Arthritis Treatment Meacham Park, MO. Living with arthritis in Meacham Park, MO? After being diagnosed, you need 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 Meacham Park, 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.
As a treatment network currently fifteen locations strong, Axes Physical Therapy is positioned to serve the arthritis treatment needs of hundreds of patients in the Meacham Park, MO area and throughout Eastern Missouri. Explore our conveniently located facilities or take the first step toward a more mobile and independent life with arthritis by making an appointment request now.
Arthritis Treatment Meacham Park, MO: An Introduction to Arthritis
Arthritis refers to a physical condition characterized by joint inflammation. Somewhere around 58.5 million adults in the United States have some type of arthritis, and of them, almost half — around 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.
The count tells us how deeply arthritis affects our communities 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 Meacham Park, MO, you are more than a number. Our physical therapists and occupational therapists in the Meacham Park, 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 Meacham Park, MO arthritis treatment, you will work with your own personal, 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 safest and most effective arthritis treatment in Meacham Park, MO for you requires getting a timely and accurate diagnosis and understanding your condition.
Of the many diseases that fall under the category of arthritis, some are more common than others. We provide basic descriptions of the two top kinds of arthritis below. By understanding the specific etiology, trajectory, and prognoses of each condition, our Meacham Park, MO physical therapists and occupational therapists are skilled in effectively treating countless patients with many forms of arthritis in the Meacham Park, MO area.
Osteoarthritis: a degenerative joint disease. Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis, affecting an average of 27 million individuals in the United States. While people with the disease may differ in their experience of osteoarthritis, common symptoms include joint stiffness, pain, and irritation. With osteoarthritis, any part of the joints can be affected, as tissue in the cartilage, tendons, and/or bones breakdown over time.
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 Meacham Park, MO.
Rheumatoid Arthritis: an autoimmune inflammatory disease. 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 works in a symmetrical fashion, such as in both knees or both wrists. Your rheumatoid arthritis can also present other symptoms not directly related to the joint, such as fevers and fatigue.
The American College of Rheumatology recommends using what is known as the treat-to-target approach for rheumatoid arthritis treatment. In this treatment model, you are treated for the purpose of a specific goal: either eliminating symptoms or reaching lower disease activity. With your goal in mind, we will design an arthritis treatment plan in Meacham Park, MO that addresses that goal and measure progress through periodic tests.
Arthritis Treatment Options
There is no correct emotional reaction to receiving a diagnosis like arthritis. It is normal to feel overwhelmed, angry, or hopeless when you discover that you could be living with 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 Meacham Park, 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 important thing after diagnosis 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 team in Meacham Park, MO and early education about your disease and how to care for yourself, you have the power to make an impact on your arthritis — minimizing joint degeneration, preserving your mobility, and getting rid of pain.
The right arthritis treatment method for you is decided based on many factors, including what kind of arthritis you have and any other health conditions or complications you might have. Often, an arthritis treatment plan features one or more of the following:
- Medication. You may benefit from the use of NSAIDs, topical counterirritants, steroids, or disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). Each medication comes with its own amount of risk involved and the potential for side effects. Some of these medications are largely meant to address your arthritis symptoms. Others, like steroid injections and DMARDs have been shown to slow the progression of your disease.
- Physical or Occupational Therapy. Research tells us that gentle, low-impact activity is beneficial to joints and is instrumental to living with arthritis. Your Meacham Park, MO physical and/or occupational therapy arthritis treatment will be a comprehensive plan made up of several modalities and hands-on therapies as well as education, exercises to do at home, guidance on changes to your lifestyle, and assistive devices. Physical therapy is a non-invasive, customized approach and presents little associated risk for the majority of patients.
- Surgery. Surgery treatment for arthritis is usually reserved for arthritis patients when other forms of arthritis treatment have not been effective. Your Meacham Park, MO arthritis treatment team of medical professionals has a responsibility to explore and educate you on all of the possible benefits and associated complications of receiving a surgical operation. Surgeries for arthritis include synovectomy, joint repair, joint replacement, and joint fusion. Your arthritis treatment plan will likely include physical therapy for post- and pre-operative treatment.
Physical Therapy Arthritis Treatment in Meacham Park, MO
Physical therapy is a medical discipline concerned with the musculoskeletal disorders and movement health. A physical therapist’s goal is to improve your quality of life through the use of a combination of safe, proven treatment methods. The Meacham Park, MO physical therapists of Axes Physical Therapy improve the lives of patients of all walks of life. We see individuals of a wide range of ages, genders, fitness levels, socioeconomic backgrounds, and conditions, including different types of arthritis.
At Axes Physical Therapy in Meacham Park, MO, you will be matched with a movement expert with experience treating arthritis for Meacham Park, MO patients. Your dedicated physical therapist will design a personalized arthritis treatment plan that addresses your exact needs. We will work closely with you and 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 to help you remain independent and free from pain.
Along with the hands-on care your Meacham Park, MO physical therapist may use in order to treat your arthritis symptoms or slow the progression of the disease, education is an equally important part of the arthritis treatment puzzle. As movement health experts who specialist in the musculoskeletal system, your physical therapist for arthritis treatment 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 your daily activities easier
- Change your diet, if necessary
The Meacham Park, 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:
- Physical Therapy Clinic
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Treatment
- Sciatica Treatment
- Sports Medicine
- Hand Pain Physical Therapy
- Foot & Ankle Pain Treatment
- Hip Pain Treatment
- Plantar Fasciitis Treatment
- Stroke Rehabilitation
- Hip Replacement Physical Therapy
How can physical therapy arthritis treatment help me?
Ultimately, the purpose of physical therapy for treating arthritis is to treat symptoms or stunt the progression of the disease. Because of your physical therapist’s background in movement science and expertise of the human musculoskeletal system, physical therapy patients are able to enjoy a number of benefits. As an arthritis treatment patient at Axes Physical Therapy near Meacham Park, MO, you can expect any of the benefits listed below:
- 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 Meacham Park, MO arthritis treatment needs.
What can I do to support my Meacham Park, MO arthritis treatment plan?
The outlook of your Meacham Park, MO arthritis treatment requires your active participation, including following through on exercises and adjustments to your lifestyle your arthritis treatment team prescribes. You must find an arthritis treatment team near Meacham Park, MO that are comfortable with and trust to follow their advice. To support a good arthritis treatment plan, there a number of things you can do on your own, including:
- Be 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 environment
- Apply heat
- 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 Meacham Park, MO
Come to Axes Physical therapy for the best quality physical therapy arthritis treatment in the Meacham Park, MO area. 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.
