Arthritis Specialist
TLC Physical Therapy
Physical Therapy & Private Medical Practices located in North Shore, Staten Island, NY & South Shore, Staten Island, NY
Arthritis is a widespread chronic disease that affects about 1 in 4 adults in the United States. At TLC Physical Therapy, Jason LaMendola, PT, and his skilled team offer holistic physical therapy treatments that relieve arthritis pain and reduce the risk of further problems associated with the disease. Call an office in Staten Island or Midtown Manhattan in New York, or Englishtown in New Jersey to schedule an appointment today. Alternatively, you can use the online scheduling page to book.
Arthritis Q&A
What is arthritis?
Arthritis is a common disease that affects the joints (the parts of your body that connect two bones together). Arthritis causes joint degeneration and pain that can range from a mild ache to severe shooting pain. There may be a variety of symptoms associated with arthritis.
What are the symptoms of arthritis?
Common arthritis symptoms include:
- Stiffness
- Swelling
- Pain
- Redness
- Warmth
- Reduced range of motion
- Reduced mobility
- Joint deformities
Arthritis can attack your spine, shoulders, hips, knees, and smaller joints in your elbows, ankles, wrists, fingers, and toes. Wherever it affects, pain is an unavoidable symptom.
What are the risk factors for arthritis?
Anyone can develop arthritis, but some things that increase your risk may include:
- Older age
- Family history of arthritis
- Previous joint injuries
- Being overweight
- Poor dietary habits
- Lack of exercise
However, women are more likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis, which causes your body’s immune system to attack the joints. On the other hand, men are more likely to experience gout, a form of arthritis that causes uric acid buildup in your blood and joint pain. Gout most often affects the big-toe joint.
How does my provider diagnose arthritis?
Providers may diagnose arthritis after checking your vital signs, reviewing your symptoms and medical history, completing a physical exam, and ordering blood tests. They might also recommend that you undergo X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, ultrasounds, or other diagnostic imaging procedures.
How does physical therapy help with arthritis?
If you have crippling arthritis, it’s essential to follow your doctor’s treatment instructions. Physical therapy exercises strengthen joint tissues, ease pain, stimulate blood flow, and improve healing. They also improve the range of motion in the affected joints and reduce your risk of future arthritis-related joint problems.
You might need physical therapy after undergoing joint surgery to repair or replace damaged tissues. Your therapist works with you to complete injury-specific strength and flexibility exercises as joint tissues heal. They tailor each physical therapy session to match your needs.
To learn more about physical therapy treatment for arthirits pain, call a TLC Physical Therapy office today in Staten Island or Midtown Manhattan in New York, or Englishtown in New Jersey. Online scheduling is also available to book