Physical therapy for older adults with arthritis: what is recommended?
With the exponential growth of the aging segment of the population, physical therapy clinics are treating larger proportions of patients with arthritic conditions. Arthritis is a leading cause of functional restrictions and disability due to its associated pain, inflammation, cardiovascular and pulmonary involvement. These symptoms overlaid upon normal age-related declines in the musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, integumentary and cardiopulmonary systems place older adults with arthritis at higher risk of disability and loss of independence. Physical therapy interventions are recognized as an integral component of arthritis management and their benefits have been well documented. This article reviews the common findings of the physical therapy examination and evidence for physical therapy interventions for select arthritic conditions.