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Arthritis is a progressive condition characterized by painful swelling, inflammation, and stiffness of the body’s joints. Although arthritis has a number of different incarnations, the most common forms of arthritis include osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Commonly affected joints include those of the fingers and wrists (most often afflicted with rheumatoid arthritis) as well as the weight-bearing joints, including the spine, the knees, and hips (osteoarthritis).

For many patients, arthritis can be a debilitating illness. Physical therapy is incorporated into arthritis pain management plans as part of an overall strategy to relieve pain while promoting normal movement and functioning. Physical therapy can also help patients to gain strength and teach arthritis sufferers how to move while avoiding additional pain.

In addition to physical therapy, Monmouth Pain and Rehabilitation has a wide range of treatment options for arthritis, including pain management through medical care. Our medical director oversees all programs of care and may recommend and administer joint injections or epidural steroid injections. Additionally, our office provides chiropractic care and acupuncture.

Physical Therapy

The following physical therapy practices are used at Monmouth Pain and Rehabilitation for arthritis:

• Therapeutic Exercise: It’s important for patients with arthritis to exercise under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist. In this safe environment, patients can accomplish a number of important goals, including an improvement in range-of-motion and increased strength in areas surrounding the affected joints (this works to stabilize weakened joints).

• Low Level Laser Therapy: This passive physical therapy technique (also known as cold laser therapy) uses wavelengths of light to reduce inflammation, pain, and speed up the healing process.

• Hot and Cold Therapy: Heat increases circulation, dilates blood vessels, and reduces muscle spasms. Increased circulation is helpful in promoting the healing process. Cold therapy, on the other hand, constricts the blood vessels in order to calm inflammation and ease pain.

• Electrotherapy: Electrical stimulation is another passive physical therapy technology used to promote healing. Using a TENS device (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation), electrotherapy helps the body by boosting circulation, calming inflammation, and helping the body to release natural painkilling chemicals in the brain.

• Traction: Traction may be used to relieve painful pressure placed on spinal nerves due to arthritis affecting the joints of the spine.

Pain Management for Arthritis through Physical Therapy and Conservative Medical Care

Please feel free to reach out to our office whether you are suffering from the onset of arthritis symptoms or if you are already experiencing severe disability. We believe that patients deserve the right to find effective treatment plans without the stress of visiting multiple healthcare facilities. With this in mind, our office is prepared to help arthritis patients with medical services, interventional pain management techniques (the aforementioned joint injections and epidural steroid injections, for example) as well as acupuncture for pain and chiropractic treatment.