More than 58 million Americans have arthritis, a chronic disease that affects the joints. If you experience joint pain and it affects your mobility or quality of life, seek treatment. At Dolsky Physical Therapy PC, in New York City, experienced physical therapist Alexander Dolsky, DPT, and the team use physical therapy to relieve the uncomfortable symptoms of arthritis. To make an appointment, call the office in Forest Hills, Queens, or book online today.
Arthritis is a chronic condition that causes joint inflammation and stiffness. There are many types of arthritis, but the team at Dolsky Physical Therapy PC focuses on two:
Osteoarthritis causes your cartilage –– a soft, cushiony substance that pads your joints ––– to wear down. As more cartilage deteriorates, your bones rub against each other, causing pain, swelling, and stiffness.
Rheumatoid arthritis causes your immune system to attack the lining of your joints. That triggers your body’s inflammatory response, affecting the mobility and function of your bones and joints.
Symptoms of arthritis include:
As the condition worsens, you might also experience a decreased range of motion and mobility issues.
Several factors may increase your risk of developing arthritis, including:
Your gender also plays a role. For example, men are more likely to experience gout (a type of arthritis caused by an excess production of uric acid), while women are more likely to experience rheumatoid arthritis.
Make an appointment with Alexander and the team if you regularly experience joint pain and it doesn’t respond to ice, rest, or anti-inflammatory medication. That’s especially true if your symptoms affect your ability to exercise, work, or perform other activities.
If you have arthritis, physical therapy can help in several ways. For example, it improves your mobility, increases your strength, and preserves your ability to perform daily tasks.
What’s more, physical therapy teaches you stretches and strengthening exercises you can perform at home to help maintain your results.
Over time, a combination of physical therapy sessions and healthy lifestyle changes can reduce joint inflammation and encourage mobility.
How often you visit Alexander and the team for physical therapy depends on several factors, including the type of arthritis you have and the severity of your symptoms. Alexander usually recommends rehab sessions every other week spaced over several months. If your symptoms persist or worsen, more frequent visits might be necessary.
To see if your arthritis can benefit from physical therapy, make an appointment at Dolsky Physical Therapy PC by calling the office or booking online today.