Arthritis treatment in Cañon City.
Arthritis doesn't have to mean limited mobility and constant pain. Skilled physical therapy is one of the most effective non-medication treatments for joint arthritis — and it's never too late to start.
Living well with arthritis.
More than 50 million Americans have some form of arthritis. The most common type, osteoarthritis, involves wear-and-tear breakdown of joint cartilage. Less common types include rheumatoid arthritis (autoimmune), psoriatic arthritis, and gout. All forms benefit from physical therapy — though the approach is tailored to the specific type.
A common misconception is that arthritis means you should rest your joints. The opposite is true: properly designed exercise is one of the most effective treatments for arthritis. The key is doing the right kind of activity, in the right amounts, with the right form.
At Caring Hands Rehab, we help arthritis patients reduce pain, improve mobility, build strength, and stay active for years longer than they thought possible — often delaying or completely avoiding joint replacement surgery.
How arthritis typically feels.
- Joint pain, especially with activity
- Stiffness, particularly in the morning
- Reduced range of motion
- Swelling around joints
- Grinding or grating sensations
- Joints that feel "tight" or "locked"
What's behind it.
- Osteoarthritis (wear-and-tear)
- Rheumatoid arthritis (autoimmune)
- Post-traumatic arthritis (after injury)
- Psoriatic arthritis
- Gout and pseudogout
- Age and joint use over time
- Previous joint injuries
How we treat arthritis.
Evidence-based care that reduces pain and slows progression.
Joint mobilization
Gentle manual therapy that improves joint mobility, reduces stiffness, and decreases pain — particularly effective for hip, knee, and hand arthritis.
Targeted exercise
Specific strengthening, mobility, and aerobic exercises shown by research to reduce arthritis pain and slow progression.
Joint protection education
Learning to use your joints in ways that minimize stress while still staying active. Often makes a bigger difference than any pill.
Adaptive strategies
Recommendations for tools, equipment, and activity modifications that reduce joint stress in daily life.
Most arthritis patients see meaningful relief within 4 to 8 weeks.
Every recovery timeline is different, but here's what most patients can expect when they choose physical therapy for arthritis.
Frequently asked questions about arthritis.
Will exercise make my arthritis worse?
No — when done correctly, exercise actually reduces arthritis pain and slows progression. The wrong exercise can aggravate symptoms, but the right exercise is one of the most powerful treatments available. Your PT will design a program that helps, not hurts.
Can physical therapy help me avoid joint replacement?
Often, yes. Many patients with hip and knee arthritis significantly delay or completely avoid joint replacement through consistent physical therapy. Even those who eventually need surgery recover faster and better with PT beforehand.
Is arthritis pain my "new normal"?
No. Many arthritis patients live with pain that could be dramatically reduced with proper treatment. Don't accept arthritis pain as just "part of getting older" — there are real, effective options.
What about supplements like glucosamine?
Research on supplements is mixed and they're generally not very effective. The strongest evidence by far is for physical therapy and exercise. If you find a supplement helps you, it's usually fine to continue, but don't rely on it as primary treatment.
How often should I come in for arthritis PT?
Most patients see us 1–2 times per week initially, with sessions tapering as you improve and learn to manage your condition independently. Many patients return for periodic "tune-ups" to keep symptoms in check.
Is arthritis treatment covered by insurance?
Yes. Physical therapy for arthritis is covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and most major insurance plans. We verify your benefits before your first appointment.