Arthritis Treatment Concord, MO

Arthritis Treatment Concord, MO. Living with arthritis in Concord, MO? Whether you just received your diagnosis or have struggled with symptoms for years, you need a safe and evidence-based treatment plan. 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 Concord, 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 capable of meeting the arthritis treatment needs of countless individuals living with arthritis in Concord, MO and throughout Eastern Missouri. Explore our conveniently located facilities or take the first step toward enjoying life to the fullest while living with arthritis by making an appointment request now.

Arthritis Treatment Concord, MO: An Introduction to Arthritis

Arthritis describes a physical condition characterized by joint inflammation. Approximately 58.5 million adults in the United States suffer from 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. 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 count tells us how deeply arthritis affects our communities 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 Concord, MO, you are not just a number. Our physical therapists and occupational therapists in the Concord, MO area have dedicated their clinical careers to caring for arthritis patients with the arthritis treatment plan designed for their specific diagnosis and goals. As an arthritis treatment patient at Axes near Concord, MO, you will work with your own personal, dedicated arthritis treatment therapist who knows how to design a treatment plan for you that addresses your goals and fits your lifestyle.

Types of Arthritis

The CDC identifies 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. Getting the safest and most effective arthritis treatment in Concord, MO for you requires getting an accurate diagnosis and understanding 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 specific etiology, mechanics, and prognoses of each type of arthritis, our Concord, MO physical therapists and occupational therapists are skilled in effectively treating many patients living with many types of arthritis in the Concord, MO area.

Osteoarthritis: a degenerative disease of the joints. Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, affecting approximately 27 million Americans alone. While it affects people in different ways, common symptoms include joint stiffness, pain, and redness 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. Physical therapy, targeted joint exercises, lifestyle modifications, and education are important for any osteoarthritis treatment plan in Concord, MO.

Rheumatoid Arthritis: an autoimmune inflammatory disease. When you have rheumatoid arthritis, the body’s 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. Patients may experience additional symptoms beyond of joint pain and stiffness, such as whole-body weakness and fatigue.

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 eliminating symptoms or reaching lower disease activity. Once we know what your goal is, your Concord, MO arthritis treatment team will design a plan and measure progress through periodic tests.

Arthritis Treatment Options

Everyone has their own way of reacting to receiving a diagnosis like arthritis. It is normal to feel overwhelmed, angry, or hopeless when you be told that you may be looking at a future of irreversible joint damage. The rate at which your joints break down depends, in part, on what you do after you’ve been diagnosed. Do not put off getting treatment in Concord, MO for your arthritis.

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 important thing is to act quickly and focus on moving forward by finding the best possible arthritis treatment that targets your condition and addresses your needs. With a sound arthritis treatment plan in Concord, MO and sufficient early education, you have the power to make an impact on your arthritis — slowing down permanent damage, increasing your mobility, and decreasing pain.

The right arthritis treatment method for you is decided based on many factors, including what type of arthritis you have and your other health characteristics. Often, an arthritis treatment plan features a combination of any of the following:

Medication. You may benefit from medications such as NSAIDs, counterirritant creams and ointments, steroids, or disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). These medications vary in the level of risk involved and possible negative side effects. Some of these medications are largely meant to address your arthritis symptoms. Others, like steroid injections and DMARDs can actually stunt the progression of arthritic joint degradation.
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 Concord, MO, you will work with your physical or occupational therapist to receive hands-on therapies as well as education, exercises to do at home, lifestyle modifications, and assistive devices. Physical therapy is a non-invasive approach that is tailored to the individual and poses minimal risk for most patients.
Surgery. Surgery treatment for arthritis is typically used for arthritis patients whose conditions have not responded to other more conservative arthritis treatment methods. Your Concord, MO arthritis treatment team of medical professionals has a responsibility to consider and educate you on all of the benefits and potential risks of receiving a surgical operation. Surgical procedures for arthritis include synovectomy, joint repair, joint replacement, and joint fusion. Your arthritis treatment plan will likely include physical therapy for post- and pre-operative treatment.

Physical Therapy Arthritis Treatment in Concord, MO

Physical therapy is a non-invasive healthcare discipline based in movement health. The job of a physical therapist is to improve the quality of life of their patients through the use of a combination of safe, proven treatment methods. Our Concord, MO physical therapists work with patients of all walks of life. We see individuals of a wide range of ages, genders, fitness levels, socioeconomic backgrounds, and medical conditions, including different types of arthritis.

When you come to Axes Physical Therapy in Concord, MO, you will be matched with a joint specialist who has had a career of successfully treating arthritis for Concord, MO patients. Your dedicated physical therapist will develop an individualized arthritis treatment plan that addresses your exact needs. We will work closely with you and communicate 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 home and work in an effort to maintain a life of independence and freedom from pain.

In addition to the various modalities your Concord, MO physical therapist will employ in order to target your arthritis symptoms or minimize 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 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 Concord, 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, physical therapy as a treatment for arthritis aims to treat symptoms or keep the disease from progressing. Because of your physical therapist’s approach based in movement science and expertise 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 Concord, 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

With physical therapy as a part of your arthritis treatment, you will work toward alleviating your symptoms and preserving your ability to perform daily tasks. 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 Concord, MO arthritis treatment needs.

What can I do to supplement my Concord, MO arthritis treatment plan?

The outcome of your Concord, MO arthritis treatment is dependent upon your active involvement, including following through on home exercises and any lifestyle modifications your arthritis treatment team prescribes. It is important that you trust your Concord, MO arthritis treatment team and follow their advice. Some good practices you can implement in your life to support your arthritis treatment plan are:

Be active
Eat a balanced diet
Maintain a healthy weight
Avoid stress
Practice good posture
Get good rest
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 Concord, MO

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