When you suffer from achy, stiff joints, it's important to get treatment that will help you remain mobile. Arthritis is common. According to the Center for Disease Control, roughly 54.4 million adults were diagnosed with arthritis annually between 2013 and 2015. This number is 22.7% of the population, and arthritis is diagnosed more frequently in women. The chances of getting some form of arthritis is higher for women than men. Treatment for arthritis usually involves a combination of physical therapy, medication, exercise and alternative therapies to reduce pain and inflammation. If you are waking up stiff in the morning and the pain takes time to subside, it's time to talk to your doctor about treatment options for arthritis.

Physical Therapy to Improve Range of Motion

If you are stiff and in pain from arthritis, you may begin to stop using the joint that is in pain. This will lead to a decrease in your range of motion, causing your muscles and joints to become even more stiff. Physical therapy can help you learn ways to increase your range emotion, stretching the joint back out again. A physical therapist will teach you exercises that can help you restore the strength in your affected joint in an effort to improve your overall mobility.

Anti-Inflammatory Medication May Be Prescribed

Talk with your doctor about medications used to treat arthritis if the pain becomes unbearable. There are a number of prescription medications for your doctor to prescribe, and it will depend on your level of severity and your overall symptoms which medication is prescribed for you. In general, an anti-inflammatory medication that is similar to ibuprofen is usually tried first to see if this will help manage your pain levels.

Acupuncture to Treat Arthritis Symptoms

Acupuncture has been around for 2,000 years, and patients in the United States are finally starting to use acupuncture to treat the pain associated with arthritis. It is worth trying, as acupuncture is safe, and doesn't interfere with prescription medications. Acupuncture does not hurt the patient and may help reduce the pain of arthritis significantly. It's an excellent complementary therapy when used in conjunction with physical therapy, massage, or exercise.

If you suffer from arthritis, it's time to take some control over your life. With the use of complementary therapies such as massage, acupuncture, and physical therapy, you should be able to reduce your level of inflammation and improve your overall well being.

For more information, you will want to contact a company such as Sarasota Arthritis Center.

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