Arthritis Treatment Lakeshire, MO

Arthritis Treatment Lakeshire, MO. Living with arthritis in Lakeshire, 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. Millions of arthritis patients benefit from physical and occupational therapy treatment solutions for their arthritis treatment needs. Learn how these approaches can help you get the best arthritis treatment for you in Lakeshire, MO here, or reach out to Axes Physical Therapy today to discuss how our joint and movement experts can help you enjoy your life and continue the activities you love.

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 Lakeshire, MO and throughout Eastern Missouri. Explore our facilities nearest you or begin your path to enjoying life to the fullest while living with arthritis by making an appointment request now.

Arthritis Treatment Lakeshire, MO: A Background on Arthritis

Arthritis describes a physical condition characterized by inflammation of the joints. An estimated 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. 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. When you come to Axes Physical Therapy for arthritis treatment near you in the Lakeshire, MO area, you are more than a number. Our physical therapists and occupational therapists in the Lakeshire, MO area have years of clinical experience caring for arthritis patients with the arthritis treatment plan designed for their specific diagnosis and goals. When you entrust Axes for your Lakeshire, MO arthritis treatment, you are assigned a personal, dedicated arthritis treatment therapist who knows how 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 fall under the category of arthritis. The causes and treatment methods differ from one diagnosis to the next, but in general, they all share the common traits of inflammation and stiffness of the joints. Getting the safest and most effective arthritis treatment in Lakeshire, 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 widespread than others. Below, we discuss the two most common forms of arthritis. By understanding the unique etiology, trajectory, and prognoses of each disease, our Lakeshire, MO physical therapists and occupational therapists are skilled in effectively treating many patients who have been diagnosed with various forms of arthritis in the Lakeshire, MO area.

Osteoarthritis: a degenerative disease of the joints. Osteoarthritis is the most commonly occurring form of arthritis, affecting an average of 27 million Americans alone. While it affects people in different ways, common symptoms include stiffness of the joint or joints, pain, and swelling. With osteoarthritis, any part of the joints can be affected, as 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 Lakeshire, MO.

Rheumatoid Arthritis: an inflammatory autoimmune joint condition. In rheumatoid arthritis, the body’s immune system attacks the lining of the joints, damaging the rest of the joints, including bones and ligaments. Rheumatoid arthritis works symmetrically, such as in both knees or both wrists. Patients may experience additional symptoms outside of joint inflammation, 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. Following the treat-to-target method, your treatment team works toward one of two goals: either eliminating symptoms or lowering disease activity. With your goal in mind, we will design an arthritis treatment plan in Lakeshire, MO that addresses that goal and measure indicators of your disease over time.

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 could be looking at a future of permanent joint damage. The rate at which your joints break down depends, in part, on what you do after you’ve been diagnosed. Begin treatment in Lakeshire, MO as soon as possible for your arthritis.

Under the umbrella of arthritis, there are a wide variety of conditions that have many different causes. Whether your arthritis is due to degeneration, trauma, an autoimmune response, or a specific infection, the important thing after diagnosis is to act quickly and focus on moving forward by finding the right arthritis treatment that targets your condition and addresses your needs. With a strong arthritis treatment team in Lakeshire, MO and sufficient early education, you can have a positive impact on your arthritis. You will work toward slowing down joint damage, maintaining your mobility, and reducing pain.

The best arthritis treatment method for you will depend primarily on what kind of arthritis you have and your other health characteristics. Often, an arthritis treatment plan consists of a combination of any of the following:

Medication. You may benefit from the use of NSAIDs, counterirritant creams and ointments, steroids, or disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). These medications vary in the risks involved and the potential for side effects. Some are really meant to address your arthritis symptoms. Others, like steroid injections and DMARDs have been shown to slow your disease progression.
Physical or Occupational Therapy. Numerous peer-reviewed studies show that gentle, low-impact activity promotes joint heath and helps manage arthritis. As part of your comprehensive arthritis treatment plan in Lakeshire, MO, you will work with your physical or occupational therapist to receive hands-on therapies in addition to education, home exercises, lifestyle modifications, 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 is usually reserved for arthritis patients when other forms of arthritis treatment have been unsuccessful. Your doctors and other members of your Lakeshire, MO arthritis treatment team have a responsibility to consider and make you aware of all of the benefits and associated risks of receiving a surgical operation. Surgeries for arthritis include synovectomy, joint repair, joint replacement, and joint fusion. Your arthritis treatment plan should incorporate physical therapy for post- and pre-operative treatment.

Physical Therapy Arthritis Treatment in Lakeshire, MO

Physical therapy is a medical field based in movement health. The job of a physical therapist is to improve your quality of life by employing a combination of safe, proven treatment methods. The Lakeshire, 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.

At Axes Physical Therapy in Lakeshire, MO, you will work with a movement specialist who has had a career of successfully treating arthritis for Lakeshire, 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 other medical providers on your arthritis treatment team to ensure you receive the most promising physical therapy treatment modalities, home 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 Lakeshire, MO physical therapist may employ to manage your arthritis symptoms or slow the progression of the disease, education is an equally important part of your arthritis treatment. As movement health experts who specialist in the musculoskeletal system, your arthritis treatment physical therapist will assist you in accomplishing the following:

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

The Lakeshire, 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 eliminate symptoms or slow the progression of the disease. Because of your physical therapist’s background in movement science and expertise of the human musculoskeletal system, physical therapy offers a number of benefits. When you turn to Axes Physical Therapy for your Lakeshire, 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 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 Lakeshire, MO arthritis treatment needs.

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

The success of your Lakeshire, MO arthritis treatment is dependent upon your active involvement, including adhering to home exercises and any lifestyle modifications your arthritis treatment team prescribes. It is important that you trust your Lakeshire, 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
Maintain a healthy weight
Avoid stress
Practice good posture
Practice good sleep hygiene
Make modifications to your home space
Apply heat
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 Lakeshire, MO

Come to Axes Physical therapy for the best quality physical therapy arthritis treatment in the Lakeshire, MO area. As a part of your arthritis treatment team, you will work closely with a dedicated physical therapist 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.