Issue link: http://www.wacmagazine.com/i/1323259
Arthritis and physical therapy | Aquatic fitness | Meet the athlete | Tips for better sleep 18 WAC Magazine | wac.net Physical therapy Meet the athlete Sleep health Aqua fitness E M I L I O H U E R TA S By Sarah Juul, Doctor of Physical Therapy Does your arthritis cause joint pain that makes it difficult to work out? Do you wake up with joint stiffness or have a hard time moving in the morning? Have you noticed increased swelling or reduced motion in a joint that has been diagnosed with arthritis? If you answer yes to any of these questions, it's time to see a physical therapist. More than 52 million adults in the U.S. have some type of arthritis, the most common being osteoarthritis, which involves the breakdown of cartilage covering the ends of joints. is can lead to joint pain and stiffness, which is usually worse in the morning or aer periods of inactivity, and can make it hard to do the activities you love. Physical therapy is proven to effectively treat arthritis and can help improve your range of motion, reduce swelling and pain, and get you back to the activities you've been avoiding. e MTI physical therapists at the WAC Wellness Center are here for you. Our team has been recognized by the Arthritis Foundation as providing a gold standard of care to people living with this condition. Treatment typically involves so tissue massage, joint mobilizations, and specific exercises that work to increase joint lubrication and optimize the health of your cartilage as well as improve muscle support to the affected joints. In addition to physical therapy, at- Living Fit Tackling arthritis with physical therapy Ignoring joint pain won't make it go away