The winter season is upon us, and for many, that means outdoor tasks such as snow removal are added to our list of chores. These tasks can be even more difficult for those with arthritis, as the cold weather can worsen arthritis symptoms such as joint pain, stiffness, and swelling.
How can ACCESS PT help?
Weather and temperature changes play a role in how our bodies feel, especially with arthritis. PT can help alleviate some of the discomfort caused by these changes and help you manage your body better, helping you prevent further injury and manage joint flare ups.
Our routines change and we are not as active in the winter as in the summer and spring. This is problematic because a lack of physical activity can make arthritis symptoms even worse. At PT we will keep you active (or help you get moving again) and teach you an exercise program you can continue at home. We will even work with your physician and healthcare team to help you meet your goals.
PT/OT Treatment to include:
- Heat/cold therapies
- Relaxation techniques
- Splints and braces to reduce pressure
- Assistive device training
- Exercises to improve strength, range of motion, endurance, decrease pain
- Home exercises program for carry over
Goals for our patients with arthritis
As physical therapists, our goal is to improve the way your body moves, preserving your ability to complete daily tasks and participate in the activities you love. Specifically, we help arthritis patients to:
- Decrease pain in joints to normalize your gait (walking pattern)
- Increase strength and flexibility, helping you to bend properly and enabling you to play with your grandchildren more.
- Educate you on proper shoveling techniques to remove snow
- Increase endurance and ability to stand longer to prepare those winter holiday meals
- Improve sitting posture while you’re enjoying a book by the fire
We understand that the amount of arthritis you have does not always match the severity of your symptoms. As we address your movement limitations, we will look at you as a whole person. We are movement specialists who will work with you and your personal problem list. Degenerative changes happen to all of us, and we will help you work through this.
Contact your local ACCESS PT office today to discuss ways we can get you back on track this winter and reduce your arthritis flare ups!
