Arthritis Treatment Murphy, MO. Living with arthritis in Murphy, MO? Whether you just received your diagnosis or have struggled with symptoms for years, 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 how these approaches can help you get the best arthritis treatment for you in Murphy, 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 poised to serve the arthritis treatment needs of countless patients in the Murphy, MO area 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 Murphy, MO: An Introduction to Arthritis
Arthritis describes a physical condition characterized by inflammation of the joints. An estimated 58.5 million adults in the United States suffer from form of arthritis, and nearly half of them — 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.
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. When you come to Axes Physical Therapy for arthritis treatment near you in the Murphy, MO area, you are more than a number. Our team of Murphy, MO area physical and occupational therapists 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 Murphy, MO, you will work with your own personal, dedicated arthritis treatment therapist who possesses the knowledge and experience needed to to design a treatment plan for you that addresses your goals and fits your lifestyle.
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 all arthritis conditions generally include joint stiffness and inflammation. Landing on the safest and most effective arthritis treatment in Murphy, MO for you depends in part on receiving an accurate diagnosis and understanding your condition.
Of the many diseases that fall under the category of arthritis, some are more common than others. Below, we briefly examine the two most common forms of arthritis. By understanding the unique causes, trajectory, and outlook of each type of arthritis, our Murphy, MO physical therapists and occupational therapists are skilled in effectively treating countless patients who have been diagnosed with many forms of arthritis in the Murphy, MO area.
Osteoarthritis: a degenerative joint disease. Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, affecting an average of 27 million people in the US. While it affects people in different ways, common symptoms include stiffness of the joint or joints, pain, and swelling. Your osteoarthritis can affect any part of the joint. 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. Patients in Murphy, MO with osteoarthritis should make sure their arthritis treatment includes physical therapy, targeted joint exercises, lifestyle modifications, and education.
Rheumatoid Arthritis: an inflammatory autoimmune joint condition. In rheumatoid arthritis, the immune system mistakenly attacks the lining found in joints, gradually moving farther to damage the bone and ligaments in the joints over time. Rheumatoid arthritis works in a symmetrical fashion, such as in both knees or both wrists. Your rheumatoid arthritis can also present additional 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. In this treatment model, your treatment team works toward a specific goal: either eliminating symptoms or lowering disease activity. With your goal in mind, we will design an arthritis treatment plan in Murphy, MO that addresses that goal and measure indicators of your disease over time.
Arthritis Treatment Options
There is no correct emotional reaction to being diagnosed with arthritis. It can certainly be painful and difficult to learn that you could be looking at a future of irreversible joint damage. It is up to you to act quickly and seek arthritis treatment in Murphy, 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 make it a priority to move forward with the best possible arthritis treatment for your condition and needs. With a sound arthritis treatment plan in Murphy, MO and sufficient early education, you have the power to make an impact on your arthritis — slowing down joint damage, maintaining your mobility, and decreasing pain.
The best arthritis treatment option for you is decided based on various factors, including the type of arthritis you have and what other health problems you face. 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, counterirritants, steroids, or disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). These medications vary in the amount of risk involved and possible side effects. Some are largely meant to address the symptoms of your arthritis, though steroid injections and DMARDs can actually slow the progression of your disease.
- Physical or Occupational Therapy. Ample peer-reviewed studies show that moderate, low-impact physical activity promotes joint heath and helps manage arthritis. As part of your comprehensive arthritis treatment plan in Murphy, MO, you will work with your physical or occupational therapist to receive manual therapies as well as education, exercises to do at home, lifestyle modifications, and assistive devices. Physical therapy is a non-invasive, customized approach and poses little associated risk for the majority of patients.
- Surgery. Surgery is usually used for arthritis patients when other forms of arthritis treatment have not been effective. Your doctors and other members of your Murphy, MO arthritis treatment team have a responsibility to explore and educate you on all of the benefits and associated complications of undergoing surgery. Surgeries 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 Murphy, MO
Physical therapy is a non-invasive healthcare field based in movement health. The job of a physical therapist is to improve the quality of life of their patients by using a combination of safe, proven treatment methods. Our Murphy, MO physical therapists 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.
When you come to Axes Physical Therapy in Murphy, MO, you will work with a movement expert who has had a career of successfully treating arthritis for Murphy, MO patients. Your personal physical therapist will develop a personalized arthritis treatment plan that targets 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 appropriate physical therapy treatment modalities, supplemental exercises and education, and modifications to your home and work to maximize your quality of life.
Along with the various modalities your Murphy, MO physical therapist may use in order to target your arthritis symptoms or minimize the progression of the disease, education is another critical piece of your arthritis treatment. As movement health experts who specialist in the musculoskeletal system, your arthritis treatment physical therapist will work with you to help you:
- Master proper posture and gait
- Find the right assistive devices such as shoe inserts and braces.
- Make adjustments around your home to make your daily activities easier
- Change your diet, if necessary
The Murphy, 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
What can physical therapy as arthritis treatment do for me?
Ultimately, physical therapy as a treatment for arthritis aims to eliminate symptoms or slow 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 Murphy, MO arthritis treatment, 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 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 Murphy, MO arthritis treatment needs.
What things can I do at home to supplement my Murphy, MO arthritis treatment plan?
The outlook of your Murphy, MO arthritis treatment requires your active participation, which includes adhering to exercises and any lifestyle modifications your arthritis treatment team prescribes. You must find an arthritis treatment team near Murphy, 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:
- 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 environment
- 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 Murphy, MO
Come to Axes Physical therapy for the best quality physical therapy arthritis treatment in the Murphy, 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.








