A Blog for Older Adults

Arthritis Treatment Physical Therapy in Portland, Eugene, Salem & More

Written by Dr. Raj Pusuluri, PT, DPT | Mar 13, 2025 12:16:55 PM

Arthritis is a condition that causes pain, swelling, and stiffness in the joints. It makes movement hard and daily tasks painful. Many people with arthritis struggle with walking, bending, or using their hands. The pain can be mild or very severe. Some people feel it only in one joint, while others feel it in many places.

Osteoarthritis is the most common type. It happens when the cartilage in joints wears down. This makes bones rub against each other, causing pain. Rheumatoid arthritis is another type. It happens when the body's immune system attacks the joints. This can lead to swelling, stiffness, and long-term damage.

Arthritis affects people of all ages, but it is more common in older adults. The pain can make it hard to climb stairs, cook, or even write. Without treatment, arthritis can limit movement and reduce quality of life.

How Physical Therapy Helps in Arthritis Treatment

Physical therapy for arthritis treatment can reduce pain and improve movement. It helps strengthen muscles around the joints. This reduces pressure on the joints and makes movement easier.

Therapists teach gentle exercises that keep joints flexible. They also use manual therapy to ease stiffness. Other treatments like heat therapy, cold therapy, and electrical stimulation help reduce pain.

A personalized physical therapy plan helps people stay active and prevent joint damage. With regular therapy, people can move better and feel stronger.

Arthritis Treatment in Portland, Eugene, Salem, Gresham, and Hillsboro

People in Portland, Eugene, Salem, Gresham, and Hillsboro can get expert arthritis treatment with physical therapy. Dr. Raj from HWY Physical Therapy offers personalized care for people with arthritis. He helps patients regain strength, improve balance, and reduce pain.

He provides treatment at Center 50+, Salem City Building, 2615 Portland Rd NE, Salem, OR 97301. Patients can call 971-202-1979 to book an appointment.

Understanding Arthritis and Its Impact on Mobility

Common Types of Arthritis

There are over 100 types of arthritis, but two are most common.

Osteoarthritis happens when the cartilage in joints wears down. This makes bones rub together and causes pain, stiffness, and swelling. It mostly affects the knees, hips, hands, and spine. People with osteoarthritis may have trouble walking, bending, or gripping objects.

Rheumatoid arthritis is different. It happens when the immune system attacks the joints. This causes swelling, pain, and stiffness. Over time, it can damage the joints and bones. Rheumatoid arthritis can affect the hands, wrists, knees, and feet.

Both types make daily activities harder. Without treatment, arthritis gets worse over time.

How Arthritis Affects Joints and Mobility

Arthritis makes movement painful and difficult. It can affect one joint or many joints. People may feel stiff in the morning or after sitting for a long time. Some feel sharp pain when moving. Others feel a dull ache all the time.

Common problems include:

  • Difficulty walking or standing for long periods
  • Pain while climbing stairs or getting up from a chair
  • Weak grip strength, making it hard to hold objects
  • Stiffness that limits movement in the hands and fingers

If arthritis is not treated, it can lead to disability. People may struggle to stay active and do daily tasks. This can affect independence and quality of life.

Arthritis in Oregon: Why Treatment is Important

Many people in Portland, Eugene, Salem, Gresham, and Hillsboro suffer from arthritis. Cold and damp weather can increase joint pain and stiffness. This makes movement even harder.

The good news is physical therapy can help manage arthritis pain. Early treatment can slow down joint damage and keep people active.

Dr. Raj from HWY Physical Therapy provides expert care for arthritis patients. He helps people move better, reduce pain, and stay independent. His clinic is located at Center 50+, Salem City Building, 2615 Portland Rd NE, Salem, OR 97301. Call 971-202-1979 to book a session.

Why Choose Physical Therapy for Arthritis Treatment?

Physical Therapy for Arthritis Pain Relief

Arthritis causes pain, swelling, and stiffness. Many people rely on painkillers, but these only provide temporary relief. Physical therapy for arthritis treatment is a safe, long-term solution. It helps people move better and feel stronger without needing medicine all the time.

A physical therapist teaches gentle exercises that make joints more flexible. These exercises help reduce stiffness and improve movement. Therapy also strengthens muscles, which helps support the joints.

How Physical Therapy Improves Mobility and Strength

Arthritis makes simple movements hard and painful. Many people struggle to walk, bend, or lift objects. Over time, they may avoid movement, which makes joints even stiffer and weaker.

Physical therapy helps by:

  • Increasing joint flexibility with targeted exercises
  • Reducing pain through hands-on therapy and stretching
  • Building muscle strength to support weak joints
  • Improving balance to prevent falls and injuries

Regular therapy helps people stay active and independent. It also prevents further joint damage.

Success Stories from Arthritis Patients in Oregon

Many people in Portland, Eugene, Salem, Gresham, and Hillsboro have found relief with physical therapy for arthritis. Some patients could barely walk before therapy. After a few weeks, they moved with less pain. Others had stiff hands that made daily tasks hard. Therapy helped them regain strength and flexibility.

Dr. Raj from HWY Physical Therapy has helped many arthritis patients. He provides customized therapy plans to fit each person’s needs. His clinic is located at Center 50+, Salem City Building, 2615 Portland Rd NE, Salem, OR 97301. Call 971-202-1979 to schedule an appointment.

Best Physical Therapy Treatments for Arthritis Relief

1. Manual Therapy for Arthritis Pain Relief

Manual therapy for arthritis is a hands-on treatment. The therapist gently moves and stretches the joints. This helps reduce stiffness and improve flexibility.

Benefits of manual therapy:

  • Eases joint stiffness and swelling
  • Increases blood flow to reduce pain
  • Improves range of motion in stiff joints

This therapy is safe for knees, hands, shoulders, and spine. It is especially helpful for people with severe arthritis pain.

2. Therapeutic Exercises to Strengthen Joints

Arthritis makes joints weak. Weak joints lead to more pain and stiffness. Therapeutic exercises help strengthen muscles around the joints. This reduces stress on the joints and makes movement easier.

Some simple exercises include:

  • Stretching to keep joints flexible
  • Leg raises to strengthen knee joints
  • Hand exercises to improve grip strength

A physical therapist creates a custom exercise plan based on the person’s needs.

3. Hydrotherapy: Water-Based Exercises for Arthritis

Hydrotherapy is therapy done in warm water. Water supports the body and reduces pressure on joints. This makes movement easier and less painful.

Benefits of hydrotherapy for arthritis:

  • Relieves pain and stiffness
  • Improves joint flexibility
  • Strengthens muscles without stress on joints

People in Portland, Eugene, Salem, Gresham, and Hillsboro can find hydrotherapy pools at local physical therapy centers.

4. Assistive Devices and Bracing for Arthritis Management

Some people need extra support for their joints. Braces, walkers, and orthotics help reduce strain on weak joints.

Types of assistive devices for arthritis:

  • Knee braces to support weak knee joints
  • Wrist splints for arthritis in the hands
  • Walking aids to improve balance and prevent falls

A physical therapist helps patients choose the right device for their needs.

5. Heat and Cold Therapy for Arthritis Pain

Heat therapy helps relax stiff muscles and increase blood flow. It is useful for morning stiffness. Cold therapy helps reduce swelling and numb pain. It is good for joint inflammation.

How to use heat and cold therapy:

  • Use a heating pad or warm towel for stiffness
  • Apply an ice pack for swelling and pain
  • Alternate between heat and cold for best relief

6. Electrical Stimulation (TENS) for Arthritis Pain Relief

TENS therapy uses mild electrical pulses to block pain signals. It helps reduce pain and improve movement.

Benefits of TENS for arthritis:

  • Relieves joint pain without medicine
  • Improves blood circulation to speed up healing
  • Reduces muscle tightness and spasms

Dr. Raj from HWY Physical Therapy offers TENS therapy for arthritis patients. His clinic is at Center 50+, Salem City Building, 2615 Portland Rd NE, Salem, OR 97301. Call 971-202-1979 to book an appointment.

How to Find the Best Physical Therapist for Arthritis in Portland, Eugene, Salem, Gresham, and Hillsboro

What to Look for in a Qualified Arthritis Physical Therapist

Not all physical therapists specialize in arthritis treatment. A good therapist should:

  • Have experience treating arthritis patients
  • Offer personalized exercise plans
  • Use hands-on techniques to relieve pain
  • Teach joint-friendly movement strategies

A therapist should focus on reducing pain, improving movement, and preventing further joint damage.

Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Physical Therapist

Before starting therapy, ask these questions:

  • Do you have experience treating arthritis?
  • What types of therapy do you offer?
  • How long will the treatment take to show results?
  • Will the therapy plan be personalized?

Choosing a therapist with arthritis expertise ensures better results.

Arthritis Physical Therapy in Oregon

People in Portland, Eugene, Salem, Gresham, and Hillsboro have many options for arthritis care. However, not all clinics provide specialized arthritis treatment.

Dr. Raj from HWY Physical Therapy is a trusted expert in arthritis physical therapy. He offers:

  • One-on-one treatment sessions
  • Customized exercise plans for arthritis relief
  • Hands-on therapy to reduce pain and stiffness

His clinic is located at Center 50+, Salem City Building, 2615 Portland Rd NE, Salem, OR 97301. Patients can call 971-202-1979 to book a consultation.

Lifestyle Changes to Support Arthritis Treatment

1. Anti-Inflammatory Diet for Arthritis Relief

Food affects arthritis symptoms. Some foods help reduce inflammation, while others make it worse.

Best foods for arthritis:

  • Fatty fish (salmon, tuna) – reduces joint inflammation
  • Leafy greens (spinach, kale) – rich in vitamins for joint health
  • Nuts and seeds – provide healthy fats for reducing stiffness
  • Berries and citrus fruits – contain antioxidants that fight inflammation

Foods to avoid:

  • Fried and processed foods – increase inflammation
  • Sugar and sodas – cause swelling in joints
  • Excess salt – can lead to joint stiffness

Eating a balanced diet helps reduce pain and improve movement.

2. Daily Movement to Keep Joints Flexible

Staying active is important for arthritis patients. Lack of movement makes joints stiff. Simple exercises help keep joints strong and flexible.

Easy daily activities for arthritis:

  • Gentle stretching every morning
  • Short walks to keep legs strong
  • Light yoga for flexibility
  • Water exercises to move without joint pain

It is important to avoid high-impact activities that put stress on joints.

3. Stress Management for Arthritis Care

Stress makes arthritis worse. It can cause muscle tension, poor sleep, and more pain. Managing stress can help control arthritis symptoms.

Ways to reduce stress:

  • Deep breathing exercises to relax muscles
  • Meditation or quiet time to calm the mind
  • Engaging in hobbies like gardening, knitting, or painting
  • Getting enough sleep to let joints heal

A calm mind helps the body heal faster.

4. Importance of a Support System

Living with arthritis can be frustrating. Having support from family, friends, and professionals makes it easier.

Ways to build a support system:

  • Join an arthritis support group
  • Talk to family about daily challenges
  • Work with a physical therapist for guidance

A strong support system helps stay motivated and active.

Get Professional Help for Arthritis in Oregon

Lifestyle changes work best with professional guidance. Dr. Raj from HWY Physical Therapy helps patients combine therapy with healthy habits.

His clinic is located at Center 50+, Salem City Building, 2615 Portland Rd NE, Salem, OR 97301. Call 971-202-1979 to schedule an appointment.

Conclusion

Arthritis can make daily life painful and difficult. It causes joint pain, stiffness, and swelling, making it hard to walk, bend, or hold objects. Without treatment, arthritis can worsen over time and affect independence.

Physical therapy for arthritis treatment is a safe and effective way to reduce pain and improve movement. It helps strengthen muscles, increase flexibility, and protect joints. Treatments like manual therapy, therapeutic exercises, hydrotherapy, and electrical stimulation make movement easier.

People in Portland, Eugene, Salem, Gresham, and Hillsboro can find expert arthritis care at HWY Physical Therapy. Dr. Raj provides personalized treatment plans to help patients stay active and pain-free.

Early treatment is key. The sooner arthritis is treated, the better the results. With the right therapy and lifestyle changes, people can move freely and enjoy life again.

Topics to Read Further

  1. Best Exercises for Arthritis Relief: Improve Strength and Flexibility
  2. How Physical Therapy Helps Arthritis Patients Stay Active
  3. Diet and Lifestyle Changes to Reduce Arthritis Pain Naturally

Contact HWY PT for Expert Advice and Support

Struggling with arthritis pain? You don’t have to live with discomfort. Get personalized arthritis treatment with physical therapy at HWY Physical Therapy.

Visit: Center 50+, Salem City Building, 2615 Portland Rd NE, Salem, OR 97301

Call: 971-202-1979 to schedule a consultation today

Take the first step toward pain-free movement!