How to Prepare for Your First Arthritis Physical Therapy Session
Arthritis brings about inflammation and discomfort in joints. It can impact the knee, hip, feet, shoulders, hands, wrists, and lower back. Unfortunately, it can also do permanent harm to those joints and can lead to other medical problems if you don’t tackle it head-on. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 58.5 million adults were diagnosed with arthritis in 2021. That’s nearly one in four American adults. The numbers? They’re expected to keep rising. But physical therapy in Merrick, NY, there’s a drug-free treatment that can give you relief. Keep reading to learn about physical therapy for arthritis.
How Can Physical Therapy Help Arthritis?
Physical therapy for arthritis in Merrick NY helps with pain relief, strength building, and improving the range of motion in the affected joints, as well as with the use of assistive devices and environmental modifications.
How to Prepare for Your First Physical Therapy Session (What Happens During Your First Physical Therapy Session?)
To get the most out of your therapy, it is best to prepare beforehand. Here are five ways to prep for your first session of physical therapy.
#1 – Gather Necessary Information and Documents
If you have any past medical records, diagnostic tests, or imaging connected to your condition, make sure to bring copies with you. This information can help your therapist assess your health history and tailor a treatment plan specific to your needs. If you were referred by another doctor, bring that referral and the accompanying prescription with you.
#2 – Dress Appropriately
You may need to perform stretches or exercises during your session, so dress in loose, comfortable clothing that allows for earthy movement. Supportive shoes—a must, especially if you might be doing any standing or walking exercises. High heels or sandals won’t cut it.
#3 – Prepare to Discuss Your Medical History and Goals
A physical therapist will begin the process of obtaining a client evaluation by gathering basic and necessary information about the client. This involves asking about the client’s medical history, present symptoms, and any past treatments they have undergone. The pertinent information that is shared with the therapist sets the stage for the rest of the evaluation dialogue. Having clear and necessary information helps the physical therapist in understanding and making sense of what they see, hear, and feel throughout the rest of the evaluation. As a client, you should be aware of these three parts: the basic, necessary information; the client’s past medical history as it relates to the “current event”; and the pertinent health-related “goals” that the client has in mind for the physical therapist to help them achieve.
#4 – Ask About the Plan
It’s perfectly fine to ask about different aspects of the therapeutic process, and you should be sure to cover the following five points:
- Treatment Techniques: What methods will be used?
- Treatment Frequency: How often will we meet?
- Anticipation: What should I expect from my therapy?
- My Role: What is my part in this process?
- Communication: How do we keep an open line?
#5 – Follow Instructions
Your physical therapist might give you some directions. Or, they might ask you to do some exercises. They might ask you to do some movements as homework, and it’s really important to understand why they might do that. You can (and should!) ask them if you have questions. You might also get some different techniques incorporated into your physical therapy treatment plan. One of them might be massage therapy. They might work on you with that.
Finally, when you visit your physical therapist for treatment, they will talk about your treatment goals and devise a care plan specific to you. This plan will probably include manual therapy, modalities, and therapeutic exercise techniques. They will also educate you on the ropes of the aforementioned exercises to help prevent reinjury. Arthritis makes life more challenging, but physical therapy can help you manage your condition and improve your function.
Physical Therapy Techniques for Arthritis
Your care plan may include the following treatment techniques;
Massage Therapy
Massage therapy is a hands-on treatment that reduces stiffness and muscle pain. Your physical therapist will administer this treatment on sore joints to improve your flexibility and range of motion in your joints.
Ice and Heat Therapy
Ice and heat can help reduce inflammation and relieve pain. Your physical therapist may apply ice packs to your painful joints to soothe them and reduce swelling. Heat packs, on the other hand, help ease tense muscles and promote blood circulation to the area.
Electrical Stimulation
Electrical stimulation is a physical therapy modality that alters pain messages to your brain to provide pain relief. Your physical therapist will administer this treatment using a small electronic device that sends pulses to your nerves. Although this treatment can cause a tingling sensation, it is safe and soothing.
Conclusion
Your first physical therapy in Merrick NY session at Summit Physical Therapy is critical to the success of your recovery. When you visit your therapist for the first time, wear comfortable clothing for easy assessment. You should also be open and honest about your symptoms, triggers, and treatment goals. This way, they can create a care plan that truly addresses your needs.
Following your treatment plan and attending your sessions regularly can help you heal and carry out your daily activities more easily.
