Orthopedic & Spine Physical Therapy, PC

04/24/2026

Fun Fact Friday

Schedule a PT session to protect your shoulders.

04/23/2026

Out of Joint
An overview of arthritis and the foods, activities,
and lifestyle choices to help douse joint pain flare-ups. By Tarre Beach

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), arthritis is the leading cause of work disability in the country.

The Arthritis Foundation (AF) reports that this autoimmune disease affects over 50 million Americans. With so many people
impacted by this illness, let’s look at the different types of arthritis, whom it affects, and some integrative medicine tools used to address the associated symptoms.

Arthritis Alphabet
Arthritis is often used as an umbrella term for many different conditions that affect the joints, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, gout, and sometimes even fibromyalgia.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative disease, which means it worsens over time. OA affects the whole joint, including the protective cartilage and fluid breakdown over time, making joint movement difficult and painful.

Eventually, bones of the joint may rub directly against one another, causing severe pain. OA rarely occurs in people under age 40.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) happens when the body’s immune system overacts and attacks healthy tissue, especially in the joints. Persistent inflammation caused by RA can eventually lead to permanent damage not just to the joints but to other organs, such as the liver,heart, and eyes, creating worsening pain in the process.

RA can develop at any age. Juvenile arthritis (JA), also known as pediatric rheumatic disease, develops in children under age 16. According to the AF, the exact causes of JA are
unknown, but researchers believe that certain genes may cause JA when activated by a virus, bacteria, or other external factors.

There is no evidence that foods, toxins, allergies, or lack of vitamins cause JA.
Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) primarily attacks the joints and skin, causing rashes and pain. It typically occurs in people who have psoriasis. PsA can affect any joint and may also affect the sites where tendons and ligaments attach to bones. Typical areas where PsA develops are
the heel, bottom of the foot, and the lower back. It most often occurs in adults between the ages of 30 and 55.
Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis but does not cause body-wide inflammation like RA or PsA.
People with gout produce high levels of uric acid that their bodies cannot remove fast enough, causing pain and joint inflammation.
A gout flare-up can develop suddenly, often causing pain primarily in the big toe but sometimes in other joints as well. Being overweight can increase the risk of gout.
Fibromyalgia is often confused with arthritis because it may cause joint, muscle, and soft tissue pain. However, scientists consider it a pain disorder caused by a central nervous system dysfunction. Fibromyalgia is characterized by widespread pain that may come and go or be constant. It is more commonly found in women
than men.

Inflammation and Immune Dysregulation
The exact causes of most autoimmune diseases are unknown, but the most recent evidence suggests it’s most likely due to a combination of genetic and lifestyle factors.

04/22/2026

Why It Works Wednesday

Your physical therapist may help you practice controlled movements to rebuild confidence during daily or sport-related tasks.
✅ Tip: Control matters more than speed early on.

04/21/2026

04/17/2026

Fun Fact Friday

Consult our clinic to learn safe movement patterns for sports.

04/15/2026

Why It Works Wednesday

Your physical therapist may include balance exercises when pain, weakness, or injury affects stability. Exercises are adjusted to match comfort and ability.
✅ Tip: Balance work starts simple and progresses slowly.

04/14/2026

Hip pain can often lead to mixed messages. Some advice encourages complete rest, while other sources suggest pushing through discomfort at all costs.

04/10/2026

Fun Fact Friday

Contact us now if you want better coordination and safer movement.

04/08/2026

Why It Works Wednesday

After injury, your physical therapist helps guide movement based on symptoms and healing stage. This helps rebuild confidence during activity.
✅ Tip: Early movement should match how your body feels today.

04/07/2026

Hip discomfort can show up in many ways, from a dull ache in the groin to soreness along the outer hip or stiffness after sitting.

04/03/2026

Fun Fact Friday

Contact our clinic to keep your joints moving smoothly.