Physical Therapy role in the presence of knee/hip arthritis?

Arthritis versus Arthrosis

Arthritis is a term used to describe an inflammatory condition involving one or more joints throughout the body. It is often accompanied by pain, swelling and warmth in the involved joint(s).

Arthrosis is a term which describes a non-inflammatory degenerative condition associated with aging. It affects mainly cartilage, which becomes rugged, irregular and worn out. This breakdown of cartilage can cause pain and loss of mobility of the joint.

What Causes Arthritis/Arthrosis?

Arthritis may result from:
Injury
Infection
Metabolic Disorders
Immune System Disorders
Weight Issues

Arthrosis may result from:
Injury
Aging
Long-term wear and tear of cartilage in the joints

You are most at risk for arthritis/arthrosis if:

Have a family history of arthritis/arthrosis
Are middle-aged or older
Have had previous joint injury
Are considered overweight

Treatment Options

There’s improving research that focused Physical Therapy using evidence-based treatment techniques can often speed recovery time while reducing the risk of recurrence of pain in painful/arthritic joints.

Manual therapy to decrease pain, increase range of motion, and improve function
Therapeutic exercises to stretch and strengthen muscles that will improve functional movement patterns.  Functional exercises need to be patient and goal oriented , and truly tailored to your activity level.  Concepts called Self-management education can also reduce chance of recurrence of ‘flare ups’.

Common Surgeries for Arthritis
Some arthritic conditions do not respond to physical therapy alone. In these instances, surgery is required and physical therapy is a follow-up treatment strategy. The most common surgeries are:

Arthroplasty  Total Joint Knee/Hip/Ankle/Shoulder Replacement

At LIVE EVERY DAY, we work with many of the best surgeons in Connecticut and Massachusetts as well as many of their challenging patient cases.  Doctors: Dr. Murray, Dr. Grady-Benson, Dr. McAllister, Dr. Greene, Dr. Kennon, Dr. Keggi, Dr. Mara, Dr. Bissell, Dr. Wasserlauf, Dr. Schuzter, Dr. Lewis to name a few of the exceptional surgeons providing care at the Connecticut Joint Surgery Center.

Matt Calendrillo PT, BOCOP
Doctorate of Physical Therapy, Board Certified Orthotist/Prosthetist, founder
LIVE EVERY DAY
A Physical Therapy, Orthotics, Prosthetics Co.
138 Hopmeadow St.
Simsbury, CT 06089
liveeveryday.org

A full complement of private outpatient services with clinical excellence in orthopedics & neuromuscular re-education throughout the entire age spectrum. Our care is uncompromised. Our results surround a patient-first model: always one-to-one treatments with personalized goals, and a full systematic approach.

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