There are likely many patients in the Gretna, Louisiana, area who are suffering from arthritis. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that more than 25% of adults in Louisiana have some form of arthritis. With practically a one-in-four chance of having this condition, it’s in your best interest to know more about arthritis and how a physical therapist can help you treat it.

How does arthritis affect the joints?

There are two types of arthritis that commonly affect the joints. One of these is osteoarthritis, and this type is typically the result of natural aging. For instance, the movements you make every day can cause cartilage in your joints to wear out over time. In turn, issues like this may lead to joint inflammation, pain and difficulty moving the joint.

Rheumatoid arthritis is the second type of arthritis that may be affecting your joints. This issue happens when your body mistakenly attacks the lining of your joints. Unlike osteoarthritis, it commonly affects every joint in the body at the same time. However, it does typically lead to inflammation, pain and lower range of motion, but rheumatoid arthritis patients may also have fevers and loss of appetite.

Aquatic therapy is one therapy method used in arthritis treatment

Aquatic therapy is one name used for a therapy method that has patients perform exercises in a pool. This technique may also be called water therapy or aquatic rehab. The factor that makes aquatic rehab so effective is it makes use of several natural characteristics of water.

For example, water has the ability to make objects float, which is called buoyancy. Buoyancy is also helpful because it reduces the effects of gravity on your joints, and this can make it easier for you to perform movements recommended by a physical therapist. Also, water exerts an inward force on the body called compression. This natural compression helps stabilize your arthritic joints and increases blood flow.

Find physical therapy for your arthritis at Rehab Access in Gretna

Rehab Access is proud to have a physical therapy clinic right here in Gretna, and our team can help treat many injuries and medical conditions. This includes various types of arthritis. Our physical therapy plans for arthritis are personalized to fit each patient, and they may include many therapy methods, such as aquatic therapy. However, the best thing about our arthritis treatment plans is the benefit they’re designed to provide, which may include:

• Reduced joint pain
• Decreased inflammation
• Improved range of motion
• Increased ability to do normal daily tasks

Are you ready to take the next step to find relief from your arthritis symptoms? Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment.