Arthritis & Joint Pain
Arthritis is joint pain and stiffness, most often osteoarthritis, the wear-and-tear kind, in the knees, hips, hands and spine. Physical therapy for arthritis uses the right exercise, hands-on care and daily-activity advice to ease joint pain and keep you moving. We treat arthritis in Chubbuck and Pocatello, Idaho, and Matt Krammen, PT, DPT, Cert DN often sees it in his orthopedic work.
Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and the rest
Arthritis is not one disease. There are more than 100 types, and joint pain and stiffness are the common thread.
Osteoarthritis
Cartilage wears down, and people often describe it as bone on bone. Joint pain is the main symptom, and it tends to worsen over time. Exercise and strengthening are central to PT here.
Rheumatoid arthritis
An autoimmune condition that affects women more often than men and can start at any age. Rheumatoid arthritis physical therapy aims to keep you mobile and comfortable alongside your doctor's care.
Infectious arthritis
Also called septic arthritis, it is usually caused by germs infecting a joint. It needs a doctor, not a therapist, first.
Why stiff joints get better with the right exercise
It seems backwards, but regular exercise may be the most effective non-surgical way to handle osteoarthritis. Movement helps stiff joints move more freely and strengthens the muscles that share the load, and it can help in other kinds of arthritis too.
Arthritis exercise has to fit you. The key is the right exercise for your age, ability and symptoms, which is why starting with a physical therapist matters. We build therapeutic exercise around what your joints can handle today.
Arthritis by body part
Each joint has its own page for the details.
Knee arthritis
Stiffness after sitting and pain on stairs are common. Read Knee Pain.
- Strengthening around the knee
- Joint mobilization
Hip arthritis
Often felt in the groin or outer hip. Read Hip Pain.
- Hip motion and strength work
- Walking and daily-activity advice
Hands and fingers
Sore, stiff finger and thumb joints are covered on Hand & Wrist Pain.
- Range-of-motion exercise
- Home exercise for grip and motion
Spine
Wear in the spinal joints can cause back and neck stiffness. See Back Pain.
- Mobility and posture work
- Core and hip strengthening
How we treat arthritis at our clinic
Your therapist looks at which joints are involved, how they move and what your day demands, then builds the plan.
- Manual therapy and joint mobilization to improve range of motion in affected joints
- Aerobic exercise such as brisk walking to build stamina
- A home exercise program, plus changes at home so you move more efficiently
- Ice to reduce swelling and heat to ease stiffness
Delaying surgery, and getting ready if it comes
People often ask whether they can avoid knee replacement or put off a hip replacement. We cannot promise that, and your surgeon makes that call. What strong muscles and better motion can do is make daily life easier now and put you in better shape if surgery turns out to be the right choice. If you are heading toward surgery, see Pre-Surgical Rehab. After a replacement, read Post-Surgical Rehab.
If your pain is widespread or has no clear joint behind it, Chronic Pain may fit better.
Arthritis questions
Will exercise wear out my joints faster?
Regular exercise at the right level is one of the better ways to care for an arthritic joint. Your therapist sets that level for you.
Do I need a referral?
Idaho allows direct access to physical therapy, so you do not need a referral from a doctor to begin. Some insurance plans, and Medicare typically, may still require one. If you are unsure, call us and we will check your plan.
Does insurance cover it?
We accept most insurance plans and verify your benefits before you arrive. Auto injury liens, Medpay and workers compensation are accepted, and there is a self-pay option. Call the office to confirm your plan.
Arthritis care in Chubbuck, Idaho
Call or request an appointment at our Chubbuck clinic. We see patients from Chubbuck, Pocatello and the surrounding area.
We see patients at our Chubbuck clinic from Chubbuck and Pocatello, Idaho.