Arthritis has no cure. There are no medications to fix it or surgical procedures that can revitalize your joints. However, physical therapy is often recommended for patients suffering from arthritis. Unfortunately, there are several myths about the effects of physical therapy on arthritis. Let’s clear the cloud of confusion and figure out if this therapy can help relieve your pain.
When you complement medication with physiotherapy in Kelowna, you can control the painful symptoms of arthritis and get the relief that you need. Moreover, physiotherapy can also make you more mobile. You get to break the limits of arthritis and move more effectively while maintaining a high level of safety.
In Kelowna, physiotherapy clinics have the following approach for relieving you from arthritis discomfort:
1. Goals of physiotherapy for arthritis patients
Arthritis can limit your mobility, cause pain and swelling and make life more difficult than it needs to be. When you visit a Kelowna physiotherapy centre, they make sure that you understand the goals of the treatment and don’t have any misconceptions about the sessions and their effects. Some of the goals include:
- Pain management
- Strengthening muscles surrounding the joints
- Improving flexibility and mobility
- Enhancing your overall balance and stability so that you can move around safely
- Improve your posture so that the joints aren’t overstressed
- Recommend lifestyle changes that help you minimise arthritis symptoms
- Recommend the use of assistive devices like canes, walkers and braces
2. Things to expect from your physical therapist
Your physical therapist doesn’t just show you a few exercises and call it a day. They play the role of educators who help you develop a deeper understanding of your body. Your therapist creates a customized program that is geared to achieve your goals while considering your medical history.
When you visit a therapist at a health clinic in Kelowna health and wellness along with long-term pain management is their primary goal. Apart from customized exercises, they will also massage your joints and the soft tissue surrounding them to promote recovery and stimulate mobility. You’ll also get a routine for pain management at home and learn how to minimize sudden pain spikes on your own. Your therapist aims to minimize the pain gradually so that you’ll need fewer visits and eventually switch to a different treatment plan that works towards a different goal.
3. Physical therapy exercises for arthritis
Most exercises recommended by physios in Kelowna vary depending on the goals. Some require equipment, different environments and assistive devices, while others don’t. For instance, if your physiotherapist wants you to increase the range of motion of your joints, they would recommend you to:
- Roll and rotate your shoulders, head and hip flexors
- Stretch out your limbs and practice bending
On the other hand, if a physio is looking to increase the stability of your joints, they will focus on making the supportive muscles around that joint stronger with strength training. Some of those exercises may use just your body weight and others may incorporate dumbbells resistance bands and kettlebells.
4. Session length and results
The average session with a physiotherapist usually lasts around an hour. However, the first session is always longer. The physical therapist needs to learn about your history, the medications you are on, and your lifestyle, and take everything into account before customizing a plan for you.
You’ll start seeing significant improvement in your condition after around 6 to 8 weeks from the first week of treatment. However, results may vary greatly depending on several factors. You need to be consistent with the recommended lifestyle changes and strictly follow the exercises at home while attending sessions at the clinic to reap the benefits.
5. Physical therapy doesn’t worsen your arthritis
You’ll feel a bit sore after physical therapy sessions. However, that’s about it. Your physical therapist would always communicate with you to know if there is any pain and wouldn’t urge you to push forward with an uncomfortable pain. They would modify exercises, change the environment and take other steps to provide you with long-term relief.
Here’s the deal! With consistent effort, following the plan they set for you, and a dollop of patience, physical therapy in Kelowna could just be that secret weapon you’ve been looking for. Fighting arthritis is a continuous process and the pain won’t magically disappear. Physios provide you with a solid plan to make life a bit more comfortable, and that’s something worth cherishing.
