By Professional Physical Therapy
May is Arthritis Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness and empowering the millions of people affected by arthritis. According to the CDC, over 53 million adults in the U.S. live with some form of arthritis—making it the leading cause of disability in the country. While arthritis can be painful and limiting, physical therapy offers a path to improved mobility, reduced pain, and restored function.
How Arthritis Affects You
Arthritis isn’t just one condition—it refers to more than 100 different types of joint disease. The most common forms include:
- Osteoarthritis (OA): Degenerative joint disease caused by wear and tear.
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): An autoimmune disorder that causes inflammation of the joints.
Psoriatic Arthritis: Joint pain associated with psoriasis.
Post-Traumatic Arthritis: Resulting from injury to a joint.
Regardless of type, arthritis can impact daily activities—making it difficult to walk, climb stairs, grip objects, or simply move comfortably.
You Can Go From Pain to Progress with Physical Therapy
Physical therapy plays a crucial role in managing arthritis. It focuses on restoring mobility, improving strength, reducing joint stiffness, and preventing further joint damage. Here are 5 Ways PT Makes a Difference:
- Personalized Exercise Plans
Physical therapists design safe, low-impact exercise programs to maintain or improve joint flexibility and muscle strength. Regular movement helps lubricate joints, reduce stiffness, and ease pain.
- Pain Management
Through modalities like heat/cold therapy, ultrasound, manual therapy, and gentle stretching, physical therapy can reduce inflammation and discomfort without relying solely on medication.
- Improved Function
Therapists guide patients through functional movements—like standing, walking, reaching, or getting up from a chair—so they can return to everyday activities with confidence and independence.
- Education & Joint Protection Techniques
Physical therapists educate patients on how to move safely, use assistive devices if needed, and modify daily tasks to avoid unnecessary stress on painful joints.
- Prevention of Further Decline
With consistent PT care, patients can slow the progression of arthritis and reduce the risk of falls, injury, and inactivity-related complications.
Get Real Results, Real Relief
At Professional Physical Therapy, we work closely with each patient to create a personalized treatment plan tailored to their arthritis symptoms, goals, and lifestyle. Our goal is to help you move better, feel stronger, and live without limits—because arthritis may be part of your life, but it doesn’t have to define it.
Take That First Step
If you’re experiencing joint pain, stiffness, or mobility issues due to arthritis, physical therapy can help. Schedule a consultation with one of our licensed physical therapists and take the first step toward getting back to doing what you love. www.professionalpt.com
