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Physical therapy has long been a pillar of conservative treatment for people who have sustained injuries or those with degenerative conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Many people find that a regimen of gentle exercises can help them cope with the pain that these conditions may cause, as well as help them restore function for the areas of the body that are affected.
Physical Therapy
Some of the more common approaches to physical therapy – particularly in the case of people with arthritis – include:
- Daily walking as possible, with use of a cane or walking device as needed
- Isometric, or pushing, exercises that can improve muscle strength without impacts that would further damage affected joints
- Isotonic, or pulling, exercises that work on muscle function and strengthening
Although completing regular physical therapy under the watch of a therapist and/or at home can often produce successful results, not every patient finds relief this way. People often need additional methods to help relieve their symptoms, such as taking medication.
However, not everyone will find that these conservative approaches are enough to relieve their pain and may need surgery to help with their arthritis and related symptoms. Florida Medical Orthopedics, Sports Medicine & Spine’s Stephen Raterman, MD, offers surgical help for those who haven’t had luck with the other methods designed to address arthritis or musculoskeletal injury.
If you are experiencing reduced mobility, pain, or other symptoms that physical therapy and other conservative treatment approaches haven’t improved, contact Florida Medical Orthopedics, Sports Medicine & Spine today. We can provide more information about your options and tell you about the advanced procedures that Dr. Raterman offers.
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