Our bodies can present many different challenges as we age, including joints that become stiffer and less flexible. Aging joint cartilage can become thinner, ligaments can shorten and become less flexible, and loss of muscle strength can put extra pressure on your joints. As a result, joints can feel stiff and uncomfortable. This discomfort can be even greater in individuals dealing with osteoarthritis.
While aging and senescence (the process by which cells age and stop dividing) are inevitable, there are things we can do to manage our joint health and optimize our quality of life as we move into and through our golden years. One of the greatest weapons in our fight to protect our joints from the ravages of osteoarthritis is physical therapy.
Understanding Arthritis and Osteoarthritis
Arthritis is a general term for several conditions that cause inflammation in joints, tissues around the joints, and other connective tissues. There are several different causes of arthritic conditions, but common symptoms will include pain, heat, and swelling in your joints. Some types of arthritis can even impact other organs like your eyes or skin.
Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis and is more common in older people. It is a degenerative disease that causes tissues in joints to break down over time. Symptoms typically include joint pain, and stiffness can occur after periods of rest or inactivity. Osteoarthritis sufferers will often experience these symptoms in their hands, knees, hips, neck, or lower back.
Dealing with Arthritis while Aging
As stated above, aging alone can wreak havoc on a person’s joint health. Joints will naturally become stiffer and lose flexibility. Coupling this natural process with the debilitating effects of arthritis can be overwhelming. Functional joints are an absolute necessity in nearly any physical activity, and chronic joint pain can take a toll both physically and emotionally.
Joint pain can hinder many of our most basic daily activities. It can be especially deleterious to anyone trying to live a more active lifestyle. Many times, pain and lack of mobility can be accompanied by a fear of injury. If you can’t trust your joints, it can be scary to engage in any activity that isn’t necessary.
Physical Therapy Can Help You Manage Your Arthritis
Physical therapy takes advantage of your body’s natural abilities to manage pain and improve fitness and mobility. There are several benefits to a physical therapy program for anyone suffering from osteoarthritis, including:
- Reduced Need for Medication or Surgery: A physical therapy treatment plan can help you manage your pain with less dependence on dangerous medication or surgery. It may help you avoid it altogether.
- Improving Joint Mobility and Flexibility: A combination of manual therapy and exercises can return mobility and flexibility to your joints, giving you greater comfort in your daily activities right away and throughout your treatment.
- A Personalized Exercise Program: Your physical therapist can devise an exercise program tailored to your specific needs, allowing you to improve joint mobility and comfort while also strengthening the surrounding muscles that support your joints.
- Education and Empowerment: Your physical therapist can be a great source of information on self-management strategies to maintain long-term joint health, and they can also be a great source of encouragement during your treatment.
Joint Health is Important at Any Age
Obviously, healthy joints are important for us all, and taking care of them while we’re younger can help prolong our joint health as we age. A healthy lifestyle that includes regular physical activity can help keep your joints flexible and the surrounding muscles strong. Maintaining a healthy weight can reduce stress and strain on your joints and reduce your risk of injury. Also, realize the importance of early intervention if symptoms of injury or disease arise. Seeking out professional help as soon as possible can go a long way toward successful management of your joint health.
If you or anyone you know is suffering from the effects of arthritis or osteoarthritis, or are experiencing joint problems in general, don’t hesitate to reach out to a physical therapist today. It can be the difference between finding a safe and effective natural treatment or a dangerous and expensive journey through surgery and medication.
