Arthritis Treatment Ferguson, MO

Arthritis Treatment Ferguson, MO. Living with arthritis in Ferguson, MO? After being diagnosed, it is important that you find a treatment plan that works for you. Occupational and physical therapy are effective arthritis treatment options for millions of arthritis patients. Find out more about these and other important pieces of an arthritis treatment plan in Ferguson, MO here, or contact Axes Physical Therapy today to discuss how our joint and movement experts can help improve your quality of life.

As a treatment network currently fifteen locations strong, Axes Physical Therapy is positioned to serve the arthritis treatment needs of countless patients in the Ferguson, MO area and throughout Eastern Missouri. Explore our facilities nearest you or begin your path to a more mobile and independent life with arthritis by making an appointment request now.

Arthritis Treatment Ferguson, 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 nearly half of them — around 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 when it comes to your own condition, your experience is unique. When you come to Axes Physical Therapy for arthritis treatment near you in the Ferguson, MO area, you are more than a number. Our physical therapists and occupational therapists in the Ferguson, MO area have years of clinical experience providing arthritis treatment to individuals affected by all different types of arthritis suffering from varying degrees of pain and disability. As an arthritis treatment patient at Axes near Ferguson, MO, you are assigned a personal, dedicated arthritis treatment therapist 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

The CDC identifies over one hundred conditions that are grouped under the categorization arthritis. The causes and treatment methods differ from one diagnosis to the next, but in general, they all share the common traits of inflammation and stiffness of the joints. Landing on the safest and most effective arthritis treatment in Ferguson, MO for you requires getting 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 describe the two top kinds of arthritis below. By understanding the specific etiology, mechanics, and prognoses of each condition, our Ferguson, MO physical therapists and occupational therapists are skilled in effectively treating countless patients who have been diagnosed with many forms of arthritis in the Ferguson, MO area.

Osteoarthritis: a degenerative disease of the joints. Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis, affecting an estimated 27 million people in the US. While different people experience osteoarthritis in different ways, common symptoms include joint stiffness, pain, and irritation. With osteoarthritis, any part of the joints can be affected, as cartilage, tendons, ligaments, and bones in the affected joint(s) can wear down.

Medical professionals put physical therapy at the top of the list of recommended treatments for osteoarthritis. Patients in Ferguson, MO with osteoarthritis benefit from an arthritis treatment plan that includes physical therapy, targeted joint exercises, lifestyle modifications, and education.

Rheumatoid Arthritis: an autoimmune inflammatory disease. When you have rheumatoid arthritis, the body’s immune system attacks the lining of the joints, damaging the rest of the joints, including bones and ligaments. Rheumatoid arthritis affects joints symmetrically, such as in both right and left knees or both wrists. Patients may experience other symptoms beyond of joint inflammation, such as loss of appetite and fatigue.

The American College of Rheumatology recommends using what is known as the treat-to-target approach for rheumatoid arthritis treatment. In this treatment model, 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 Ferguson, MO arthritis treatment team will design a plan and measure progress through periodic tests.

Arthritis Treatment Options

Everyone has their own way of processing receiving a diagnosis like arthritis. It is normal to feel overwhelmed, angry, or hopeless when you learn that you could be looking at a future of 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 Ferguson, 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 key after diagnosis is to make it a priority to move forward by finding the right arthritis treatment for your condition and needs. With a strong arthritis treatment team in Ferguson, 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 slowing down permanent joint damage, increasing your mobility, and reducing pain.

The most effective arthritis treatment solution for you is decided based on many factors, including what type of arthritis you have and any other health conditions or complications you might have. Often, an arthritis treatment plan consists of a combination of any of the following:

Medication. You may benefit from medications such as NSAIDs, topical counterirritants, steroids, or disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). Each medication comes with its own risks involved and possible side effects. Some are largely meant to address your arthritis symptoms. Others, like steroid injections and DMARDs can actually slow the progression of your disease.
Physical or Occupational Therapy. Numerous peer-reviewed studies show that gentle, low-impact activity benefits the joints and is instrumental to living with arthritis. As part of your comprehensive arthritis treatment plan in Ferguson, MO, you will work with your physical or occupational therapist to receive hands-on care techniques 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 presents little associated risk for most patients.
Surgery. Surgery treatment for arthritis is usually used for arthritis patients when other forms of arthritis treatment have been unsuccessful. Your doctors and other members of your Ferguson, MO arthritis treatment team have a responsibility to consider and make you aware of all of the benefits and potential risks of undergoing a surgical operation. Surgeries to treat arthritis include synovectomy, joint repair, joint replacement, and joint fusion. Your arthritis treatment plan will likely incorporate physical therapy to help you prepare for and heal from your surgery.

Physical Therapy Arthritis Treatment in Ferguson, MO

Physical therapy is a non-invasive healthcare discipline concerned with movement health. The job of a physical therapist is to improve the quality of life of their patients by using evidence-backed treatment methods. The Ferguson, 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.

When you come to Axes Physical Therapy in Ferguson, MO, you will be matched with a movement expert with experience treating arthritis for Ferguson, MO patients. Your personal physical therapist will design an individualized arthritis treatment plan that meets your exact needs. We will work closely with you and with the other medical providers on your arthritis treatment team to ensure you receive the appropriate physical therapy treatment modalities, home exercises and education, and modifications to your habits and living conditions to maintain a life of independence and freedom from pain.

Along with the various modalities your Ferguson, MO physical therapist will use to manage your arthritis symptoms or slow the degeneration of your joints, educating you is an equally important part of your arthritis treatment. 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
Integrate the use of assistive devices into your life.
Make adjustments around your home to make your daily activities easier
Find the right diet

The Ferguson, 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 eliminate symptoms or keep the disease from progressing. 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. When you turn to Axes Physical Therapy for your Ferguson, 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

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 Ferguson, MO arthritis treatment needs.

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

The success of your Ferguson, MO arthritis treatment is dependent upon your active participation, which includes following through on exercises and changes to your lifestyle your arthritis treatment team prescribes. You must find an arthritis treatment team near Ferguson, MO that are comfortable with and trust to follow their advice. Some good practices you can implement in your life to support your arthritis treatment plan are:

Stay 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
Apply heat
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 Ferguson, MO

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