Arthritis Treatment Imperial, MO

Arthritis Treatment Imperial, MO. Living with arthritis in Imperial, MO? After being diagnosed, it is important that you find a treatment plan that works for you. Occupational and physical therapy help millions of patients receive effective arthritis treatment. Learn how these approaches can help you get the best arthritis treatment for you in Imperial, 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 capable of meeting the arthritis treatment needs of hundreds of patients in the Imperial, MO area and throughout Eastern Missouri. Discover our conveniently located facilities or begin your path to enjoying life to the fullest while living with arthritis by requesting an appointment now.

Arthritis Treatment Imperial, MO: An Introduction to Arthritis

Arthritis refers to a physical condition characterized by inflammation of the joints. Somewhere around 58.5 million adults in the United States have been diagnosed with a type of arthritis, and nearly half of them — about 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 Imperial, MO area, you are not just a number. Our team of Imperial, MO area physical and occupational therapists 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 Imperial, MO, you will work with your own dedicated arthritis treatment professional 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 in excess of 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 inflammation and stiffness of the joints. Landing on the right arthritis treatment in Imperial, 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 widespread than others. We describe the two top kinds of arthritis below. By becoming experts on the specific etiology, mechanics, and prognoses of each condition, our Imperial, MO physical therapists and occupational therapists are able to provide successful treatment for countless patients with various forms of arthritis in the Imperial, MO area.

Osteoarthritis: a degenerative joint disease. Osteoarthritis is the most commonly occurring form of arthritis, affecting an average of 27 million people in the US. While people with the disease may differ in their experience of osteoarthritis, symptoms commonly include stiffness of the joint or joints, pain, and redness and swelling. With osteoarthritis, any part of the joints can be affected. 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. Physical therapy, targeted joint exercises, lifestyle modifications, and education are important for any osteoarthritis treatment plan in Imperial, MO.

Rheumatoid Arthritis: an autoimmune inflammatory disease. In rheumatoid arthritis, the immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of the joints, damaging 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. Patients may experience other symptoms not directly related to the joint, 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, your treatment team works toward a specific goal: either eliminating symptoms or reaching lower disease activity. Once we know what your goal is, we will design an arthritis treatment plan in Imperial, MO that addresses that goal and measure progress through periodic tests.

Arthritis Treatment Methods

There is no correct emotional reaction to receiving a diagnosis like arthritis. It can certainly be painful and difficult to discover that you may 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. Begin treatment in Imperial, MO as soon as possible 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 important thing after diagnosis is to act quickly and focus on moving forward with the right arthritis treatment that targets your condition and addresses your needs. With a sound arthritis treatment plan in Imperial, MO and sufficient early education, you have the power to make an impact on your arthritis — minimizing permanent joint damage, preserving your mobility, and decreasing pain.

The most effective arthritis treatment option for you is decided based on many factors, including the type 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, counterirritant creams and ointments, 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 your arthritis symptoms, though steroid injections and DMARDs have been shown to stunt your disease progression.
Physical or Occupational Therapy. Research shows 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 Imperial, 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, customized approach and presents minimal risk for most patients.
Surgery. Surgery treatment for arthritis is typically used for arthritis patients when other forms of arthritis treatment have been unsuccessful. Your doctors and other members of your Imperial, MO arthritis treatment team have a responsibility to consider and make you aware of all of the benefits and potential complications of receiving 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 incorporate physical therapy to help you prepare for and heal from your surgery.

Physical Therapy Arthritis Treatment in Imperial, MO

Physical therapy is a medical discipline concerned with the musculoskeletal disorders and movement health. The job of a physical therapist is to improve the quality of life of their patients through the use of evidence-backed treatment methods. The Imperial, MO physical therapists of Axes Physical Therapy treat 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 Imperial, MO, you will work with a movement specialist who has had a career of successfully treating arthritis for Imperial, MO patients. Your dedicated physical therapist will design an individualized arthritis treatment plan that meets your exact needs. We will work with you one-on-one and communicate with the rest of your medical 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 help you remain independent and free from pain.

In addition to the hands-on care your Imperial, MO physical therapist will employ 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 assist you in accomplishing the following:

Correct posture and gait
Find the right assistive devices such as shoe inserts and braces.
Make adjustments around your home to make household tasks easier
Find the right diet

The Imperial, 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:

How can physical therapy arthritis treatment help me?

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 wide range of advantages. As an arthritis treatment patient at Axes Physical Therapy near Imperial, 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

Physical therapy as an arthritis treatment can make life with arthritis easier by treating 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 Imperial, MO arthritis treatment needs.

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

The outcome of your Imperial, MO arthritis treatment is dependent upon your active participation, which includes adhering to home exercises and any lifestyle modifications your arthritis treatment team prescribes. You must find an arthritis treatment team near Imperial, 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
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 Imperial, MO

Come to Axes Physical therapy for the best quality physical therapy arthritis treatment in the Imperial, MO area. Your dedicated physical therapist will be an active member of your arthritis treatment team as a clinician with expertise 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.