Arthritis Treatment Otto, MO

Arthritis Treatment Otto, MO. Living with arthritis in Otto, MO? After being diagnosed, you need a treatment plan that works for you. Occupational and physical therapy help millions of patients receive effective arthritis treatment. Learn how these approaches can help you get the best arthritis treatment for you in Otto, MO here, or contact 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 hundreds of patients in the Otto, MO area and throughout Eastern Missouri. Explore our facilities nearest you or take the first step toward enjoying life to the fullest while living with arthritis by making an appointment request now.

Arthritis Treatment Otto, MO: An Introduction to Arthritis

Arthritis describes a physical condition characterized by joint inflammation. An estimated 58.5 million adults in the United States have been diagnosed with a form of arthritis, and of them, almost half — 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 the statistics on their own don’t paint a complete picture where your own experience is concerned. When you come to Axes Physical Therapy for arthritis treatment near you in the Otto, MO area, you are not just a number. Our team of Otto, MO area physical and occupational therapists 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. As an arthritis treatment patient at Axes near Otto, MO, you are assigned a personal, dedicated arthritis treatment therapist 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 fall under the category of arthritis. Each diagnosis is characterized by their own causes and treatment methods, but all arthritis conditions generally include inflammation and stiffness of the joints. Getting the safest and most effective arthritis treatment in Otto, MO for you requires getting an accurate diagnosis and understanding your condition.

There are numerous diagnoses that are considered arthritis, and some are more common than others. We describe the two top kinds of arthritis below. By understanding the unique causes, trajectory, and prognoses of each condition, our Otto, MO physical therapists and occupational therapists are skilled in effectively treating many patients living with many types of arthritis in the Otto, MO area.

Osteoarthritis: a degenerative joint disease. Osteoarthritis is the most commonly occurring form of arthritis, affecting approximately 27 million Americans alone. While it presents differently in different people, 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 Otto, MO.

Rheumatoid Arthritis: an inflammatory autoimmune joint condition. In rheumatoid arthritis, the immune system attacks the lining of the joints, damaging the bone and ligaments in the joints over time. Rheumatoid arthritis affects joints symmetrically, such as in both right and left knees or both wrists. Your rheumatoid arthritis can also present other symptoms not directly related to the joint, such as whole-body weakness and fatigue.

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, you are treated for the purpose of one of two goals: either eliminating symptoms or lowering disease activity. With your goal in mind, we will design an arthritis treatment plan in Otto, MO that addresses that goal and measure progress through periodic tests.

Arthritis Treatment Methods

There is no correct emotional reaction to being diagnosed with arthritis. It is normal to feel overwhelmed, angry, or hopeless when you find out that you could be looking at a future of irreversible 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 Otto, MO for your arthritis.

There are many different diseases that fall under the category of arthritis, and many different causes. Whether your arthritis is due to degeneration, trauma, an autoimmune response, or a specific infection, the important thing is to make it a priority to move forward with the right arthritis treatment that targets your condition and addresses your needs. With a sound arthritis treatment plan in Otto, MO and sufficient early education, you have the power to make an impact on your arthritis — minimizing joint damage, maintaining your mobility, and decreasing pain.

The right arthritis treatment option for you will depend primarily on the kind of arthritis you have and your other health characteristics. Often, an arthritis treatment plan consists of one or more of the following:

Medication. You may benefit from the use of NSAIDs, topical counterirritants, steroids, or disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). These medications vary in the level of risk involved and possible side effects. Some are really only effective in alleviating the symptoms of your arthritis, though steroid injections and DMARDs can actually stunt your disease progression.
Physical or Occupational Therapy. Research shows that gentle, low-impact physical activity benefits the joints and is instrumental to living with arthritis. As part of your comprehensive arthritis treatment plan in Otto, MO, you will work with your physical or occupational therapist to receive hands-on therapies as well as 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 poses minimal risk for most patients.
Surgery. Surgery is typically used for arthritis patients whose conditions have not responded to other more conservative arthritis treatment methods. Your Otto, MO arthritis treatment team of medical professionals has a responsibility to explore and educate you on all of the possible benefits and potential complications of undergoing surgery. Surgeries for arthritis include synovectomy, joint repair, joint replacement, and joint fusion. If you are a candidate for surgery, your arthritis treatment plan should include physical therapy to help you prepare for and heal from your surgery.

Physical Therapy Arthritis Treatment in Otto, MO

Physical therapy is a medical discipline concerned with movement health. The job of a physical therapist is to improve your quality of life through the use of evidence-backed treatment methods. Our Otto, 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 medical conditions, including different types of arthritis.

At Axes Physical Therapy in Otto, MO, you will be matched with a joint specialist with experience treating arthritis for Otto, MO patients. Your dedicated physical therapist will design a personalized arthritis treatment plan that targets your exact needs. We will work with you one-on-one and communicate with the rest of your medical arthritis treatment team to ensure you receive the appropriate physical therapy treatment modalities, home exercises and education, and modifications to your home and lifestyle to maintain a life of independence and freedom from pain.

Along with the hands-on care your Otto, MO physical therapist may employ to manage your arthritis symptoms or slow the degeneration of your joints, education is an equally important part of the arthritis treatment puzzle. As experts in movement health and 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 household tasks easier
Find the right diet

The Otto, 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:

How can physical therapy arthritis treatment help me?

Ultimately, physical therapy as a treatment for arthritis aims to treat symptoms or keep the disease from progressing. Because of your physical therapist’s background in movement science and an in-depth knowledge of the human musculoskeletal system, physical therapy offers a wide range of advantages. As an arthritis treatment patient at Axes Physical Therapy near Otto, MO, 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 Otto, MO arthritis treatment needs.

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

The outcome of your Otto, MO arthritis treatment requires your active participation, including adhering to home exercises and any lifestyle modifications your arthritis treatment team prescribes. You must find an arthritis treatment team near Otto, 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
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 Otto, MO

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