The term “Arthritis” literally means “inflammation or swelling in a joint” and is usually accompanied by pain in or around the affected area. The word “Arthritis” is one of the most commonly used words both in the medical field and by laymen as well. The fact is arthritis is just a general classification of more than 100 separate disorders that can be classified as a form of arthritis. If you are told that you have arthritis then the first thing to ask is what kind of arthritis is it?

The two most common types are Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis. Osteoarthritis is the more common of the two and is a degenerative process that causes the cartilage in the joints to wear down over time and ultimately causes pain and inflammation in the affected area. It is the typical reason a person might need to have a “Total Knee or Hip Replacement” surgery.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a less commonly found disorder that causes the body to attack it’s own joint tissues causing break down at a more rapid pace and involving more of the structures in the affected area.

Fortunately, being told you have Arthritis is not a hopeless cause. There are many things a person can do to fight the progression and symptoms of arthritis.

One very effective way is to keep moving with a daily range-of-motion and strengthening program that you can get from our therapists here at Premier Therapy and Health Centers.

We specialize in teaching patient’s customized exercise programs that aid in pain reduction as well as increase flexibility and strength of stiff and weakened areas of the body. Our Arthritis Foundation Aquatic Program (AFAP) helps decrease pain and stiffness while improving joint flexibility.

The old Adage “Use it or lose it” does have some truth to it and performing the correct and appropriate exercises on a regular basis can help keep you from losing your ability to move normally. Even if you have already lost motion, some of it can probably be restored with an appropriate exercise program.

Just remember that your body is a miraculous God-given machine that despite life’s unpredictable ups and downs will respond to exercise and in most cases become stronger and more flexible when the appropriate exercise program is practiced.

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