peer-reviewed studies show that moderate, low-impact activity is beneficial to joints and is instrumental to living with arthritis. As part of your comprehensive arthritis treatment plan in Chesterfield, MO, you will work with your physical or occupational therapist to receive hands-on therapies as well as education, home exercises, lifestyle modifications, 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 is typically used for arthritis patients when other forms of arthritis treatment have not been effective. Your doctors and other members of your Chesterfield, MO arthritis treatment team have a responsibility to consider and educate you on all of the benefits and potential complications of undergoing surgery. Surgical procedures 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 Chesterfield, MO

Physical therapy is a medical discipline concerned with movement health. A physical therapist’s job is to improve the quality of life of their patients through the use of a combination of safe, proven treatment methods. The Chesterfield, MO physical therapists of Axes Physical Therapy treat patients of all walks of life. We see individuals of a wide range of ages, genders, fitness levels, socioeconomic backgrounds, and conditions, including different types of arthritis.

At Axes Physical Therapy in Chesterfield, MO, you will be matched with a movement expert who has had a career of successfully treating arthritis for Chesterfield, MO patients. Your personal physical therapist will develop a personalized arthritis treatment plan that addresses your specific needs. We will work with you one-on-one and communicate with the other medical providers on your arthritis treatment team to ensure you receive the most fitting physical therapy treatment modalities, home exercises and education, and modifications to your home and work to help you remain independent and free from pain.

In addition to the hands-on care your Chesterfield, MO physical therapist will employ to treat your arthritis symptoms or slow the progression of the disease, educating you 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 assist you in accomplishing the following:

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

The Chesterfield, 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 an in-depth knowledge of the human musculoskeletal system, physical therapy patients are able to enjoy a wide range of advantages. As an arthritis treatment patient at Axes Physical Therapy near Chesterfield, MO, you may experience the benefits listed below:

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 enjoy life and do the activities that are important to you. 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 Chesterfield, MO arthritis treatment needs.

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

The outcome of your Chesterfield, MO arthritis treatment requires your active involvement, including adhering to home exercises and any lifestyle modifications your arthritis treatment team prescribes. You must find an arthritis treatment team near Chesterfield, 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
Use heat applications
Quit smoking

One of the best things you can do for yourself if you are suffering from a form of arthritis 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 Chesterfield, MO

Get quality arthritis treatment from the leading physical and occupational therapists of the Chesterfield, 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.