Arthritis
Arthritis doesn't have to mean the end of your active lifestyle. At Signature Physical Therapy, we specialize in evidence-based protocols that reduce joint inflammation and restore function. Our doctor-led approach focuses on strengthening the structures around your joints and optimizing your mechanics, allowing you to move with less pain and more confidence.
Symptoms and Causes
Common Symptoms
Morning Stiffness: Persistent joint tightness that takes 30 minutes or more to "thaw out" after waking.
Activity-Related Pain: Aching or sharp pain that increases after prolonged walking, standing, or repetitive tasks.
Joint Swelling: Periodic "flares" where the joint appears puffy, feels warm, or looks enlarged.
Crepitus: A grinding, popping, or crunching sensation during movement.
Loss of Flexibility: A gradual decrease in the ability to fully bend or straighten the affected joint.
Leading Causes
Osteoarthritis (OA): The most common form, involving the gradual breakdown of protective cartilage between bones.
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): An autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system attacks the joint lining.
Post-Traumatic Arthritis: Accelerated joint degeneration following a previous injury, fracture, or surgery.
Systemic Inflammation: Underlying health factors that can increase joint sensitivity and flare-up frequency.
Biomechanical Stress: Poor alignment or muscle weakness that places uneven pressure on the joint surfaces.
How We Treat
Our Comprehensive Joint Preservation Approach
We treat arthritis by looking at the "kinetic chain"—ensuring that the joints above and below the painful area are doing their job to reduce the load on your cartilage.
Anti-Inflammatory Movement Protocols: We teach you the "sweet spot" of exercise—moving enough to lubricate the joint without over-stressing the tissue.
Manual Therapy & Joint Glides: Specialized hands-on techniques to improve the "slide and glide" of the joint, reducing stiffness and pain.
Custom Strength Progression: Building the "support system" around your joints (like the glutes for the hips or quads for the knees) to act as internal shock absorbers.
Aquatic-Style Land Exercises: Implementing low-impact loading strategies that mimic the safety of water while building real-world strength.
Joint Protection Education: Teaching you ergonomic "hacks" for your daily life—from how you sit at work to how you climb stairs—to preserve your joint health for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Yes, physical therapy is highly beneficial for both. For osteoarthritis (wear-and-tear), our NYC specialists focus on strengthening the muscles around the joint to unload the cartilage. For rheumatoid arthritis (an autoimmune condition), we customize sessions around systemic inflammation—focusing on preserving range of motion, reducing joint stiffness, and using joint-protection techniques during flare-ups.
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The frequency depends on your specific symptoms and functional goals. Typically, patients start with 2 sessions per week to reduce pain, build a foundation of strength, and learn a personalized home exercise program. Our 1-on-1, doctor-led care focuses on giving you the long-term tools to independently manage your joint health and maintain your active lifestyle in Washington Heights.