Joint Pain in Kirkwood, MO. If your ability to enjoy a pain-free life is jeopardized by joint pain, the knowledgeable physical and occupational therapists of Axes PT is here to get you back to the activities in Kirkwood, MO you love the most. Whether you suffer from chronic pain, recently received a diagnosis, or sustained an injury, we’ll form a dedicated team with you to implement a treatment plan that has been demonstrated to be effective that is personalized specifically for you to help you return to your pain-free life. Our practice focuses on you, the client, and achieving positive, pain-free outcomes. If you want to get back to dominating corners on the football field, or just want to get dressed without pain, get in touch with us us online or find the most convenient location for you.

Joint pain is all too common for Kirkwood, MO residents. In the U.S., roughly 25% of adults live with joint pain. While it can be significantly inhibiting, it doesn’t have to control your life. It’s a good idea to consult with a physician to see if physical therapy is right for you. While no treatment is 100% effective for 100% of clients, physical therapy has shown widespread success for people with joint pain. Contact Axes for for a free injury screening and to be referred to a physician.

Understanding Joint Pain | Kirkwood, MO Physical Therapy

The human body has hundreds of joints, but they all attach bones together. There are three types of joints:

1. Synarthrosis joints allow for no movement, help provide stability by holding bonds together, for instance the joints in your cranium.
2. Amphiarthrosis joints allow for limited movement, such as the distal joint between the two shin bones.
3. Diarthrosis joints, also referred to as synovial joints, allow a full scope of of mobility. Examples are your shoulder knee. There are six classes of diarthrosis joints:
   1. Pivot, which permits rotation around one point
   2. Plane or gliding, which permits bones to glide over each other
   3. Hinge, which permits bending and straightening in a single direction
   4. Condyloid, which allows flexion, extension, and circular motions
   5. Saddle, which permits the same movements as condyloid joints
   6. Ball-and-socket joints allow any of the movements the human body can naturally make

One fully grown, the human body has 206 bones which are linked by almost 400 joints. The majority of them are synovial joints, which are made up of:

• Cartilage — This is a connective tissue that covers the surface of the joint. It allows for smooth movement and cushions the bone against each other.
• Synovial membrane — This membrane lines many parts of the inside of synovial joints and tendon sheaths. It makes synovial fluid, a thick, lubricating egg white-like substance that lowers friction when bones glide over each other.
• Ligaments — Ligaments are bands of firm and flexible tissue that connect two bones together, do not allow them to move unnaturally, and help you move properly. For example, the ACL connects your thigh bone with your shin bone and prevents the tibia from moving too far forward.
• Tendons — These are also durable and elastic tissue that attaches your bones to the muscles that control their movement.
• Bursae — These are fluid-filled sacs between bones and surrounding tissues that act as a cushion and reduce friction as your tendons, ligaments, and muscles glide over your bones.
• Joint Cavity — This is in the middle of the joint and is filled with the synovial fluid.

We experience pain because our brain is trying to tell us that we are injured.. When you feel joint pain, that means the joint cannot function properly Your brain wants you to do something about it. Demonstrably effective physical therapy in Kirkwood, MO is often get your brain to quite down and stop sending you pain signals.

What Leads to Joint Pain | Kirkwood, MO Physical Therapy

There are countless factors that can result in unyielding joint pain. Those conditions differ considerably in severity; some are not totally curable but meaningful relief is possible. Other times joints can fully recover in a matter of weeks. All of them, however, require a smart treatment plan and the stewardship of a experienced physical and occupational therapist in Kirkwood, MO like those at Axes. The most common causes of joint pain include:

Arthritis

Arthritis is an umbrella term for several conditions that cause joint pain. Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, and occurs when the cartilage that acts as a shock absorber at the ends of your bones breaks down. Old age is the most common risk factor, but overuse and repeated trauma are also associated causes.

Rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus are autoimmune conditions that attack the healthy tissues in your body.

While there is no cure for arthritis, improved mobility and reduced pain can be achieved with safe and practical physical therapy by allowing the joint to move with greater ease. In addition to physical therapy, treatment for arthritis often includes medication and, in some cases, surgery. The Kirkwood, MO physical therapists at Axes will form a team with you and your doctor to come up with a comprehensive treatment plan with the objective of bringing piece and mobility back to your everyday life.

Bursitis

Bursitis leads to joint pain when the bursae become inflamed and cannot reduce the friction between parts of the joint. It can be because of overuse, trauma, repeated movements, or, uncommonly, infection. The majority of bursitis cases involve the shoulder, hip, elbow, and knee. Effective physical therapy treatments along with patient education can go a long way in preventing further trauma and maintain strength and flexibility in the surrounding muscles. With the right treatment, bursitis can go away within a few weeks.

Tendinitis

Tendinitis causes joint pain when the tendons connecting the bones and muscles become swollen or damaged. It is caused by actions involving repetitive motions such as painting. It can also occur a sudden sports injury. Most cases of tendinitis involve the shoulders, heels, elbows, and knees. Physical therapy will lightly strengthen and elongate the tendon to prevent further injuries. If a tendon is ruptured, you may need surgery.

Sprains and Tears

Sprains happen when a ligament is extended or torn as a result of falling, landing awkwardly, or a blow to the joint. Tears occur when a ligament, tendon, or muscle is ripped. While after most sprains you can be back to normal in a few weeks, the recovery time is much longer with tears. Tears like rotator cuff tears and ACL tears can be extremely painful and profoundly impact your ability to perform basic activities.

If joint pain is keeping you from the activities you love, come to Axes for one of our free injury screenings with one of our joint pain experts in Kirkwood, MO. If a physician tells you you need surgery, come to us for your pre- and post-surgery rehabilitation plan.

How Physical Therapy in Kirkwood, MO Can Help Your Joint Pain

We assess each Kirkwood, MO clients as an individual, so your particular treatment plan will be based on the root causes and level of your joint pain, how old you are, what you do for work, and the lifestyle you want to get back to or achieve. We’ll work with you to show you safe and effective exercises that you can perform at home after your treatment plan is completed, so you can continue to manage any future pain and prevent future flare-ups.

While it may seem natural to avoid movements that cause joint pain, the truth is that by not moving affected joints the pain and stiffness may only get worse. At Axes, our Kirkwood, MO physical and occupational therapists know what they’re doing; we know how to help you increase mobility and strength without causing further pain. We can also show you how to reduce strain on joints with posture correction and other patient education.

Depending on the specifics of your joint pain, we may use the following treatments in Kirkwood, MO:

• Dry Needling
• Work Rehabilitation
• Injury Prevention
• Soft Tissue Mobilization
• Kineseo Taping®
• Blood Flow Restriction Training

Click on the links below to see what other services we offer in Kirkwood, MO:

• 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

Joint Pain Relief in Kirkwood, MO | Axes Physical Therapy

While joint pain, and other issues that require physical therapy, is a physical hardship, it can also impact us mentally by keeping us away from the things we enjoy. At Axes PT, every one of our knowledgeable Kirkwood, MO occupational and physical therapists is devoted to seeing you be able to participate in the activities you love. All of our treatment plans are evidence-based and tailored to you, with the only interest being to see you pain-free and with the best movement health possible. All of our treatments have been proven to be effective. If you’re finally ready to be free of your joint pain in Kirkwood, MO, contact Axes today or call the most convenient location for you.