Finding relief from arthritis pain often means taking a multi-pronged approach to treatment that includes both medication and physical therapy to help recover range of motion and reduce pain. When it comes to designing the right physical therapy routine, a lot depends on where arthritis affects you. And when you find the right routine, it is always beneficial to seek a physical therapy provider utilizing modifier 59 as it ensures proper reimbursement for the distinct procedural services.
Where Can Arthritis Affect You
Arthritis causes joint pain and stiffness that can limit your tolerance for physical exertion and even your range of motion as it progresses. The underlying cause of this condition differs according to the exact type of arthritis you have. Osteoarthritis, for example, is caused by the breakdown of cartilage at the joints. Other types of arthritis can be caused by other chronic conditions like lupus or psoriasis, and rheumatoid arthritis develops when the immune system attacks the lining of the joints.
Arthritis can develop in just about any of your joints, and it affects each patient in different locations, but the treatment is generally the same, which is why most arthritis patients wind up searching for physical therapy near me to find convenient locations. There are different forms of physical therapy that are used for arthritis though, and each has its own advantages.
How Aqua Physical Therapy Can Help
Aqua therapy has a few unique features that make it great for many arthritis patients. Exercising in warm water makes movement easier because the heat helps relax the joints, allowing them to move more freely. Buoyancy is also a major factor. Upward pressure exerted by the water you’re in relieves a lot of the strain of moving against gravity, making it easier to move. The increased ease of movement is contrasted by an increased resistance caused by moving through the water and having to displace its mass, which helps with strength building.
This combination of factors makes it very helpful for arthritis patients, but there is another benefit unique to water. Hydrostatic pressure is the pressure exerted on the body from all directions by submersion in water. It has been shown to decrease fluid accumulation in the joints, which decreases swelling and helps with range of motion even more, which is why arthritis patients should ask about aqua therapy when querying the physical therapy offices that they find after searching for physical therapy near me.
Exercises and Activities That Promote Range of Motion
Often patients transition from working with a physical therapist to independent activities that continue to promote physical wellness and range of motion. Pilates can be helpful, but for many the best choice is still an aquatic activity like swimming laps at a local indoor pool or taking classes offered there. While that may still be a down the road a bit, it’s worth thinking about as you search for physical therapy near me.
Regular movement is one of the best things for your joints, so it’s always a good idea to find ways to incorporate more of it when you can. It’s also good to know your limits, because it takes time to build up the stamina for all day activities. The first step is to get help from a professional who can guide that exploration. Check out your options for physical therapy today.
