5/7/2025National Arthritis Awareness Month

Understanding the Condition and How Physical Therapy Can Help

May is National Arthritis Awareness Month, a time dedicated to increasing public understanding of arthritis and its impact on daily life. Affecting more than 58 million adults in the United States, arthritis is the leading cause of disability in the country. At Cypress Physical Therapy, we are committed to providing evidence-based care and support for individuals living with arthritis, helping them improve mobility, manage pain, and maintain an active lifestyle.

What Is Arthritis?

Arthritis refers to a group of more than 100 conditions that cause inflammation and stiffness in the joints. The most common forms include:

• Osteoarthritis (OA): Degenerative joint disease caused by wear and tear
   
• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): An autoimmune disorder that attacks joint tissue
   
• Psoriatic Arthritis, Gout, and Lupus-related Arthritis: Other inflammatory forms
   

Symptoms often include joint pain, swelling, stiffness, and reduced range of motion, which can significantly impact quality of life.

How Physical Therapy Supports Arthritis Management

While arthritis is a chronic condition, physical therapy plays a critical role in managing symptoms and maintaining function. Our treatment plans are tailored to each individual and may include:

• Therapeutic exercise to improve strength, flexibility, and joint stability
   
• Manual therapy techniques to reduce pain and stiffness
   
• Education on joint protection strategies and body mechanics
   
• Gait and balance training to reduce fall risk
   
• Modalities such as dry needling, PEMF (Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy), and high-intensity laser therapy to reduce inflammation and support healing
   

Our goal is to help patients stay active, independent, and engaged in the activities they enjoy.

The Role of Wellness in Arthritis Care

In addition to traditional physical therapy, our integrated wellness services can provide additional support for those managing arthritis. These services—offered through Evergreen Wellness at Cypress—include:

• Infrared sauna therapy
   
• PEMF therapy
   
• Stretch sessions
   
• Soft tissue work and massage
   
• Body composition analysis and functional assessments
   

This comprehensive approach addresses the whole person—not just the condition—and supports long-term health and mobility.

Take the First Step Toward Relief

Whether you’ve been recently diagnosed or have been living with arthritis for years, you don’t have to navigate it alone. Our team is here to support you with compassionate care and evidence-based treatment strategies tailored to your needs.

📞 Ready to get started?
 Learn more about our services or schedule an evaluation today!