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 your joints out faster, and it is one of the most useful treatments. Spine & Rehab Specialists treats arthritis and joint pain in El Paso, Texas.
Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and stiff joints
Osteoarthritis develops as cartilage thins over the years and the joint becomes stiff and sore, especially after rest and with heavy use. Rheumatoid arthritis is different: the immune system attacks the lining of the joints, and your doctor leads treatment. Physical therapy has a role in both. For either, the aim is the same: less stiffness, stronger muscles around the joint and an easier day.
If an X-ray says bone on bone, that does not decide how much you can do. Plenty of people with a worn joint on the scan stay active when the muscles around it are strong. Our therapists help reduce stiffness and pain with strengthening and stretching routines.
Why exercise helps arthritis instead of hurting it
A joint is fed by movement, and muscles protect it.
Strong muscles share the load
Strengthening the muscles around a knee or hip reduces the stress that lands on the joint.
Motion keeps joints lubricated
Gentle movement eases stiffness, while long rest tends to make it worse.
Arthritis exercise is adjusted
We choose the amount, the position and the surface so exercise is tolerable, then progress it.
Treatment we use for arthritis
Your plan is based on which joints are affected and what you want to do again. It can include therapeutic exercise and strengthening, hands-on therapy to ease stiff joints (see manual therapy), and gait training with a walking aid if one would help.
For many people with sore knees and hips, the warm water in our heated aquatic therapy pool at the Physicians clinic helps. Buoyancy supports your weight, which lowers the stress on each joint and makes exercise easier and less painful. See aquatic therapy.
Arthritis in the knee, hip, hand and spine
Knee arthritis
Stairs, kneeling and long walks get harder. See knee pain.
Hip arthritis
Groin or thigh pain and stiffness putting on shoes. See hip pain.
Hands and wrists
Stiff, sore joints that make gripping hard. See hand and wrist pain.
Spine
Stiffness and aching in the back and neck. See back pain.
Questions about arthritis and surgery
Can physical therapy help me avoid knee replacement?
We cannot promise that. Strength and movement can help control pain and keep you functioning, and some people put surgery off longer. If you do need a joint replacement, getting stronger first helps your recovery, and we guide you afterward on post-surgical rehab.
Is it bad for my joints to exercise when they hurt?
Some discomfort can be normal while you adjust, but pain that is sharp or lingers is a sign to tell your therapist so we can change the plan. Pain that lasts well beyond what the joint explains is covered on chronic pain.
Do I need a doctor's referral for rheumatoid arthritis physical therapy?
In many cases not, because Texas allows direct access. Your rheumatologist still manages your medication, and we help with movement and strength.
Move with less joint pain in El Paso, Texas
Persistent pain in the same joints? See also chronic pain. Call our Edgemere or Physicians clinic, or request an appointment. In many cases you do not need a referral in Texas, and we can help verify your insurance requirements before your first visit.
We see patients at our Edgemere and Physicians clinics in El Paso, Texas.