Osteoarthritis Physical Therapy Treatments in Kansas City
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative disease that is sometimes referred to as “wear and tear” on joints.
Primary osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common chronic condition of the joints. It can occur in any joint of the body, but most often occurs in the knees and the hips, as well as the spine, hand, and foot. Osteoarthritis happens when the protective cartilage of the joints wears away, which leads to the bones wearing down over time. This then leads to pain, swelling of the joint, and a loss of full joint range of motion. Individuals at higher risk for developing OA include females, people over the age of 65, those that are overweight, and having had prior injuries to the joint. certain occupations can predispose people to OA, and genetics do play a role in the chronic condition.
Knee Osteoarthritis
Symptoms
Symptoms of OA include pain and stiffness of the affected joint. Difficulty walking is common when OA affects the joints of the hip, knee or foot.
Pain and Symptoms may include:
- Pain in the joint
- Stiffness
- Swelling, especially after activity
- Crepitus (grating sensation)
- Clicking or cracking sound
- Limited range of motion
- Bone spurs (hard lumps on the bone)
Treatments for Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis cannot be reversed; however, it can be managed with physical therapy utilizing a combination of the right exercises, manual treatments, and lifestyle changes. Many people who receive physical therapy treatments for osteoarthritis in Kansas Citycan prolong or even prevent their need for a joint replacement. Should you need a joint replacement, physical therapy prior to surgery has been shown to improve outcomes following your replacement when it comes to range of motion, strength, and overall function.
Our Treatment Process
Our primary physical therapy treatment goal is to improve function and decrease pain associated with osteoarthritis. We utilize techniques such as A.R.T., joint mobilizations, activity-specific strengthening exercises, Rock Taping, Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Massage (IASTM), Dry Needling, and stretching when needed. By focusing on dysfunctional movement patterns, our combination of manual therapy and exercises can reduce stress that is placed on the affected joint and strengthen the surrounding musculature to better support your arthritic joint.
Our physical therapists are also highly trained in rehabilitation following joint replacement surgery and are ready to take you through a treatment plan to return you to full function with a new joint. We work on restoring your range of motion, reducing swelling and post-surgical pain, and getting you back better than before your replacement.
Treatments for osteoarthritis
For post surgical care, check out our chiropractic services for osteoarthritis.
Active Release Technique
Active Release Technique (A.R.T) is one of the leading soft tissue therapies for the treatment of muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia and nerves.
Learn More
Rehabilitation Exercises
Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Exercise that favors quality movements over quantity of reps is key to restoring proper function.
Learn More
Dry Needling
Dry Needling is the process of using a thin needle inserted into a trigger point to relieve a contracture within a muscle.
Learn MoreFrequently Asked Questions
Is there such thing as an osteoarthritis diet?
While no diet can reverse the effects of osteoarthritis or prevent further damage to the joint, there are anti-inflammatory diets that can help with pain management to decrease general low-grade inflammation in the body. Since increased weight is a risk factor for osteoarthritis, diet and exercise to aid in weight loss can help reduce your current symptoms and prevent further wear and tear of the joint.
Is there a cure for degenerative arthritis?
There is no cure for degenerative arthritis, but there are opportunities to slow the process and reduce pain.
Is osteoarthritis the same as osteoporosis?
No osteoarthritis is characterized by a loss of cartilage in your joints, whereas osteoporosis is characterized by a weakening of the bones.
Tell us about your pain.
Take a couple of minutes to tell us about your symptoms and pain areas. Prefer to chat over the phone? Call us for a free phone consultation.
Visit your local F.I.T. Physical Therapist
Meet the team at any of our 10 locations: Lee’s Summit, Leawood, Paola, Crossroads, Blue Valley, Olathe, Liberty, Overland Park, Kansas City & Shawnee.
