An Orthopedic Strategy For Joint Pain
Over 20% of Americans report chronic pain, while an additional 7% report high-impact chronic pain. Acute and chronic pain that frequently limits life or work activities ranks among the most common reasons adults seek medical care, often associated with decreased quality of life, opioid dependence, and poor mental health. When it comes to joint pain, the treatment depends on the cause. The right diagnosis and early treatment can stop joint damage and return to the previous activity level. While surgery can relieve symptoms, surgical intervention can cause complications as well. An orthopedic approach to physical therapy can improve joint pain while avoiding undue risk.
What about arthritis?
Joint pain is associated with more than 50 kinds of arthritis. However, joint pain can be caused by conditions other than arthritis. Osteoarthritis (OA), is the most common type of arthritis, affecting up to 27 million Americans. Typically, the hips, hands, knees, lower back and neck are affected In OA, the cartilage within the joint gradually thins and wears away. Bone overgrowth may develop when the ends of the bone touch each other, and the joint can eventually become deformed. When the cartilage wears away, patients can develop pain, stiffness, and swelling.
Are you engaged?
Orthopedic physical therapists are physical therapists who have received additional training and education in orthopedics. Best-equipped to treat patients with persistent joint pain, physical therapists with orthopedic training can boost patient engagement. Studies show boosting patient engagement in rehabilitation activities notably improves patient outcomes. Working with physical therapists allows patients to develop treatment techniques based on individual needs. Preventing the loss of mobility hinges on emotional and mental state and willingness to do exercises. Giving patients the necessary tools needed to regain independence empowers many to continue to work toward mobility. Staying motivated throughout a physical therapy plan can be difficult, but consistency is key to achieving lasting relief from joint pain.
Setting goals
An improved range of motion, better muscle coordination, and regaining a natural gait are only a few benefits of physical and occupational therapy. Many patients often rely on a robust physical therapy care plan to minimize joint pain and restore overall mobility after physical trauma, illness, or injury. Setting tangible physical goals keeps patients focused on the present while working toward long-term mobility simultaneously.
No more joint pain
As America ages and injuries are more common, orthopedic physical therapy can significantly relieve countless patients. Orthopedic physical therapy improves patient outcomes by boosting engagement and treating degenerative joint conditions. Committing to following an outpatient treatment program can prevent disability while improving a patient’s ability to move independently. Recovering from surgery can be a long and arduous journey, but an orthopedic approach to physical therapy can help.
