Whether symptoms are mild, moderate or severe, many arthritis patients are interested in following a natural treatment plan to find relief from their aches, pains and mobility problems. While medication can help to mask symptoms for some people, it can become potentially habit forming and cause health issues depending on the type of medication and potential side effects.
Natural treatments for arthritis include a wide range of options that are made to work with the body, or use the body itself, to relieve arthritis symptoms. While arthritis is not a curable condition, taking steps to practice a healthy lifestyle and promote the health of your joints can go a long way toward helping manage symptoms and enjoy a better quality of life.
While it may not be the first thing many associate with the term “natural treatment,” physical therapy is a discipline that focuses on treating conditions, including arthritis, by mainly using the patient’s body and the therapist’s hands. This is why a physical therapy program can be at the core of a patient’s holistic treatment plan for arthritis symptoms. As you read over the following practical guide, we encourage you to contact us with any questions you have or to learn more about how we can help.
What natural methods can a physical therapist use to treat arthritis?
The core of most physical therapy plans is a combination of targeted therapeutic exercise to strengthen and stabilize the body, combined with manual therapies that can relax stiff muscles, improve range of motion and increase blood flow to the area.
For arthritis sufferers, this natural approach can offer the following benefits:
- Mobilizes stiff joints and soft tissue
- Strengthens surrounding muscles to ease pressure on inflamed joints
- Stimulates blood flow to the area
- Improves flexibility and range of motion for increased mobility
Depending on the severity of your arthritis and the area where you are experiencing the most severe symptoms, you and your therapist can design a natural treatment plan that works for you.
Decades of expertise at SOL Physical Therapy
Helping patients in the Bay Area find relief and increased functioning since 1997, our expert clinicians can help you find natural arthritis relief. We believe in patient-centered care and custom-tailoring every treatment plan to your unique situation.
Start your treatment journey today by contacting us and scheduling your initial appointment.
