Arthritis Treatment Kirkwood, MO. Living with arthritis in Kirkwood, MO? After being diagnosed, you need a sound treatment plan. Millions of arthritis patients benefit from physical and occupational therapy treatment solutions for their arthritis treatment needs. Find out more about these and other important pieces of an arthritis treatment plan in Kirkwood, 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.

As a treatment network currently fifteen locations strong, Axes Physical Therapy is capable of meeting the arthritis treatment needs of countless patients living with arthritis in Kirkwood, MO 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 Kirkwood, MO: An Introduction to Arthritis

Arthritis refers to a physical condition characterized by inflammation of the joints. An estimated 58.5 million adults in the United States have been diagnosed with a type of arthritis, and of them, almost half — around 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.

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 Kirkwood, MO, you are more than a number. Our physical therapists and occupational therapists in the Kirkwood, MO area have years of clinical experience caring for arthritis patients with the arthritis treatment plan designed for their specific diagnosis and goals. As an arthritis treatment patient at Axes near Kirkwood, MO, you will work with your own dedicated arthritis treatment professional who knows how 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 joint stiffness and inflammation. Getting the right arthritis treatment in Kirkwood, MO for you requires getting a timely and accurate diagnosis that allows you and your treatment team to grasp your condition.

There are numerous diagnoses that are considered arthritis, and some are more widespread than others. Below, we briefly examine the two most common forms of arthritis. By understanding the unique etiology, mechanics, and outlook of each disease, our Kirkwood, MO physical therapists and occupational therapists are skilled in effectively treating many patients with various forms of arthritis in the Kirkwood, MO area.

Osteoarthritis: a degenerative joint disease. Osteoarthritis is the most commonly occurring type of arthritis, reaching an average of 27 million people in the US. While different people experience osteoarthritis in different ways, common symptoms include stiffness of the joint or joints, pain, and irritation. 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 Kirkwood, MO.

Rheumatoid Arthritis: an inflammatory autoimmune joint condition. In rheumatoid arthritis, the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of the joints, damaging the rest of the joints, including bones and ligaments. Rheumatoid arthritis attacks the body symmetrically, such as in both knees or both wrists. Patients may experience other symptoms not directly related to the joint, such as loss of appetite 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 one of two goals: either eliminating symptoms or reaching lower disease activity. Once we know what your goal is, your Kirkwood, MO arthritis treatment team will design a plan and measure indicators of your disease over time.

Arthritis Treatment Options

Everyone has their own way of processing receiving a diagnosis like arthritis. It can certainly be painful and difficult to be told that you could be living with irreversible joint damage. It is up to you to act quickly and seek arthritis treatment in Kirkwood, 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 key is to act quickly and focus on moving forward with the best possible arthritis treatment that targets your condition and addresses your needs. With a sound arthritis treatment team in Kirkwood, MO and sufficient early education, you have the power to make an impact on your arthritis. You will work toward slowing down permanent joint degeneration, preserving your mobility, and getting rid of pain.

The right arthritis treatment method for you will depend on many factors, including the type of arthritis you have and your other health characteristics. Often, an arthritis treatment plan consists of a combination of any of the following:

• Medication. Your doctor might prescribe or recommend medications such as NSAIDs, topical counterirritants, steroids, or disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). These medications vary in the risks involved and the potential for negative side effects. Some are really only effective in alleviating your arthritis symptoms. Others, like steroid injections and DMARDs have been shown to stunt your disease progression.
• Physical or Occupational Therapy. Numerous peer-reviewed studies show that moderate, low-impact activity benefits the joints and is instrumental to managing arthritis. As part of your comprehensive arthritis treatment plan in Kirkwood, MO, you will work with your physical or occupational therapist to receive manual therapies in addition to education, home exercises, guidance on changes to your lifestyle, and assistive devices. Physical therapy is a non-invasive approach that is tailored to the individual and presents minimal risk for most patients.
• Surgery. Surgery treatment for arthritis is usually reserved for arthritis patients whose conditions have been unresponsive to other more conservative arthritis treatment methods. Your Kirkwood, MO arthritis treatment team of medical professionals has a responsibility to consider and make you aware of all of the possible benefits and potential complications of receiving surgery. Surgical procedures to treat arthritis include synovectomy, joint repair, joint replacement, and joint fusion. If you are a candidate for surgery, your arthritis treatment plan will likely incorporate physical therapy for post- and pre-operative treatment.

Physical Therapy Arthritis Treatment in Kirkwood, MO

Physical therapy is a non-invasive healthcare discipline concerned with the musculoskeletal disorders and movement health. A physical therapist’s goal is to improve the quality of life of their patients by using evidence-backed treatment methods. Our Kirkwood, MO physical therapists work with 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 Kirkwood, MO, you will work with a movement specialist with experience treating arthritis for Kirkwood, MO patients. Your personal physical therapist will develop an individualized arthritis treatment plan that addresses your exact needs. We will work closely with you and communicate with the other medical providers on your 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.

Along with the hands-on care your Kirkwood, MO physical therapist will employ to treat your arthritis symptoms or slow the degeneration of your joints, education is an equally important piece of the arthritis treatment puzzle. As experts in movement health and the musculoskeletal system, your physical therapist for arthritis treatment will assist you in accomplishing the following:

• Master proper posture and gait
• Find the right assistive devices such as shoe inserts and braces.
• Make adjustments around your home to make household tasks easier
• Change your diet, if necessary

The Kirkwood, 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:

• Shin Splint Treatment
• Direct Access Physical Therapy
• Gait Analysis
• Pelvic Floor Therapy
• Dry Needling Near Me
• Tendonitis Treatment
• Manual Physical Therapy
• Orthopedic Rehab Near Me
• Beginner Running Program
• Chronic Pain Treatment

How can physical therapy arthritis treatment help me?

Ultimately, the purpose of physical therapy for treating arthritis is to eliminate symptoms or stunt the progression of the disease. Because of physical therapists’ background in movement science and an in-depth knowledge of the human musculoskeletal system, physical therapy offers a wide range of benefits. When you turn to Axes Physical Therapy for your Kirkwood, 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 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 Kirkwood, MO arthritis treatment needs.

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

The outcome of your Kirkwood, MO arthritis treatment is dependent upon your active involvement, which includes following through on home exercises and any lifestyle modifications your arthritis treatment team prescribes. It is important that you trust your Kirkwood, 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 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 Kirkwood, MO

Get quality arthritis treatment from the leading physical and occupational therapists of the Kirkwood, MO area at Axes Physical Therapy. As a part of your arthritis treatment team, you will work closely with a dedicated physical therapist 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.