MOVEMENT IS MEDICINE
THE LINK BETWEEN PHYSICAL THERAPY AND ARTHRITIS
Arthritis may seem relatively benign and harmless — everyone knows someone with arthritis. But here are some numbers that help put the problem of arthritis into perspective:
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Arthritis is the leading cause of disability.
• Arthritis affects 1 in 5 adults and roughly 300,000 children • 1/3 of working-age people with arthritis have some kind of limitation in their ability to work • Arthritis costs $156 billion each year in medical expenses and lost wages • Nearly 1 million hospitalizations happen every year due to arthritis While it’s a serious condition, the good news is that physical therapy is one of the most effective treatments for arthritis. THE BENEFITS OF PHYSICAL THERAPY FOR MANAGING ARTHRITIS SYMPTOMS Arthritis comes in two forms: osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis occurs because of wear and tear on the joints over time. Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory, autoimmune disease. It occurs because the immune system attacks the joint lining. Physical therapy can reduce joint pain, improve mobility, and help to prevent further damage to the joints. Using individualized exercises, physical therapists help people manage their condition and reduce discomfort. Physical therapists often combine advice on lifestyle modifications with exercise to maximize improvement. Let's look at the types of exercise that can help manage arthritis symptoms.
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