National Arthritis Month

By Nathan Vassey, PT, DPT

May is National Arthritis Month, a time to shine a light on a condition that affects millions of people, old and sometimes young. But don't worry, this doesn't mean you're destined for a life of creaky joints. Remember “motion is the lotion.”

Arthritis is inflammation in your joints that can cause pain and stiffness which can make movement a chore. It might sound scary, but here's the good news: movement can be your secret weapon in managing arthritis because it helps lubricate the joint to make it move better!

How Physical Therapy Works:

Think of a physical therapist (PT) as your personal joint-whisperer. They'll assess your situation, create a personalized plan, and guide you through exercises and treatments to:

● Reduce pain and inflammation: PTs use techniques like manual therapy and dry needling to soothe your achy joints.

● Improve flexibility and range of motion: Gentle stretches and exercises help you move your joints more easily, keeping them limber, and preventing stiffness.

● Strengthen muscles: Strong muscles support your joints and relieve pressure, making movement less painful and more stable.

● Boost balance and coordination: This helps prevent falls which are a major concern for people with arthritis.

● Educate you: PTs teach you about your condition and how to manage it effectively, empowering you to take charge of your health.

Why Choose A Step Ahead Physical Therapy?

If you're looking for a PT who truly cares and understands your needs, look no further than A Step Ahead Physical Therapy! We specialize in treating all types of arthritis. Since we offer one hour, one-on-one appointments, our team of experienced and passionate therapists can truly focus on you to help you achieve your goals. We also offer:

● Personalized care: We tailor our approach to your specific condition and goals.

● A fun and supportive environment: We make therapy enjoyable and motivating, helping you stick to your plan.

● Flexible scheduling: We know life gets busy, so we offer appointments that fit your needs.

● Fitness programs: We can guide you on how to be more active. We can create a program for you to perform at home, our clinic, or the gym.

Taking the First Step:

May is a great time to prioritize your health and explore how physical therapy can help you manage arthritis. Contact A Step Ahead Physical Therapy today for a free consultation by visiting our website or calling us at (770) 998-6636 to learn more for yourself or someone you know. We'll answer your questions, assess your needs, and help you get started on your journey to a healthier, happier you. Remember, you're not alone in this, and with the right support, you can conquer those creaky joints and move with ease!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Nathan Vassey is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and graduated from Mercer University in 2021. Nathan enjoys treating a wide variety of diagnoses and injuries especially runners after having been a Division I long-distance runner and private coach for individuals and teams. His treatments include a combination of manual therapy techniques, dry needling, and exercise prescription to teach people how to move better so that people get back to the activities they enjoy.

Resources

Arthritis Foundation. (2024, February 22). https://www.arthritis.org
Journal of Orthopaedics & Sports Physical Therapy. (2018, May 31). Exercise Is Essential for Osteoarthritis: The Many Benefits of Physical Activity. JOSPT. https://www.jospt.org/doi/full/10.2519/jospt.2018.0507
Cibulka, M. T., Bloom, N. J., Enseki, K. R., Macdonald, C. W., Woehrle, J., & McDonough, C. M. (2017). Hip pain and mobility deficits—hip osteoarthritis: Revision 2017. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy, 47(6). https://doi.org/10.2519/jospt.2017.0301