Arthritis and Physical Therapy in Vero Beach
Arthritis affects more than 54 million Americans, and its prevalence is particularly high in Florida's senior population. The two most common types — osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) — both respond well to physical therapy. At Longevity Rehab Center, we help patients throughout Vero Beach, Sebastian, and Indian River County manage arthritis pain and maintain their independence.
Types of Arthritis We Treat
- Osteoarthritis (OA) — the "wear and tear" arthritis affecting cartilage in the joints; most common in knees, hips, hands, and spine
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) — an autoimmune condition causing joint inflammation throughout the body
- Psoriatic arthritis — joint inflammation associated with psoriasis
- Gout — uric acid crystal deposits causing acute joint inflammation
- Ankylosing spondylitis — inflammatory arthritis affecting the spine
How PT Helps Arthritis
Contrary to the old advice of "rest and avoid movement," current evidence strongly supports exercise and movement for arthritis management. Our therapists use:
- Strengthening exercises — building muscle around arthritic joints reduces stress on the joint surface
- Range of motion and flexibility exercises — maintaining joint mobility prevents stiffness
- Aquatic therapy — our heated West Vero Beach pool is ideal for arthritis patients; the buoyancy virtually eliminates joint stress
- Manual therapy — joint mobilization to restore normal movement patterns
- Pain management modalities — heat, ice, ultrasound, and TENS to control pain and inflammation
- Activity modification and joint protection education — learning how to do what you love with less pain
Physical Therapy vs. Medications and Surgery for Arthritis
While medications can reduce inflammation and surgery can replace severely damaged joints, physical therapy addresses the root functional problems — weakness, stiffness, poor mechanics — that cause disability. For mild to moderate OA, PT has been shown to be as effective as surgery in many studies. It's always worth exhausting conservative options first.
Get Relief from Arthritis Pain
Call Longevity Rehab Center at (772) 978-9750 to schedule an evaluation at our Vero Beach, Sebastian, or Wabasso locations. We accept Medicare and Blue Cross Blue Shield.