Osteoarthritis is a common form of arthritis that seniors struggle to manage alone. This condition causes a lot of pain, reduced mobility, and joint stiffness. There isn’t a cure for osteoarthritis, but there are some solutions seniors might be willing to try, like in-home therapy services. Here’s how it can help.
Osteoarthritis and Joint Health
This type of arthritis occurs when the cartilage between bones wears down over time or after an injury. Osteoarthritis is a progressive condition that limits mobility in affected joints. It can occur in any joint in the body but is often found in the knees, hands, hips, and spine.
As osteoarthritis progresses, it can have a profound impact on daily life. Seniors may have difficulty walking, engaging in leisure activities, or even performing daily household chores.
Improved Joint Function
The first step in managing osteoarthritis through in-home therapy services involves focusing on specific exercises to treat swelling and pain. Strengthening the large and small muscles around the joint helps to support arthritic joints.
Stronger muscles reduce stress on the joints, which can improve mobility and reduce pain. Strengthening the muscles around the joint can also help to increase flexibility in the joint.
Customizing Movement Programs
In-home therapy services providers assess their patients’ needs and conditions so that they can put together customized exercise programs to treat symptoms. These programs usually include low-impact exercises that are easy on the joints while helping to increase strength.
Physical therapists may also use techniques like massage, myofascial release, or hot and cold treatments to make movements easier and reduce pain.
Alleviating Discomfort and Pain
In-home therapy services can reduce pain and discomfort in other ways, too. Simply moving more helps to lubricate the joints more effectively and warms up the area. Other techniques, like electrical stimulation, help to reduce swelling and pain in the affected joints.
Some of these options are excellent also for warming up and cooling down before and after exercise so that seniors don’t injure themselves.
Understanding Joint Protection
The more seniors understand about osteoarthritis and how to protect their joints, the more they can do on their own at home to feel better, too. In-home therapy services provide seniors with the opportunity to consult with experts and learn about proper body mechanics and techniques to reduce strain on their joints.
Physical therapists help their patients to learn as much as possible about their conditions so they can make informed decisions about how to move forward with treatment options.
Long-term Benefits of Physical Therapy
Seniors with osteoarthritis can experience some fast benefits from in-home therapy services. They can experience long-term benefits, too. Regularly engaging in physical activities can help seniors stay mobile and help prevent further loss of function.
When in-home therapy services help seniors experience less pain, they have a better overall quality of life. Seniors learn more about how to live their best lives, even with osteoarthritis.
In-home therapy services help seniors manage a variety of physical issues, including osteoarthritis. Working with skilled physical therapists helps them to protect their joints now and in the future.
If you or an aging loved one is considering In-Home Therapy Services in Tampa, FL, please contact the caring staff at Family First Healthcare Services today at (813) 461-8000.
Family First Healthcare Services is a top provider of in-home health services in Tampa, Bradenton, Brandon, Riverview, Lakeland, Winter Haven, Haines City, Lakewood Ranch, Palmetto, Town ‘n’ Country, Florida, and surrounding areas.
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