Arthritis & Joint Pain
Arthritis causes joint pain and stiffness, most often osteoarthritis, the wear-and-tear kind, in the knees, hips, hands and spine. The right exercise does not wear joints out faster, and physical therapy can ease pain, keep you moving and help you prepare for joint replacement if you need one. Xcelerate Physical Therapy treats arthritis in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania.
Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are different
Both cause joint pain, and therapy has a role in each.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is the gradual wearing of the cartilage that cushions a joint. It leads to stiff joints, aching and sometimes the feeling that it is bone on bone. Strength and movement protect the joint, so therapy is a main part of care.
Rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory condition that your doctor manages. Rheumatoid arthritis physical therapy supports that care by keeping joints moving, strengthening the muscles around them and teaching you how to pace daily activity.
Why arthritis exercise helps instead of hurting
Joints are nourished by movement, and strong muscles absorb force before it reaches the joint. Resting a sore joint for too long usually leaves it stiffer and weaker. Arthritis exercise is built in steps, so your joints get stronger without being pushed past what they can handle.
Many people searching for how to avoid knee replacement are really asking whether they can build enough strength and motion to put it off. Exercise is one of the most effective treatments, and we will give you an honest picture of what to expect from your own joints.
Arthritis by joint
Each joint has its own page with more detail.
Knee arthritis
Stiffness after sitting and pain on stairs. See knee pain.
Hip arthritis
Groin or thigh pain and trouble with socks and shoes. See hip pain.
Hand arthritis
Sore, stiff thumbs and fingers. See hand and wrist pain.
Spine
A stiff, aching back that eases as you move. See back pain.
What your plan can include
Moving the joint
- Therapeutic exercise and strengthening
- Joint mobilization
- Weight-bearing exercise
Walking and balance
- Gait training
- Assistive device training, such as a cane or walker
- Help with balance, see Fall Prevention
Everyday life
- Activity modification for work and home
- Pacing so flare-ups are rarer
- A home program you can keep doing
Before and after a joint replacement
Getting stronger before surgery often makes recovery smoother, and our therapists follow your surgeon's protocol afterward. The week-by-week details are on post-surgical rehab. Persistent pain that goes beyond one joint is something to discuss with your doctor, and we will help you decide when to do that.
Arthritis and joint pain care in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania
Xcelerate Physical Therapy treats arthritis and joint pain at our Newtown Square clinic, 214 S. Newtown Street Road.
In Pennsylvania you can see a physical therapist without a physician’s referral, but your insurance may require one: call the number on your insurance card to check, or call us before your first visit.
Meet the people who treat you on our team page.