Arthritis Treatment Gilmore, MO

Arthritis Treatment Gilmore, MO. Living with arthritis in Gilmore, MO? After being diagnosed, it is important that you find a safe and evidence-based treatment plan. Millions of arthritis patients benefit from physical and occupational therapy treatment solutions for their arthritis treatment needs. Find out how these approaches can help you get the best arthritis treatment for you in Gilmore, MO here, or contact Axes Physical Therapy today to speak to a joint and movement specialist about how we 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 individuals living with arthritis in Gilmore, 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 Gilmore, 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. 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. As an arthritis treatment patient at Axes Physical Therapy near Gilmore, MO, you are not just a number. Our physical therapists and occupational therapists in the Gilmore, 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 Gilmore, MO, you will work with your own 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

According to the CDC, there are over one hundred conditions that are grouped under the categorization 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 Gilmore, MO for you depends in part on receiving a timely and accurate diagnosis and understanding your condition.

Of the many diseases that fall under the category of arthritis, some are more common than others. Below, we discuss the two most common forms of arthritis. By becoming experts on the specific causes, mechanics, and outlook of each disease, our Gilmore, MO physical therapists and occupational therapists are skilled in effectively treating many patients living with various types of arthritis in the Gilmore, MO area.

Osteoarthritis: a degenerative joint disease. Osteoarthritis is the most commonly occurring type of arthritis, affecting an estimated 27 million people in the US. While it presents differently in different people, common symptoms 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 put physical therapy at the top of the list of recommended treatments for osteoarthritis. Physical therapy, targeted joint exercises, lifestyle modifications, and education are important for any osteoarthritis treatment plan in Gilmore, MO.

Rheumatoid Arthritis: an autoimmune inflammatory disease. When you have rheumatoid arthritis, the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the lining found in joints, damaging the bone and ligaments in the joints over time. Rheumatoid arthritis affects joints in a symmetrical fashion, such as in both knees or both wrists. Patients may experience additional 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. In this treatment model, your treatment team works toward one of two goals: either eliminating symptoms or lowering disease activity. Once we know what your goal is, we will design an arthritis treatment plan in Gilmore, MO that addresses that goal and measure progress through periodic tests.

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 living with permanent joint damage. It is up to you to act quickly and seek arthritis treatment in Gilmore, MO as soon as possible after you have been diagnosed to slow the progress of your disease and maximize your quality of life.

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 after diagnosis is to make it a priority to move forward with the best possible arthritis treatment that targets your condition and addresses your needs. With a strong arthritis treatment team in Gilmore, MO and sufficient early education, you have the power to make an impact on your arthritis. You will work toward minimizing permanent joint damage, maintaining your mobility, and reducing pain.

The most effective arthritis treatment solution for you will depend on many factors, including the kind of arthritis you have and any other health conditions or complications you might have. Often, an arthritis treatment plan features a combination of any of the following:

Medication. You may benefit from medications such as NSAIDs, counterirritants, steroids, or disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). These medications vary in the level of risk involved and the potential for side effects. Some are largely meant to address the symptoms of your arthritis, though steroid injections and DMARDs have been shown to slow the progression of your disease.
Physical or Occupational Therapy. Research shows that moderate, low-impact activity is beneficial to joints and is instrumental to living with arthritis. Your Gilmore, MO physical and/or occupational therapy arthritis treatment will be a comprehensive plan made up of several modalities and hands-on care techniques in addition to education, exercises to do at home, lifestyle modifications, and assistive devices. Physical therapy is a non-invasive, customized approach and poses minimal risk for most patients.
Surgery. Surgery is usually used for arthritis patients whose conditions have not responded to other more conservative arthritis treatment methods. Your Gilmore, MO arthritis treatment team of medical professionals has a responsibility to consider and educate you on all of the possible benefits and associated risks of undergoing a surgical operation. Surgical procedures for 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 Gilmore, MO

Physical therapy is a non-invasive healthcare field 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 Gilmore, MO physical therapists improve the lives of patients of all ages, genders, fitness levels, socioeconomic backgrounds, and medical conditions, including different types of arthritis.

When you come to Axes Physical Therapy in Gilmore, MO, you will work with a movement specialist who has had a career of successfully treating arthritis for Gilmore, 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 communicate with the other medical providers on your arthritis treatment team to select the appropriate physical therapy treatment modalities, home exercises and education, and modifications to your home and lifestyle in an effort to maintain a life of independence and freedom from pain.

Along with the hands-on care your Gilmore, MO physical therapist may employ in order to treat your arthritis symptoms or slow the progression of the disease, educating you is another critical part of your arthritis treatment. As experts in movement health and the musculoskeletal system, your arthritis treatment physical therapist will guide you to:

Master proper posture and gait
Integrate the right assistive devices into your life.
Make changes around your home to make household tasks easier
Find the right diet

The Gilmore, 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, the purpose of physical therapy for treating arthritis is to eliminate symptoms or stunt 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 offers a wide range of advantages. As an arthritis treatment patient at Axes Physical Therapy near Gilmore, MO, you can expect any of 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

With physical therapy as a part of your arthritis treatment, you will work toward alleviating 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 Gilmore, MO arthritis treatment needs.

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

The outcome of your Gilmore, 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 Gilmore, 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
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 Gilmore, MO

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