54.4 million US adults each year are diagnosed with a form of arthritis. So, Highbar created a program to provide patients with the resources they need to manage their arthritis pain. Through a combination of in-clinic and virtual services, patients can recover and resume their favorite activities without pain. Arthritis is a highly manageable condition that, with the right combination of treatments, lifestyle changes, and ongoing support, can significantly reduce your symptoms and improve your quality of life. Highbar’s program focuses on personalized care plans that include physical therapy to alleviate pain and enhance mobility.
Arthritis & Osteoarthritis
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Symptoms of osteoarthritis and arthritis
Osteoarthritis typically affects the joints that bear weight such as the knees, hips, and spine. Symptoms include joint pain, stiffness, swelling, and decreased range of motion. You might notice that the pain is worse after activity or towards the end of the day. Early morning stiffness that lasts less than 30 minutes is also common. Arthritis causes similar symptoms but may also cause fatigue and redness of the joints.
Physical therapy treatment for arthritis
Pain from arthritis or osteoarthritis can be discouraging and limiting, but physical therapy helps you to move without pain or limitation. Your physical therapist will use hands-on therapy to help accelerate your recovery and reduce your pain. Depending on the type of arthritis or osteoarthritis, your physical therapist may also use specialized equipment like the Alter G Anti-Gravity Treadmill or utilize aquatic therapy in Rhode Island’s only HydroWorx pool. Every patient also receives a personalized exercise program from their physical therapist to ensure success.
What to expect of physical therapy for arthritis or osteoarthritis
When you undergo physical therapy for arthritis or osteoarthritis, you can expect a comprehensive and personalized treatment plan designed to manage pain and improve joint function. During your first appointment, your physical therapist will assess your condition through range of motion tests, x-rays, and discussion of medical history. Depending on your diagnosis and severity of symptoms, you may be prescribed exercises to enhance strength and flexibility.
Education on arthritis management is another valuable component of physical therapy, including lifestyle modification and ergonomic adjustment guidance. Regular progress monitoring ensures your PT remains effective, and long-term strategies will be developed to maintain improvements and prevent flare-ups.
Managing Pain and Improving Joint Function
At Highbar Physical Therapy, our joint specialists create personalized treatment plans that address your specific symptoms and goals. Through targeted exercises, hands-on techniques, and activity modifications, we help you manage pain, enhance mobility, maintain joint function, and continue participating in the activities that matter most to you.
Degenerative joint disease
Fibromyalgia
Joint stiffness
Limited Range of Motion
Osteoarthritis (Degenerative Joint Disease)
Psoriatic Arthritis
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Spinal arthritis
Arthritis exercises at home
Your physical therapist will provide home exercises tailored to your strengths and challenges. These exercises include range-of-motion activities to reduce stiffness, strengthening exercises like light weightlifting or resistance band workouts to support and protect joints, and low-impact aerobic exercises such as walking to enhance overall fitness without straining your joints. Balance and coordination exercises, as well as stretching, will help maintain joint function and prevent injuries. By following through with your program, arthritis recovery is possible.
In-clinic joint care
Every patient’s experience with arthritis or osteoarthritis is unique. Our personalized approach includes hands-on, manual therapy to address pain points and improve joint mobility in in-person sessions. Additionally, specialty services such as customized exercise programs, advanced therapeutic techniques, and education on lifestyle modifications are used as needed to ensure comprehensive care.
Highbar’s Joint Health Solution
This combined approach of both in-person and virtual care is the best of both worlds. Not only are patients able to meet with experienced physical therapists, but they can continue to work through virtual programs that can be done anytime, anywhere.
Relief from arthritis pain can happen in the convenience and comfort of a patient’s own home or office. Patients are given access to Exercise is Medicine – our live virtual group exercise class program – as well as recorded exercise programs to follow along. It also includes access to an app with an individualized exercise program that is monitored and updated by the physical therapist and allows the patient to track their progress and securely message their therapist directly.
Keep In Touch
If you have questions for your physical therapist between visits or need to speak with them, it’s easy to reach out! Use the app to talk to your physical therapist directly because we all need a little help or encouragement sometimes.
Track Your Progress
Set your personal goals and speak with your physical therapist about your progress. As you continue with your treatment, the app will help you keep track of the goals you have met. Each time you meet a goal, you’ll earn a new badge and can see just how much you’ve progressed!
Questions about Arthritis & Osteoarthritis? We’ve got answers.
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Ask Us a QuestionDoes insurance cover arthritis physical therapy?
Yes, insurance (including Massachusetts Medicaid and Medicare) covers physical therapy for arthritis. The coverage may include a portion of the care or all of the costs, depending on your treatment plan. For more coverage information please contact us at ” tel: 401-726-7100″ 401-726-7100
What are the benefits of early stage arthritis treatment?
Early treatment for arthritis can help reduce pain and inflammation, slow the progression of the disease, and prevent joint damage. It also improves joint function, enhances mobility, and increases the overall quality of life. Early intervention can help patients manage symptoms more effectively and maintain an active lifestyle.
What are the causes of arthritis?
Arthritis can develop from a variety of factors including genetics, age, joint injuries, obesity, and autoimmune conditions. Family history, wear and tear on joints, infections, and certain lifestyle factors can also increase the risk of developing arthritis. There are several types of arthritis, such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout, each with different causes and risk factors.
What causes osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis is primarily caused by the breakdown of cartilage in the joints, which can occur due to several factors. Understanding these causes can help in managing and potentially mitigating the progression of the disease.
- Aging
- Repetitive joint use in sports or jobs stresses joints
- Past injuries, like fractures or ligament tears
- Excess weight stresses joints
- Family history and genetic mutations affecting cartilage health raise the risk
- Congenital or developmental joint abnormalities
- Women, especially post-menopause, are more likely to develop osteoarthritis
- Weak muscles increase stress on cartilage
Who's a good fit for the Joint Solution Program?
Ask your physical therapist about this program if you want to:
- Reduce pain
- Increase mobility
- Increase function
- Reduce the risk of needing a joint replacement
- Ensure communication of your own healthcare team
- Promote long-term habit changes to keep you healthy, moving, and active