What is the goal of physical therapy?<\/p>\n
The goal of physical therapy is to get a person back to the point where he or
\nshe can perform normal, everyday activities without difficulty.<\/p>\n
Preserving good range of motion and strength is key to maintaining the ability
\nto perform daily activities. Therefore, increasing the range of motion of a
\njoint and building strength in the involved muscles surrounding the joint (since
\nstronger muscles can better stabilize a weakened joint) are the primary focus of
\nphysical therapy.<\/p>\n
Physical therapists provide exercises designed to preserve the strength and use
\nof your joints. They can show you the best way to move from one position to
\nanother and can also teach you how to use walking aids such as crutches, a
\nwalker or a cane, if necessary.<\/p>\n
What are some benefits of physical therapy programs?<\/p>\n
You gain education about your type of arthritis, so that you can be well
\ninformed.<\/p>\n
You will learn therapeutic methods to relieve discomfort and improve performance
\nthrough various physical techniques and activity modifications.<\/p>\n
What techniques will I learn?<\/p>\n
Rest. Bed rest helps reduce both joint inflammation and pain, and is especially
\nuseful when multiple joints are affected and fatigue is a major problem.<\/p>\n
Thermal modalities. Applying ice packs or heating pads, as well as deep heat
\nprovided by ultrasound and hot packs, can help relieve local pain. Heat also
\nrelaxes muscle spasm around inflamed joints. Heating joints and muscles with a
\nwarm bath or shower before exercising may help you exercise more easily.<\/p>\n
Exercise. Exercise is an important part of arthritis treatment that is most
\neffective when done properly every day. Your doctor and therapist will prescribe
\na program for you that may vary as your needs change.<\/p>\n
What therapy is offered for people recovering from joint replacement?<\/p>\n
Preoperative programs of education and exercise, started before surgery, are
\ncontinued at home. They may be changed in the hospital after surgery to fit new
\nneeds during the rehabilitation period. These exercises may be added to your
\nusual exercise regimen, and you may find your ability to exercise has improved
\nafter surgery.<\/p>\n
What joint protection techniques are offered?<\/p>\n
There are ways to reduce the stress on joints affected by arthritis while
\nparticipating in daily activities. Some of these include:<\/p>\n
Controlling your weight to avoid putting extra stress on weight-bearing joints
\nsuch as the back, hips, knees and feet.<\/p>\n
Being aware of body position, using good posture to protect your back and the
\njoints of your legs and feet. When possible, sit down to do a job instead of
\nstanding. Change position often since staying in one position for a long time
\ntends to increase stiffness and pain.<\/p>\n
Conserving energy by allowing for rest periods, both during the workday and
\nduring an activity.<\/p>\n
Respecting pain. It is your body’s way of telling you something is wrong. Don’t
\ntry an activity that puts strain on joints that are already painful or stiff.
\nSome joint protection techniques include:<\/p>\n
Using proper body mechanics for getting in and out of a car, chair or tub, as
\nwell as for lifting objects.<\/p>\n
Using your strongest joints and muscles to reduce the stress on smaller joints.
\nFor example, carrying a purse or briefcase with a shoulder strap rather than
\nwith your hand.<\/p>\n
Reviewed by the doctors at The Cleveland Clinic Department of Rheumatic and Learn more about our physical therapy<\/a> philosophy and approach and our superior staff of physical therapists<\/a> on our website.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
\nImmunologic Diseases.
\nEdited by Michael W. Smith, MD, Sept. 2003.
\nCopyright \u00a9 2004, The Cleveland Clinic.
\nReprinted courtesy of WebMD<\/em><\/p>\n