Understanding Arthritis and How Outshine Physical Therapy Can Help

Arthritis is a common condition that affects millions of people. It leads to joint pain, stiffness, and can significantly limit mobility and quality of life. At Outshine Physical Therapy, located in Asheville, NC, we specialize in helping individuals manage and alleviate the symptoms of arthritis through our expertise in orthopedic, sports, and performance rehab. Our goal is to improve your quality of life and keep you active. Here’s a look at arthritis and how we can help.

What is Arthritis?

Arthritis is a broad term that covers many different types of joint diseases and conditions. The most common forms of arthritis include:

1. Osteoarthritis (OA): This is the most common type of musculoskeletal arthritis. Often referred to as "wear and tear" arthritis, OA occurs when the cartilage that cushions the ends of bones in your joints deteriorates over time. This can lead to pain, swelling, and reduced joint mobility.

2. Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): RA is an autoimmune disease where the body's immune system attacks the lining of the joints, causing inflammation, pain, and eventual joint damage.

3. Psoriatic Arthritis: Associated with the skin condition psoriasis, this type of arthritis can cause joint pain, stiffness, and swelling.

4. Gout: Gout is a type of inflammatory arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints. It is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in joints, often the joint at the base of the big toe.

   
   
   
   

Symptoms of Arthritis

Common symptoms of arthritis include:

• Joint pain and stiffness

• Fatigue

• Swelling and tenderness in the joints

• Decreased range of motion

• Warmth and redness around the affected joints

  
  

These symptoms can vary in intensity and may come and go, but they often worsen over time if not properly managed.

How Outshine Physical Therapy Can Help

At Outshine Physical Therapy, we offer comprehensive and personalized care to help manage arthritis symptoms and improve your joint function. Here’s how we can help:

1. Comprehensive Assessment: The first step is for us to perform a thorough assessment to understand the specific type and severity of your arthritis. This includes a detailed medical history and physical examination.

2. Individualized Treatment Plans: Based on the assessment, we develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs and goals. This plan may include a combination of manual therapy, therapeutic exercises, and other modalities designed to address your unique condition.

3. Education and Self-Management: We believe in empowering our clients with the knowledge and tools they need to manage their arthritis effectively. This includes education on joint protection techniques, proper body mechanics, and lifestyle modifications to reduce pain and improve function.

4. Holistic Approach: We take a holistic approach to arthritis management, considering all aspects of your health and well-being. This includes addressing any contributing factors such as weight management, sleep, nutrition, and stress, which can play a significant role in arthritis symptoms.

5. Manual Therapy: We use various manual therapy techniques to relieve pain, reduce joint stiffness, and improve mobility. This may include dry needling, joint mobilization, soft tissue massage, and myofascial release.

6. Therapeutic Exercises: Exercise is a key component of managing arthritis. We design individualized exercise programs to strengthen the muscles around the joints, improve flexibility, and enhance overall function. These exercises are tailored to your abilities and progress as your condition improves.

   
   

Why Choose Outshine Physical Therapy?

• Expertise and Experience: We have the experience to help you and are dedicated to providing the highest quality of care.

• Avoid Invasive Treatment: We take pride in helping folks avoid unnecessary medications, injections, and surgeries. But we are here to guide you in that process should you need further care.

• Individualized Attention: We tailor our treatment plans to meet your specific needs, ensuring personalized and effective care.

• State-of-the-Art Facilities: Our clinic in Asheville, NC are equipped with the latest technology and equipment to provide advanced treatment options.

Don’t hesitate to reach out directly with any questions for you or a loved one.

Sincerely,

Dr. Sieara Hinshaw

828-808-3704

sieara@outshineptandfitness.com

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