Shoulder arthritis can significantly impact daily life. The condition causes pain and restricts mobility, making it much more difficult to perform the various reaching and grasping motions needed for basic tasks. Managing shoulder arthritis often requires a multifaceted approach, including physical therapy to address pain and maintain function.
Unfortunately, arthritis has no cure, but the team at PhysioCare Rehab and Wellness offers practical, non-invasive options to reduce your symptoms so you can live a full, active life. Today, we want to explore our approach to managing shoulder arthritis in more detail. And if you’d like to get started with treatment, schedule an appointment at our Brandywine, MD, Lanham, MD, and Silver Spring, MD clinics today!
Understanding Shoulder Arthritis and Its Symptoms
There are over a hundred different types of arthritis. The most common by far is osteoarthritis, which occurs when the cartilage in the shoulder joint wears down. However, the shoulder is also a common location for rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune condition in which the body’s immune system attacks the joint’s tissue.
The following symptoms generally indicate arthritis:
- Persistent pain in the shoulder, especially during movement
- Limited range of motion that makes it difficult to lift or rotate the arm
- Stiffness and aching that may worsen after periods of inactivity
- Clicking or grinding sounds due to bone-on-bone contact
These symptoms can make it much harder to perform everyday tasks like dressing, grooming, or performing chores.
How Physical Therapy Can Help Manage Shoulder Arthritis Symptoms
Physical therapy plays a vital role in managing shoulder arthritis. One of the best ways to reduce your symptoms is to stay active, although that can be challenging when movement worsens your pain. Our team will work with you to minimize discomfort and enhance shoulder function.
Three Ways Physical Therapy Can Help with Shoulder Arthritis
1. Pain Relief Techniques to Ease Discomfort
- We offer several all-natural approaches to management, including manual therapy, targeted stretches, and various treatment modalities. These techniques help prepare your body for therapeutic exercise.
2. Exercises to Improve Shoulder Mobility
- Increasing shoulder mobility is crucial in reducing the impact of shoulder arthritis. We’ll show you simple mobility exercises tailored to your condition and pain level, allowing for gradual improvement in shoulder movement without causing additional discomfort.
3. Strengthening Muscles to Support the Shoulder Joint
- Strengthening the rotator cuff and other muscles around the shoulder helps improve the joint’s stability and reduce joint stress. We’ll select the right exercises for your needs and ensure you perform them correctly. Over time, these exercises can help you find lasting pain relief.
Getting Started with Physical Therapy for Shoulder Arthritis
Physical therapy offers a safe, effective way to manage shoulder arthritis symptoms without relying on medications or invasive procedures. With exercises and techniques tailored to your needs, you can experience significant improvements in both pain and mobility.
If you’re ready to start managing shoulder arthritis and want to explore how physical therapy can help, schedule an appointment at PhysioCare Rehab and Wellness’s Brandywine, MD, Lanham, MD, and Silver Spring, MD clinics today!
