Osteoarthritis happens from wear and tear of the joints. This is a common type of arthritis that happens over time. With excessive strain on the joints, the fluid in the joints starts to thicken, which causes friction in the joint. Because of this friction, the cartilage of the bone starts to break down and that’s what causes pain. 

 

Physical therapy is an effective way to treat osteoarthritis and is often the first line of defense because it can prevent the need for surgery. Physical therapy for osteoarthritis starts with a thorough examination to determine your symptoms and what exercise program is needed to help relieve the symptoms and to avoid risk factors. Symptoms and progression of osteoarthritis vary between individuals, so the physical therapist needs to determine what activities you can and cannot do. Exercise is considered to be the most effective treatment to reduce pain amongst those who are suffering from osteoarthritis. Exercising can help to strengthen the muscles around the joint and improve joint mobility, which will help reduce stiffness and pain in the joints. 

 

Another way a physical therapist can help reduce pain caused by osteoarthritis is by manual therapy. With manual therapy, the physical therapist will use their hands to put pressure on muscles and manipulate joints in order to alleviate pain, joint dysfunction and stress in the muscles. As a matter of fact, the combination of therapeutic exercise and manual therapy is truly effective in reducing pain and stiffness while improving the quality of life for clients suffering from osteoarthritis. 

 

If you are in need of a physical therapist in Wasilla/Palmer to Anchorage who provides physical therapy for osteoarthritis, let Front Line Physical Therapy come to you. Our physical therapists in Wasilla/Palmer to Anchorage are passionate about helping people and can help create a physical therapy plan to help reduce the pain, swelling, and stiffness in your joints.