The Role of Physical Therapy in Managing Osteoarthritis Pain
If you’re living with osteoarthritis (OA), you know how frustrating and limiting it can be. OA is the most common form of arthritis, affecting millions of people, and it often shows up in the knees, hips, and hands. The pain, stiffness, and swelling can make simple tasks, like walking or picking something up, feel impossible. But the good news is that physical therapy (PT) can help. Let’s dive into how PT can be a game-changer when it comes to managing your OA pain.
What Is Osteoarthritis? A Quick Overview
Osteoarthritis happens when the cartilage in your joints starts lessening overtime. There are different stages of OA thta can cause different amounts of pain. OA commonly affects the knees, hips, and hands, and it usually gets worse over time. While age is the biggest risk factor, things like genetics, past injuries, and obesity can make OA worse.
What Are the Symptoms?
Pain, stiffness, and swelling are all signs of OA. You might also notice your joints feel a little less mobile, which can make everyday activities a challenge. And those symptoms can really vary—some days you feel fine, and other days, it might be hard to move at all.
Is it bad?
Osteoarthritis is naturally occurring with age. People can start getting it as early as 30 years old! But is it a problem? Probably not. OA isn’t inherently bad, it only becomes a problem if it starts to cause you discomfort and affect your activities of daily living. Other risk factors for worsening pain in OA is carrying extra weight, sedentary lifestyle, or have a family history of OA. But even if you’re at risk, there are things you can do to keep your joints healthy and reduce the chances of OA getting worse.
How Physical Therapy Helps Manage Osteoarthritis Pain
So, how can physical therapy actually help with OA? Well, instead of just masking the pain with medications, PT focuses on strengthening the muscles around your affected joints, improving mobility, and reducing strain. This holistic approach can help you move more easily and with less pain, giving you back some of that lost freedom.
The Science Behind Physical Therapy for OA
Physical therapy helps by focusing on the root causes of your pain. When you strengthen muscles, improve joint mechanics, and increase flexibility, your joints get more support, which means less pain. PT isn’t just about treating the symptoms—it’s about getting to the heart of the problem and helping you feel better long-term.
How Physical Therapy Eases Osteoarthritis Symptoms
Here’s how PT can work for you when it comes to OA:
Pain Reduction Techniques
One of the first things physical therapy aims to do is reduce pain. Some ways this happens are:
Manual Therapy: These are hands-on techniques like joint mobilizations and soft tissue work that help reduce pain and improve joint movement.
Cupping Therapy: This therapy involves placing cups on the skin to create suction. The suction increases blood flow and can help ease muscle tightness, reduce inflammation, and promote healing. Many OA patients find cupping to be incredibly effective in relieving stiffness and pain in the affected joints.
Improving Range of Motion and Flexibility
OA can make your joints stiff and tight. Through physical therapy, you can regain some of that flexibility:
Stretching: Stretching exercises help improve joint flexibility and keep muscles from getting tight.
Joint Mobilizations: Gentle movements help to increase joint mobility, making it easier for you to move around without pain.
Strengthening Muscles Around the Joint
When muscles around a joint are stronger, the joint itself doesn’t have to do all the work. Strengthening exercises can reduce the strain on your joints, helping with:
Targeted Strengthening: You’ll work on building strength in the muscles that support your knees, hips, or hands, depending on where your OA is.
Progressive Overload: Progressive overload is all about gradually increasing the intensity of your exercises to help your muscles get stronger over time. This might mean increasing the weight you’re lifting or doing more repetitions of an exercise. By pushing your muscles to handle more load in a controlled way, you can reduce stress on your joints, increase muscle strength, and improve overall function.
Functional Training
This type of exercise focuses on movements that mimic daily activities like walking, bending, or sitting. Stronger muscles make these tasks easier and less painful.
Why Physical Therapy is Better Than Surgery
Surgery might eventually be needed if your OA is severe, but PT can often delay or even prevent the need for surgery. It’s less invasive, more cost-effective, and comes with fewer risks. Many people find relief through physical therapy alone, so it’s definitely worth trying before considering surgery.
Real-Life Success Stories: How PT Changed OA Management
At Built to Move, we’ve seen some incredible transformations thanks to physical therapy. We had a patient that came to us with knee OA that made walking and standing for long periods painful. Through a combination of strengthening exercises, cupping therapy, and manual therapy, she was able to reduce her pain and get back to doing the things she loved—like going on walks with her dog. These success stories are a great reminder of just how powerful physical therapy can be for OA patients.
Additional Benefits of Physical Therapy for OA Patients
Aside from reducing pain and improving mobility, PT offers some amazing benefits:
Better Quality of Life: Less pain and more movement mean you can do more of the things you enjoy, whether that’s walking, exercising, or just spending time with family.
Preventing Further Joint Damage: PT helps you avoid poor movement patterns that could lead to further joint wear and tear.
Mental and Emotional Health: When you’re in less pain and able to move more freely, it has a huge impact on your overall well-being. Physical therapy can help reduce the frustration and anxiety that often comes with chronic pain.
What to Expect During Your First Physical Therapy Appointment
If you’re thinking about giving physical therapy a try, you might be wondering what to expect. At your first appointment, your physical therapist will evaluate your joints, muscles, and mobility. From there, they’ll create a customized treatment plan to help you feel better. You’ll also work on exercises that are designed to reduce pain, improve movement, and strengthen muscles around your affected joints.
When to Seek Physical Therapy for Osteoarthritis
If you’re starting to feel the effects of OA, don’t wait. The earlier you start physical therapy, the better. PT can help reduce pain, improve your mobility, and prevent further joint damage. If your OA symptoms are becoming more severe or interfering with your daily life, it’s time to talk to a physical therapist.
Conclusion: Take Control of Your Osteoarthritis Pain with Physical Therapy
Osteoarthritis can be a tough condition to live with, but physical therapy offers a solution that can help. By working with a skilled physical therapist, you can reduce pain, improve mobility, and get back to living the life you want. Don’t let OA hold you back—take the first step toward feeling better and regaining control of your health.
At Built to Move, we’re here to support you on your journey to pain relief. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and start feeling better.
Call or text us at 732-592-9064 or click below!
