Arthritis Treatment Herculaneum, MO

Arthritis Treatment Herculaneum, MO. Living with arthritis in Herculaneum, 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. Learn more about these and other important pieces of an arthritis treatment plan in Herculaneum, MO here, or contact Axes Physical Therapy today to speak to a joint and movement specialist about how we can help you continue to live the life you want.

With fifteen area locations and counting, Axes Physical Therapy is capable of meeting the arthritis treatment needs of hundreds of patients in the Herculaneum, MO area 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 Herculaneum, MO: An Introduction to Arthritis

Arthritis describes a physical condition characterized by joint inflammation. An estimated 58.5 million adults in the United States have been diagnosed with a 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.

The numbers illustrate the 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 Herculaneum, MO, you are more than a number. Our physical therapists and occupational therapists in the Herculaneum, 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. When you entrust Axes for your Herculaneum, MO arthritis treatment, you will work with your own personal, dedicated arthritis treatment professional 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 over one hundred conditions that are grouped under the categorization arthritis. Each diagnosis is characterized by their own causes and treatment methods, 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 Herculaneum, MO for you depends in part on getting an 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 briefly examine the two most common forms of arthritis. By understanding the specific etiology, mechanics, and outlook of each disease, our Herculaneum, MO physical therapists and occupational therapists are skilled in effectively treating many patients living with many types of arthritis in the Herculaneum, MO area.

Osteoarthritis: a degenerative disease of the joints. Osteoarthritis is the most commonly occurring form of arthritis, affecting an estimated 27 million individuals in the United States. While different people experience osteoarthritis in different ways, common symptoms include joint stiffness, pain, and swelling. Your osteoarthritis can affect any part of the joint. Overtime, the tissue in the cartilage, tendons, and/or bones breakdown over time.

Peer-reviewed sources put physical therapy at the top of the list of recommended treatments for osteoarthritis. Patients in Herculaneum, 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 found in joints, gradually moving farther to damage the bone and ligaments in the joints over time. Rheumatoid arthritis attacks the body in a symmetrical fashion, such as in both knees or both wrists. Your rheumatoid arthritis can also present 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 a specific goal: either reaching remission or lowering disease activity. With your goal in mind, your Herculaneum, MO arthritis treatment team will design a plan 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 learn that you could be looking at a future of irreversible joint damage. It is up to you to act quickly and seek arthritis treatment in Herculaneum, MO as soon as possible after you have been diagnosed to slow your joint damage and maximize your quality of life.

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 important thing is to act quickly and focus on moving forward with the best possible arthritis treatment for your condition and needs. With a sound arthritis treatment plan in Herculaneum, 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 reducing joint damage, preserving your mobility, and decreasing pain.

The most effective arthritis treatment solution 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 features one or more of the following:

Medication. Your doctor might prescribe or recommend the use of NSAIDs, counterirritants, steroids, or disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). Each medication comes with its own risks involved and possible side effects. Some are largely only effective in alleviating 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 tells us that moderate, low-impact physical activity promotes joint heath and helps manage arthritis. As part of your comprehensive arthritis treatment plan in Herculaneum, MO, you will work with your physical or occupational therapist to receive hands-on therapies in addition to education, exercises to do at home, lifestyle modifications, and assistive devices. Physical therapy is a non-invasive, customized approach and presents minimal risk for the majority of patients.
Surgery. Surgery is usually reserved for arthritis patients whose conditions have not responded to other more conservative arthritis treatment methods. Your Herculaneum, MO arthritis treatment team of medical professionals has a responsibility to consider and make you aware of all of the benefits and associated complications of undergoing surgery. Surgical procedures for arthritis include synovectomy, joint repair, joint replacement, and joint fusion. If you are a candidate for surgery, your arthritis treatment plan should include physical therapy to help you prepare for and heal from your surgery.

Physical Therapy Arthritis Treatment in Herculaneum, MO

Physical therapy is a non-invasive healthcare discipline based in 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. Our Herculaneum, MO physical therapists treat patients of all ages, genders, fitness levels, socioeconomic backgrounds, and medical diagnoses, including different types of arthritis.

When you come to Axes Physical Therapy in Herculaneum, MO, you will be matched with a joint specialist who has had a career of successfully treating arthritis for Herculaneum, MO patients. Your dedicated physical therapist will develop a personalized arthritis treatment plan that meets your exact needs. We will work closely with you and communicate with the rest of your medical arthritis treatment team to ensure you receive the appropriate physical therapy treatment modalities, supplemental exercises and education, and modifications to your home and work in an effort to maximize your quality of life.

Along with the hands-on care your Herculaneum, MO physical therapist may employ in order to manage your arthritis symptoms or slow the progression of the disease, educating you is an equally important piece of the arthritis treatment puzzle. As experts in movement health and the musculoskeletal system, your arthritis treatment physical therapist will assist you in accomplishing the following:

Correct posture and gait
Integrate the use of assistive devices into your life.
Make changes around your home to make your daily activities easier
Find the right diet

The Herculaneum, 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 your physical therapist’s approach based in movement science and an in-depth knowledge of the human musculoskeletal system, physical therapy patients are able to enjoy a number of advantages. When you turn to Axes Physical Therapy for your Herculaneum, 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 Herculaneum, MO arthritis treatment needs.

What can I do to support my Herculaneum, MO arthritis treatment plan?

The outcome of your Herculaneum, MO arthritis treatment is dependent upon your active participation, including adhering to home exercises and any lifestyle modifications your arthritis treatment team prescribes. It is important that you trust your Herculaneum, 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:

Stay active
Eat a balanced diet
Reach and/or maintain a healthy weight
Avoid stress
Practice good posture
Get good rest
Make modifications to your home space
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 Herculaneum, MO

Come to Axes Physical therapy for the best quality physical therapy arthritis treatment in the Herculaneum, MO area. 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.