What is Arthritis?
There are actually several types and causes of arthritis. The most common form of arthritis treated by physical therapists is osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis causes cartilage to break down. The cartilage is at the ends of bones. This condition effects millions of people around the world. And usually occurs at the weight bearing joints such as knees, hips, spine.
Arthritis effects each person differently. Some people, with an X-ray like the one above, are still out running marathons and skiing. While others find it difficult to walk around the neighborhood or go up a flight of stairs.
Commonly, a diagnosis of arthritis accompanies symptoms of pain, stiffness, and swelling. And these are the reasons people come to physical therapy- not because of the actual arthritis.
While physical therapy cannot regrow your cartilage, we can help improve your flexibility and strength to help decrease your pain.
Arthritis is often caused by muscle imbalances. If you think about a joint as having 4 sides- imagine 1 or 2 of those sides are really tight. So those muscles tug at the joint a little stronger than the other side. That throws off the mechanics of the joint and puts pressure and stress on one part of joint, wearing it out faster.
—Korey Pieper, DPT, OCS
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/arthritis/symptoms-causes/syc-20350772