Category: Arthritis

Arthritis treatment in Warrenton, MO: How it may benefit you
If you’re one of the many people who suffer from some form of arthritis, then you’re probably looking for arthritis treatment in Warrenton, Missouri. However, you may not know who to turn to for help with your arthritis. Fortunately, there’s a team of physical therapists right here in Warrenton that may be able to help you.

At Excel Sports and Physical Therapy, our team has been helping residents in the Warrenton, Missouri area find the physical therapy they need since 1984. One lesson we’ve learned from all our years of service is that personalized therapy is more effective for our patients. We’re aware that every person experiences a condition or injury differently. For this reason, we know trying to put you into some cookie-cutter therapy plan isn’t likely to bring you the most healing. Our team focuses on listening to you and observing how your condition or injury is affecting your body. We’ll then use this information to build you a personalized therapy plan that fits your needs, which is precisely what we do for our arthritis treatment plans in our Warrenton, Missouri clinic.

Four benefits of our arthritis treatment plans in Warrenton, MO

Our team at Excel Sports and Physical Therapy knows arthritis treatment in our Warrenton, Missouri office may have benefits for you. This may be true no matter what type of arthritis you’re struggling with.

Our team knows arthritis is the umbrella term used to describe a group of conditions. These conditions are grouped together because they all tend to cause similar symptoms. Some of these symptoms include joint inflammation, pain, swelling, redness and limited joint function. One of the most common forms of arthritis our team sees is osteoarthritis. With this form of arthritis, the cartilage that pads your joints degrades over time causing arthritis symptoms to appear. Another type of arthritis we often see is rheumatoid arthritis, which comes from your immune system mistakenly attacking your joint cartilage.

No matter what type of arthritis you have, our team wants to help you find the treatment you need. Our personalized therapy plans for arthritis include the best evidence-based therapies and may help you get benefits such as:
- Reducing levels of pain
- Preventing further loss of use
- Helping you maintain your fitness
- Allowing you to get back to your normal daily activities
In addition to all these benefits, one of our arthritis treatment plans may help you to get the biggest benefit of all, which is a higher quality of life.

Are you ready to improve your quality of life with arthritis treatment in Warrenton, Missouri? Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment.
February 14, 2019
Arthritis Pain Sufferers- This Blog is for You!

Arthritis is a joint disorder, which features inflammation, pain and stiffness. There is also often a loss in movement with arthritis, as the joints are too inflamed to move. When only a single joint is involved it’s known as monoarthritis. If two or three joints are involved it’s referred to as oligoarthritis. To date there are over 100 types of arthritis. Osteoarthritis occurs due to wear and tear of the cartilage and rheumatoid arthritis results from an overactive immune system. Arthritis is the most common chronic illness in the nation. Many people cannot work due to arthritis and have to go on disability. And it affects men, women and children. Arthritic pain can impede one’s mobility and quality of life. If you suffer from arthritic pain be sure to call Rehab Access Physical Therapy to schedule an appointment with our physical therapist. Physical therapy for arthritic pain has been proven by research to be highly effective.

Diagnosing Arthritis and Getting Treatment

Your doctor will examine your joints for deformity and inflammation, look for signs of disease and review your history of symptoms. Blood tests, urine tests, x-rays or joint fluid tests may be ordered. Early diagnosis can prevent disability and irreversible damage. Exercise routines, medications, rest and physical therapy may be recommended. A physical therapist can provide properly guided exercise regimens. It’s important that you do the proper, safe exercises to avoid injury.

The Role of Physical Therapy for Arthritis

Physical therapy is all about engaging in physical activity and exercise. “Physical activity is essential to optimizing both physical and mental health and can play a vital role in the management of arthritis. Regular physical activity can keep the muscles around affected joints strong, decrease bone loss and may help control joint swelling and pain. Regular activity replenishes lubrication to the cartilage of the joint and reduces stiffness and pain. Exercise also helps to enhance energy and stamina by decreasing fatigue and improving sleep. Exercise can enhance weight loss and promote long-term weight management in those with arthritis who are overweight.”

Arthritis pain can be miserable and debilitating for those who suffer from it, and unfortunately, there is no cure for it. A physical therapist will custom tailor a therapeutic exercise program to help mobility and strength. A physical therapist will create a treatment program that addresses all areas of the body. For example, if you suffer from arthritis pain in the knee an exercise program will address the lower back, hip and ankle, in addition to the knee. That’s because all of these areas contribute to proper knee control and mechanics. Carrying objects, lifting and squatting may also be a part of the treatment plan.

Physical therapy also consists of manual therapy. It has been proven that joint and soft tissue mobilization help patients suffering from arthritis pain. Deep tissue massage, TENS, ice packs and heat therapy may also be part of the treatment plan by a physical therapist. All of these treatments are passive modalities that increase blood flow, reduce inflammation, reduce pain and enhance mobility. All around, physical therapy is an effective, noninvasive method for arthritis pain. Plus, you won’t have to rely on those pain meds, which can lead to addiction.

If you’re suffering from arthritis pain, be sure to schedule an appointment with one of our certified physical therapists. Our research-driven treatments will help you get fast pain relief. Get your life back on track with treatment from our Rehab Access physical therapists in Gretna and Belle Chasse, LA. Our physical therapy team is your partner in getting you well and committed to your success.

December 10, 2018
Natural Ways to Relieve Arthritis Pain
Do you find your knees or hips hurting after sitting for too long? Has bending or squatting become difficult or even painful? This is a common complaint of people with knee or hip osteoarthritis. Did you know that the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) says that 1 out of every 2 people will have symptoms of knee osteoarthritis sometime before age 85?

The incidence of osteoarthritis generally starts to increase after age 35 and decreases one’s ability to perform walking, bending and every day tasks. Osteoarthritis can occur for a variety of reasons:
- Normal or abnormal wear and tear on joint cartilage
- Injuries that damage cartilage and joints
- Diseases that damage cartilage
- Lack of joint support from poor muscle strength and tissue flexibility
What is Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis describes the condition of abnormal wear and tear of cartilage from a joint surface causing bone on bone rubbing. This can be quite painful and occurs more in the knees, hips and ankles. This is due to the fact that these joints bear the weight of your body and have to endure an average of 3,000-6,000 steps a day. That is over one million steps / bending and movements a year!

Knee osteoarthritis pain is generally felt under the kneecap, but can travel up the thigh or down your lower leg. The pads below your knee generally become thicker and more swollen. At times, your knee may even become slightly swollen or even slightly red. Hip osteoarthritis pain is generally felt in the groin on one side or deep in the buttock. Pain may actually feel better with walking, but become worse after sitting for a few minutes, then trying to move again.

What can be done?

Most pain is caused by poor joint movement and strength of the muscles around the joint. This causes instability to the joint and greater pressure on the cartilage causing more inflammation and pain. Physical therapy is the preferred method of treatment, because it discovers the abnormal movement in the joint and naturally corrects it. With hands-on therapy, special strengthening and balance exercises, knee or hip pain can typically be completely relieved. For more information on natural ways to relieve arthritis pain, call us today!

5 Ways to Naturally Relieve Arthritis Pain
1. Exercise – This is essential for people suffering from arthritis. It is vital to strengthen muscles, increase flexibility and improve blood flow. Cartilage actually receives its nutrition from joint fluid, so the more you can exercise the better. It is also important to mix between weight bearing and non-weight bearing exercises, such as aquatic exercises or bicycling. A balance between aerobic and strengthening exercises is highly recommended. It is also highly recommended that you see a physical therapist first before starting an arthritis exercise regime. Our physical therapists are medical specialists in prescribing the right exercises for individuals with arthritis and can teach you how to protect your joints.
2. Vitamins – According to the Arthritis Foundation, there are a mix of studies showing some benefits to using glucosomine and chondroitin. Glucosomine is naturally made in the body and helps support the cartilage by retaining water and preventing wear. Additional supplements may help. Some studies show that glucosomine may slow down joint damage.
3. Avoid inflammatory foods – There are foods that increase the body’s natural inflammation response. Arthritis is a condition of joints that become inflamed. Therefore, by avoiding foods with high fat, fried foods, sodas, high sugar content and processed foods, you help to naturally relieve the inflammation in your body. This helps a number of other systems in your body too.
4. Calcium and Magnesium – Many people are deficient in calcium and magnesium. These are vital minerals needed for hundreds of processes in your body. Having enough calcium and magnesium, builds strong bones and reduces irritated nerve endings, decreasing pain. If possible, find supplements that are in powder form that can be easily digested and help your body’s intake of these essential minerals.
5. Sleep – Sleep is a time for our body and brain to repair itself. It is important to make sure you are getting enough sleep, 7-8 hours at least, to allow your body to repair and decrease pain. When you are tired, your body does not function as well, increasing the inflammatory response and reducing your pain threshold.
Physical therapy is one of the best ways to improve your arthritis pain. We help your joints reduce pain and inflammation, and then increase your strength and flexibility so your joints are healthier. Contact Rehab Access today for more information on our Arthritis Program and discover how you can live life pain free!
April 20, 2018