Arthritis Treatment Union, MO. Living with arthritis in Union, 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. Find out more about these and other important pieces of an arthritis treatment plan in Union, 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.

With fifteen area locations and counting, Axes Physical Therapy is positioned to serve the arthritis treatment needs of countless patients in the Union, MO area and throughout Eastern Missouri. Discover 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 Union, MO: A Background on Arthritis

Arthritis describes a physical condition characterized by joint inflammation. Approximately 58.5 million adults in the United States suffer from type of arthritis, and nearly half of them — 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.

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. As an arthritis treatment patient at Axes Physical Therapy near Union, MO, you are not just a number. Our physical therapists and occupational therapists in the Union, MO area have dedicated their clinical careers to caring for arthritis patients affected by all different types of arthritis suffering from varying degrees of pain and disability. When you entrust Axes for your Union, MO arthritis treatment, you are assigned a dedicated arthritis treatment therapist who possesses the knowledge and experience needed to to address your condition and will approach your case using a treatment plan as unique as you are.

Types of Arthritis

The CDC identifies over one hundred conditions that are grouped under the categorization arthritis. The causes and treatment methods differ from one diagnosis to the next, but all arthritis conditions generally include inflammation and stiffness of the joints. Getting the right arthritis treatment in Union, MO for you depends in part on receiving an accurate diagnosis and understanding 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 becoming experts on the specific causes, trajectory, and outlook of each condition, our Union, MO physical therapists and occupational therapists are able to provide successful treatment for countless patients living with many types of arthritis in the Union, MO area.

Osteoarthritis: a degenerative disease of the joints. Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, reaching an average of 27 million individuals in the United States. While different people experience osteoarthritis 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 cartilage, tendons, ligaments, and bones in the affected joint(s) can wear down.

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 Union, MO.

Rheumatoid Arthritis: an autoimmune inflammatory disease. In rheumatoid arthritis, the body’s immune system attacks the lining of the joints, gradually moving farther to damage the rest of the joints, including bones and ligaments. Rheumatoid arthritis attacks the body in a symmetrical fashion, such as in both right and left knees or both wrists. Patients may experience other symptoms beyond of joint pain and stiffness, such as fevers 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, you are treated for the purpose of a specific goal: either eliminating symptoms or lowering disease activity. With your goal in mind, we will design an arthritis treatment plan in Union, MO that addresses that goal and measure indicators of your disease over time.

Arthritis Treatment Methods

Everyone has their own way of reacting to being diagnosed with arthritis. It is normal to feel overwhelmed, angry, or hopeless when you learn that you may be living with permanent joint damage. It is up to you to act quickly and seek arthritis treatment in Union, MO as soon as possible after you have been diagnosed to slow the progress of your disease and maximize your quality of life.

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 after diagnosis is to make it a priority to move forward by finding the right arthritis treatment for your condition and needs. With a sound arthritis treatment team in Union, MO and early education about your disease and how to care for yourself, you have the power to make an impact on your arthritis. You will work toward slowing down joint damage, maintaining your mobility, and getting rid of pain.

The best arthritis treatment solution for you will depend on many factors, including the kind of arthritis you have and what other health problems you face. Often, an arthritis treatment plan consists of one or more of the following:

• Medication. Your doctor might prescribe or recommend the use of NSAIDs, counterirritant creams and ointments, steroids, or disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). These medications vary in the risks involved and possible negative side effects. Some of these medications are really meant to address your arthritis symptoms. Others, like steroid injections and DMARDs can actually slow your disease progression.
• Physical or Occupational Therapy. Ample peer-reviewed studies show that moderate, low-impact activity benefits the joints and helps manage arthritis. Your Union, MO physical and/or occupational therapy arthritis treatment will be a comprehensive plan made up of several modalities and hands-on care techniques as well as education, home exercises, lifestyle modifications, and assistive devices. Physical therapy is a non-invasive, customized approach and poses minimal risk for most patients.
• Surgery. Surgery treatment for arthritis is usually used for arthritis patients when other forms of arthritis treatment have been unsuccessful. Your doctors and other members of your Union, MO arthritis treatment team have a responsibility to consider and make you aware of all of the possible benefits and associated complications of receiving surgery. Surgeries to treat arthritis include synovectomy, joint repair, joint replacement, and joint fusion. Your arthritis treatment plan will likely include physical therapy to help you prepare for and heal from your surgery.

Physical Therapy Arthritis Treatment in Union, MO

Physical therapy is a medical discipline based in the musculoskeletal disorders and movement health. The job of a physical therapist is to improve your quality of life by using evidence-backed treatment methods. Our Union, MO physical therapists work with patients of all ages, genders, fitness levels, socioeconomic backgrounds, and medical diagnoses, including different types of arthritis.

At Axes Physical Therapy in Union, MO, you will work with a joint specialist who has had a career of successfully treating arthritis for Union, MO patients. Your dedicated physical therapist will develop a personalized arthritis treatment plan that meets your specific needs. We will work with you one-on-one and communicate with the rest of your medical 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 various modalities your Union, MO physical therapist will employ in order to manage your arthritis symptoms or minimize the progression of the disease, educating you 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 guide you to:

• Correct 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 Union, 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:

• Shoulder Pain
• Injury Prevention
• Mobility
• Knee Injury
• Joint Pain
• Sciatica
• Dry Needling
• ACL Tear
• Pain Management
• Rotator Cuff Tear

What are the benefits of physical therapy arthritis treatment?

Ultimately, the purpose of physical therapy for treating arthritis is to treat symptoms or keep the disease from progressing. Because of physical therapists’ background in movement science and an in-depth knowledge of the human musculoskeletal system, physical therapy offers a number of benefits. When you turn to Axes Physical Therapy for your Union, 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 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 Union, MO arthritis treatment needs.

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

The success of your Union, MO arthritis treatment is dependent upon your active participation, which includes adhering to home exercises and any lifestyle modifications your arthritis treatment team prescribes. You must find an arthritis treatment team near Union, 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
• 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 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 Union, MO

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