Pain Relief For Arthritis

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis typically affects individuals over the age of 60, but it can also result from injury, overuse, or improper joint mechanics. This condition occurs when cartilage—the protective tissue that cushions joints—gradually wears down. Without adequate cartilage, bones begin to rub against each other, causing pain, inflammation, and stiffness. In some cases, bone fragments can break off, or bone spurs can form, further aggravating the joint.

Commonly affected areas include the spine, knees, hips, and hands. Symptoms often include decreased flexibility, joint tenderness, stiffness, and persistent discomfort during movement.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of the joints. This inflammation causes pain, swelling, stiffness, and eventually joint damage. RA typically affects the hands, wrists, and feet, but without proper treatment, it can progress to larger joints such as the knees and hips.

Additional symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis may include fatigue, weight loss, low appetite, and low-grade fever. Over time, untreated RA can lead to joint deformities and serious limitations in function.

Active Physical Therapy Modalities for Arthritis

Although there is no cure for arthritis, physical therapy helps manage symptoms and improves quality of life—both short term and long term. A licensed physical therapist will begin with a full evaluation and create a customized treatment plan tailored to your individual needs and goals.

Active physical therapy includes targeted therapeutic exercises that focus on:

• Improving joint mobility and range of motion
• Strengthening surrounding muscles for support and stability
• Improving mechanics for functional movement (e.g., squatting, lifting, carrying)
• Reducing pain during daily tasks

If you’re dealing with hip arthritis, your plan may include high-intensity or specific corrective exercises to address muscle imbalances and mobility impairments. These movements are designed to make everyday tasks easier and less painful.

Manual therapy—such as soft tissue mobilization—can also be part of your plan, helping to relieve stiffness and improve circulation around affected joints.

Passive Physical Therapy Modalities for Arthritis

In addition to active treatment, passive modalities are used to relieve pain and reduce inflammation. These include:

• TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation): Sends mild electrical impulses to block pain signals to the brain.
• Electrical stimulation: Helps reduce pain, swelling, and muscle spasms.
• Ultrasound therapy: Provides deep heat to tissues, helping reduce inflammation and promote healing.
• Superficial heat therapy: Relieves stiffness and improves circulation in affected joints.
• Cryotherapy (cold therapy): Reduces swelling, pain, and inflammation by lowering tissue temperature.

These passive treatments are often used alongside active therapy for comprehensive, holistic arthritis management. Together, they help improve mobility, reduce the need for medications, and support long-term pain relief.

Take the First Step Toward Relief

Living with arthritis pain doesn’t have to be your reality. Physical therapy is a safe, effective, and drug-free solution to manage arthritis and regain control of your life.

If you’re struggling with arthritis pain, don’t wait. Contact us at our Greenwood, IN center to schedule a one-on-one consultation and in-depth evaluation. Our certified physical therapists are here to help you reduce your pain, restore mobility, and live a healthier, more active life. We’ve helped many people manage arthritis symptoms—and we can help you, too.