Arthritis
Arthritis, the nation’s leading cause of disability, is characterized by recurring pain or tenderness in a joint, stiffness or swelling in a joint, obvious redness or heat in a joint, or the inability to move a joint. Most often associated with old age, arthritis is usually caused by wear and tear in the joints. Other common causes of arthritis include:
- Injuries
- Prolonged poor posture
- Overuse of joints
- Obesity
SSPT’s approach to treating arthritis
To date, there are no medical cures for arthritis. However, therapy has proven to be effective in reducing pain, strengthening muscles, and improving movement, posture, and independent function—benefits that make it much easier to live with arthritis. The most common treatment methods our therapists use include:
- Gentle passive movement
- Muscle stimulation
- Therapeutic exercise
- Posture and gait analysis
- Self management techniques to protect the joints
Our therapists also teach patients behaviors that reduce stress on their joints.
