Arthritis Treatment Ironton, MO

Arthritis Treatment Ironton, MO. Living with arthritis in Ironton, MO? Whether you just received your diagnosis or have struggled with symptoms for years, 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. Find out more about these and other important pieces of an arthritis treatment plan in Ironton, MO here, or contact Axes Physical Therapy today to discuss how our joint and movement experts can help you continue to live the life you want.

With fifteen area locations and counting, Axes Physical Therapy is poised to serve the arthritis treatment needs of hundreds of patients living with arthritis in Ironton, MO and throughout Eastern Missouri. Explore our conveniently located facilities or take the first step toward a more mobile and independent life with arthritis by requesting an appointment now.

Arthritis Treatment Ironton, MO: A Background on Arthritis

Arthritis refers to a physical condition characterized by inflammation of the joints. Somewhere around 58.5 million adults in the United States suffer from type of arthritis, and nearly half of them — around 25.7 million — experience significant limitations in their daily life due to their condition. That makes arthritis the third leading cause of disability among working-age adults, after neck and back problems and mental health conditions like depression.

Arthritis clearly has a major impact on our society, but when it comes to your own condition, your experience is unique. As an arthritis treatment patient at Axes Physical Therapy near Ironton, MO, you are more than a number. Our team of Ironton, MO area physical and occupational therapists have dedicated their clinical careers to providing arthritis treatment to individuals with the arthritis treatment plan designed for their specific diagnosis and goals. As an arthritis treatment patient at Axes near Ironton, MO, you will work with your own personal, 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 more than 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 Ironton, MO for you requires receiving an accurate diagnosis that allows you and your treatment team to grasp your condition.

Of the many diseases that fall under the category of arthritis, some are more common than others. We describe the two top kinds of arthritis below. By becoming experts on the specific causes, mechanics, and prognoses of each type of arthritis, our Ironton, MO physical therapists and occupational therapists are able to provide successful treatment for many patients living with various types of arthritis in the Ironton, MO area.

Osteoarthritis: a degenerative disease of the joints. Osteoarthritis is the most commonly occurring type of arthritis, reaching an estimated 27 million Americans alone. While it affects people in different ways, symptoms commonly include joint stiffness, pain, and swelling. With osteoarthritis, any part of the joints can be affected. 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 Ironton, MO.

Rheumatoid Arthritis: an autoimmune inflammatory disease. In 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 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 fevers and low energy.

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 lowering disease activity. With your goal in mind, your Ironton, MO arthritis treatment team will design a plan and measure indicators of your disease over time.

Arthritis Treatment Options

There is no correct emotional reaction to receiving a diagnosis like arthritis. It can certainly be painful and difficult to discover 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 Ironton, 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 is to act quickly and focus on moving forward by finding the right arthritis treatment for your condition and needs. With a strong arthritis treatment team in Ironton, MO and sufficient early education, you have the power to make an impact on your arthritis. You will work toward slowing down joint damage, preserving your mobility, and reducing pain.

The right arthritis treatment method for you will depend primarily on the type of arthritis you have and your other health characteristics. Usually, an arthritis treatment plan features one or more of the following:

Medication. Your doctor might prescribe or recommend medications such as NSAIDs, topical counterirritants, steroids, or disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). Each medication comes with its own amount of risk involved and possible side effects. Some of these medications are largely only effective in alleviating your arthritis symptoms, though steroid injections and DMARDs have been shown to stunt your disease progression.
Physical or Occupational Therapy. Numerous peer-reviewed studies show that gentle, low-impact physical activity benefits the joints and helps manage arthritis. Your Ironton, MO physical and/or occupational therapy arthritis treatment will be a comprehensive plan made up of several modalities and hands-on care techniques as well as education, home exercises, 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 used for arthritis patients when other forms of arthritis treatment have been unsuccessful. Your Ironton, 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 surgery. Surgical procedures for arthritis include synovectomy, joint repair, joint replacement, and joint fusion. Your arthritis treatment plan should include physical therapy for post- and pre-operative treatment.

Physical Therapy Arthritis Treatment in Ironton, 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 employing evidence-backed treatment methods. The Ironton, MO physical therapists of Axes Physical Therapy treat patients of all ages, genders, fitness levels, socioeconomic backgrounds, and conditions, including different types of arthritis.

When you come to Axes Physical Therapy in Ironton, MO, you will work with a movement specialist with experience treating arthritis for Ironton, 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 communicate with the other medical providers on your arthritis treatment team to select the most fitting 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 various modalities your Ironton, MO physical therapist will use in order to target your arthritis symptoms or slow the degeneration of your joints, educating you is an equally important piece of your arthritis treatment. As experts in movement health and the musculoskeletal system, your arthritis treatment physical therapist will guide you to:

Correct posture and gait
Integrate the use of assistive devices into your life.
Make adjustments around the house to make household tasks easier
Change your diet, if necessary

The Ironton, 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, the purpose of physical therapy for treating arthritis is to treat symptoms or slow the progression of the disease. 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 benefits. When you turn to Axes Physical Therapy for your Ironton, 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

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 Ironton, MO arthritis treatment needs.

What things can I do at home to supplement my Ironton, MO arthritis treatment plan?

The outcome of your Ironton, MO arthritis treatment is dependent upon your active involvement, which includes adhering to home exercises and changes to your lifestyle your arthritis treatment team prescribes. It is important that you trust your Ironton, MO arthritis treatment team and 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 space
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 Ironton, MO

Come to Axes Physical therapy for the best quality physical therapy arthritis treatment in the Ironton, 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.