Our hands are the front line for our physical connection with the world around us. We use them to interact with just about everything. When you have arthritis in your hands, it’s painful and difficult for you to accomplish even the most simple of tasks. This leaves many people looking for the best treatment for managing arthritis in the hands, so they can get back to living a life with less pain.
Treating arthritis in the hands with physical therapy
No one can tell you what the best treatment for managing arthritis in your hands is other than your doctor. However, it’s generally accepted that physical therapy is one of the most reliable ways people with arthritis in the hands can manage their pain and improve hand function.
Physical therapists specialize in a variety of treatment methods that can help you with arthritis in your hands. Many of these treatments aim to help with:
- Improving your strength and flexibility — Physical therapists often use exercises and stretches to help people with arthritis improve their strength and flexibility. Stronger and more flexible muscles and soft tissue help reduce pressure off the joints in your hands, which can help reduce pain and tension.
- Improving your range of motion — Some physical therapy treatments, such as joint mobilization and soft tissue mobilization, focus specifically on releasing tension and improving your range of motion.
- Improving your posture — Poor posture during certain activities that involve the hands, such as typing, can cause an increase of pain when you have arthritis. Your physical therapist can examine your posture for a variety of activities involving your hands, and they can guide you through adjustments that can improve your posture to help reduce pain.
Additionally, physical therapists provide patient education that can help people like you improve your quality of life when you have arthritis in the hands. Your physical therapist may provide some guidance on how to perform certain daily activities to reduce stress on your hands. They can also show you how to wear hand or wrist braces correctly.
Talk to Panther Physical Therapy today about treatment for arthritis in the hands
Is arthritis in your hands limiting your ability to perform simple daily tasks or to enjoy your favorite activities? Our physical therapists at Panther are available to walk with you through your journey in managing arthritis pain and overcoming your daily challenges. Contact our team today for more information about treatment for arthritis in the hands or to schedule an initial appointment.