Arthritis & Joint Pain
Arthritis means painful, stiff joints, most often osteoarthritis, the wear-and-tear kind, in the knees, hips, hands and spine. The right exercise is an important part of managing it: stretching and strengthening the muscles around an arthritic joint can improve function and decrease pain. East Mountain Physical Therapy treats arthritis in Cedar Crest, Edgewood, Tijeras and Moriarty.
I have arthritis. Is it okay to exercise?
What kind of exercise is right?
Stretching and strengthening the muscles around the joint. High impact weight-bearing exercise can worsen symptoms and should be avoided, and so can stress on the joint in extreme positions, such as excessive bending of the knees.
What about the water?
Exercising in water is an ideal choice because movement is allowed without excessive stress on the joints.
Who builds the program?
A physical therapist can develop and progress a specific exercise program for your particular condition.
Arthritis where it hurts
Knee
Stairs and getting up from a chair: knee pain.
Hip
Groin pain and a stiff hip: hip pain.
Hand and thumb
Aching base of the thumb: hand and wrist pain.
Spine
Stiffness and back pain: back pain.
Keeping joints moving, and planning for surgery
Strength and motion can help delay joint replacement, and if you do need one, being stronger before surgery helps recovery: see post-surgical rehab. Our therapists also help with daily activity changes and walking aids. When pain has lasted for months, chronic pain care may apply.
Arthritis & Joint Pain care in the East Mountains
We see patients from Cedar Crest, Edgewood, Tijeras, Moriarty and the East Mountains.