The most common problems associated with arthritis are inflammation, stiffness of the affected joints, weakness, and poor posture.
 
Every arthritis patient is evaluated by their physical therapist, and specific problems are determined and individual goals are set  in partnership with the patient.

 The most important areas that we cover are:

Range of motion limitations.  The therapist determines how tightness affects daily function.   Individualized stretching exercises, active and passive, are given to the patient with specific purposes to improve daily living activities.

Posture problems need to be corrected. There are specific postural exercises for correcting kyphosis,  forward head, and increased lordosis of cervical and lumbar areas.  Your therapist will give you a home exercise program which will correct the posture when done regularly. 

 Weakness:  Manual Muscle Testing is done to determine the weaknesses which cause functional limitations for the patient.  Strengthening is necessary to allow daily activities, e.g. climbing stairs, getting up from the floor, standing up from a chair, etc.

Poor balance is often a factor, and specific evaluations determine the patient's need for balance training or need for assistive devices, e.g. a cane or walker