Brought to You by Neurosurgery & Spine Consultants – San Antonio’s Leaders in Joint, Spine, and Arthritis Care
Arthritis Isn’t the End of Movement — It’s a Call to Explore Physical Therapy
Arthritis affects over 58 million Americans, and while there’s no cure for arthritis, there is a clearer path than ever before to better function and less pain. The path will often begin with physical therapy.
Whether you’re living with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, or post-traumatic joint changes, movement — when guided by a trained professional — can truly make all the difference.
At Neurosurgery & Spine Consultants of San Antonio, Texas, we believe physical therapy is not just supportive care; it’s an essential tool for rebuilding strength, reducing stiffness, and regaining control of your life; leading to more time to experience life with less or no pain.
What Is Arthritis — And Why Movement Matters
Arthritis is a broad term, referring to over 100 conditions which cause joint pain, inflammation, and stiffness. The most common types of arthritis include the following:
- Osteoarthritis (OA): Degenerative joint disease from wear and tear
- Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): Autoimmune inflammation that attacks joints
- Post-Traumatic Arthritis: Joint changes after injury
- Ankylosing Spondylitis & Psoriatic Arthritis: Inflammatory arthritis types
Common Symptoms May Include:
- Joint pain and stiffness
- Swelling and redness
- Reduced mobility or range of motion
- Weakness in muscles surrounding joints
Many people with arthritis may reduce their level of movement out of fear or discomfort, yet inactivity will often worsen symptoms, causing muscles to weaken, and increase joint stress.
How Physical Therapy Helps Arthritis Patients
Physical therapy will use targeted exercises, stretches, manual therapy, and posture education to improve how patients move and reduce how much pain they feel.
At Neurosurgery & Spine Consultants, we offer San Antonio’s top physical therapy center with our in-house team of physical therapists who develop patient plans which are safe, effective, and custom tailored to each and every patient’s unique needs and goals.
Reducing Pain
Therapeutic movement reduces joint pressure, releases endorphins, and decreases pain sensitivity.
Physical Therapy may include:
- Range-of-motion exercises
- Heat/cold therapy
- Modalities like TENS or ultrasound
Improving Flexibility
Arthritis may limit motion and cause joints to feel as though they are locked or stiff.Stretching and mobility work improves:
- Joint lubrication
- Soft tissue flexibility
- Overall comfort
Our team of in-house physical therapists provides home-based stretching protocols so you can stay on top of your progression, even if you may have to travel or miss a couple of appointments.
Strengthening Surrounding Muscles
Strengthening muscles will help to reduce stress on affected joints. Physical Therapy will help you rebuild strength without placing too much strain on your arthritic joints.
Common exercises include:
- Resistance band workouts
- Light weightlifting (as tolerated)
- Core and pelvic floor training for posture and gait
Enhancing Balance & Stability
Arthritis in hips, knees, and/or ankles will often impair stability, increasing the risk of falls. Physical therapy helps to improve:
- Proprioception (your body’s sense of position)
- Balance through targeted drills
- Walking mechanics and gait patterns
This is especially important for older adults and those with spinal arthritis or ankylosing spondylitis.
Preventing Further Joint Damage
Our team of in-house physical therapists teach our patients:
- Joint protection strategies
- Safe body mechanics for lifting and bending
- Energy conservation for daily tasks
Through further education, you’ll be able to regain confidence to move safely and stay active.
What to Expect in Arthritis-Focused Physical Therapy
Every patient’s needs are different, and the physical therapy plans we offer our patients here at Neurosurgery & Spine Consultants reflect that. Here’s a general overview of what one can expect when choosing Neurosurgery & Spine Consultants as their physical therapy partner:
Initial Evaluation
- Review of medical history and arthritis type
- Joint range-of-motion testing
- Muscle strength assessment
- Balance and gait testing
- Goal-setting
Treatment Plan Creation
- Specific to your pain level, mobility, age, and joint involvement
- Typically 2–3 sessions per week
- Duration: 4–12 weeks (or ongoing for chronic cases)
Ongoing Monitoring & Progression
- Measurable goals to track strength, pain, and function
- Exercises evolve as you improve
- Ongoing collaboration with your physician or specialist
Common Conditions That Benefit from Physical Therapy
Below are some of the most common conditions which may require therapeutic intervention:
| Condition | How PT Helps |
| Knee Osteoarthritis | Strengthens quads, improves joint alignment |
| Hip Arthritis | Improves gait, balance, and range of motion |
| Shoulder Arthritis | Restores lifting ability, reduces joint pain |
| Cervical Spine Arthritis | Improves neck posture, reduces headaches |
| Lumbar Spine OA or Stenosis | Restores mobility, strengthens core muscles |
| Rheumatoid Arthritis | Reduces joint swelling, improves hand function |
When to Start Physical Therapy for Arthritis
The sooner you can start physical therapy, the better your physical therapy outcomes will likely be. Physical therapy is very effective for the following:
- At the first signs of joint discomfort
- Post-injury or surgery
- During flare-ups (with modification)
- In preparation for surgery (“prehab”)
- To maintain function and avoid dependency
At Neurosurgery & Spine Consultants, we always take a proactive approach with our physical therapy plans, often recommending physical therapy prior to symptoms becoming severe.
Physical Therapy vs. Surgery – Where Does It Fit?
Physical therapy will often be the first line of treatment — and for many patients, it’s enough to:
- Delay or avoid surgery
- Eliminate the need for daily pain meds
- Improve quality of life naturally
But, if surgery is deemed necessary — such as with a joint replacement, spinal decompression, or disc repair — physical therapy is truly essential before and after the procedure to ensure a smooth recovery.
FAQs – Physical Therapy for Arthritis
Does physical therapy hurt?
No, not typically. There may be mild soreness, but noticeable pain is a sign to adjust the type or intensity of physical therapy being performed. Physical therapy should certainly feel challenging, but also safe.
Can I do PT if I have rheumatoid arthritis?
Yes, you certainly can. In most cases, physical therapy can be essential to maintaining joint function. We modify your physical therapy plan based on your symptoms and flare-up cycles.
How long before I see results?
Some patients may notice improvement in as little as 2-3 weeks, while other patients may need more time to begin to see results. Progress ultimately depends on the extent of the joint damage, activity levels, and overall goals.
Do I need a referral?
You can schedule a consultation directly with Neurosurgery & Spine Consultants, and we’ll coordinate physical therapy if deemed appropriate.
Movement Is Medicine
Arthritis may be a lifelong condition, yet it does not have to define your life. Physical therapy allows you to begin taking control, reducing pain naturally, and rediscovering natural movement, one step at a time.
At Neurosurgery & Spine Consultants of San Antonio, Texas, we believe in combining clinical excellence with practical care. Physical Therapy is oftentimes the bridge between diagnosis and long-term wellness.
Ready to Take the First Step? Contact Neurosurgery & Spine Consultants Today
Let us help you build a stronger, more mobile, and pain-free future. Schedule your initial appointment using the form below and we’ll be sure to have you scheduled to see one of our amazing providers as soon as possible. We look forward to hearing from you soon and helping you regain control of your life with the help of physical therapy in managing your arthritis.
DISCLAIMER: No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.