Maintaining an Active Lifestyle with Osteoarthritis: How Physical Therapy Can Help

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common condition that affects the joints, causing pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. If you’ve been diagnosed with OA, you may think that staying active is no longer an option due to the discomfort. However, physical therapy plays a key role in helping people with OA continue living an active and fulfilling life. At Elevate Therapy, we use evidence-based approaches to help you stay active, reduce pain, and improve mobility, even with osteoarthritis.

How Physical Therapy Can Help You Stay Active with OA

Contrary to the common belief that joint pain means you should rest, physical therapy can actually help you maintain or even increase your activity levels over time. Research consistently shows that exercise and movement are among the best ways to manage OA symptoms and improve joint health. Physical therapists are trained to develop safe and personalized treatment plans that target your specific needs, enabling you to stay active while minimizing pain and preventing further joint damage.

Here’s how physical therapy can help you continue to lead an active lifestyle despite having OA:

1. Pain Reduction and Management

One of the primary goals of physical therapy is to reduce pain. Manual therapy techniques, like joint mobilizations and soft tissue work, help reduce stiffness and improve mobility. Studies show that manual therapy can significantly reduce pain and increase joint function in people with OA (Kras, et al., 2016). Additionally, your physical therapist will guide you through specific exercises to strengthen muscles around the affected joint, which helps take the strain off the joint itself, leading to less pain over time.

2. Strengthening Muscles for Joint Support

A strong, stable muscle structure around the affected joint is crucial for managing OA. Physical therapy focuses on strengthening the muscles that support your joints, especially those around the knee, hip, and back. Research indicates that strengthening the quadriceps and hamstrings around the knee, for example, can significantly reduce pain and improve function in people with knee osteoarthritis (Bennell, et al., 2010). Stronger muscles help absorb shock, reduce joint stress, and improve stability, enabling you to continue moving without fear of further damage or pain.

3. Improving Flexibility and Range of Motion

OA often causes stiffness, which can make even simple tasks difficult. Physical therapy includes stretching and mobility exercises that help improve range of motion in the affected joint. For example, research has shown that range-of-motion exercises are effective in increasing joint mobility and decreasing pain in patients with OA (Fransen, et al., 2015). The more flexible your joints are, the easier it is to move, which helps you stay active in your everyday life.

4. Tailored Exercise Programs to Keep You Active

Physical therapists develop personalized exercise programs to meet your needs and goals. These programs typically include low-impact activities, such as walking, cycling, or swimming, that don’t put excessive stress on the joints but still allow you to stay active. Research supports the benefits of regular aerobic exercise in improving cardiovascular fitness and joint function, which can help keep you active for longer (Hochberg, et al., 2012).

Additionally, exercises that focus on improving balance and core strength can prevent falls and help you stay active without worrying about stability.

5. Preventing Further Joint Damage

Physical therapy isn’t just about managing current symptoms; it’s also about preventing future damage. By working with a physical therapist, you can learn the correct ways to move and use your joints, which can help you avoid overloading them. Joint protection strategies, like proper posture and ergonomics, can minimize the risk of further joint degeneration. Research shows that a combination of strengthening, stretching, and patient education can slow the progression of OA and help you maintain mobility for a longer period (Osteoarthritis Research Society International, 2019).

6. Promoting Long-Term Wellness

Finally, physical therapy doesn’t just focus on short-term pain relief. It’s about giving you the tools and confidence to maintain an active lifestyle long-term. Studies have shown that patients with OA who engage in regular physical therapy have better outcomes in terms of mobility, pain relief, and overall quality of life (Meyer, et al., 2019). With physical therapy, you’ll be empowered to continue doing the activities you enjoy, from walking and running to gardening and playing sports.

Exercise: The Key to Staying Active with OA

While physical therapy provides the foundation, incorporating regular exercise into your routine is essential for maintaining an active lifestyle with OA. Exercise helps maintain joint function, reduce pain, and improve overall fitness. In addition to the exercises prescribed by your physical therapist, other activities like swimming, tai chi, or cycling can complement your therapy and provide ongoing benefits.

What to Expect with Our OA Treatment Plan

At Elevate Therapy, we take a patient-centered approach to managing OA. Our experienced physical therapists will:

• Conduct a thorough evaluation to understand your condition.
• Create a personalized treatment plan that combines manual therapy, strengthening exercises, stretching, and joint protection techniques.
• Educate you on safe movement patterns to protect your joints and prevent further damage.
• Help you develop an exercise routine to stay active and enjoy life without being limited by OA.
  

Start Your Journey to Staying Active Today

Don’t let osteoarthritis hold you back from the activities you love. With the right physical therapy plan, you can manage your symptoms, reduce pain, and maintain an active, fulfilling lifestyle. At Elevate Therapy, we are dedicated to helping you achieve long-term wellness and keep moving, no matter what.

Contact us today to schedule an appointment and begin your journey toward better mobility and a more active life.