Take a Proactive Approach to Arthritis Pain with Physical Therapy
Have you recently learned that your persistent joint pain is the result of arthritis? For many, this can be a challenging discovery, as the most common forms of arthritis have no known cures. But rest assured that you do not have to spend your life living with debilitating joint pain — physical therapy can help!
Arthritis refers to several conditions that cause joint inflammation, leading to its two primary symptoms: pain and mobility restriction. The most common form of arthritis, osteoarthritis, can cause pain during movement. It’s no surprise, then, that many people with arthritis wind up avoiding physical activity.
In reality, regular physical activity is one of the best ways to manage arthritis pain. Physical activity can also help delay the progression of arthritis — and help you avoid surgery.
As movement experts, the team at ReQuest Physical Therapy is well-equipped to help you manage your arthritis pain. The physical therapy approach to arthritis management focuses on drug-free pain relief and regular movement. Best of all, it allows you to take a proactive role in your treatment.
Let’s look at what happens when you exercise regularly with arthritis — and what happens when you don’t. And if you’d like to learn more, call us to schedule an appointment today!
Got Arthritis? What To Expect if You Skip Regular Exercise
1. Your muscles will weaken: One of the big benefits of exercise is that it builds muscle mass. If you don’t exercise regularly, your muscle mass will decrease — especially if you’re older, as muscle mass naturally decreases as we age.
What does this mean if you have arthritis? Without strong muscles, your impacted joints don’t get the strength and stability they need to function, which puts even more stress on them — and means more pain in the long run.
2. Your joints will get stiffer: Our bodies are made to move, and when we don’t move them frequently enough, our joints don’t get the lubrication they need to run properly. This is as true for people with arthritis as it is for anyone else. Plus, since arthritis causes joint stiffness, not moving will only worsen your symptoms.
3. You increase your risk of injury: When you don’t exercise, you start to lose everyday abilities like balance, stability, and coordination. You can also develop muscular imbalances, improper biomechanics, or postural issues, all of which increase your odds of suffering an injury.
What Happens When You Do Exercise with Arthritis
1. You’ll experience less pain: While it’s true that activity can initially worsen arthritis pain, regular exercise will decrease your pain symptoms over time.
2. You’ll experience fewer mobility restrictions: Just as regular exercise can decrease pain, it will also help improve your range of motion — meaning you can move more easily.
3. The progression of your arthritis may slow: Both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis — the two most common forms of arthritis — will gradually worsen over time and may eventually require you to undergo surgery. Exercising won’t cure arthritis, but it will slow the damage to your joints.
4. You may feel more empowered: Living with a chronic condition is hard. Regular exercise can help you feel like you’re taking an active role in managing your condition and reducing your pain.
5. You’ll experience other physical and mental benefits: Exercise offers many benefits beyond pain management. It can improve mood and quality of sleep, protect you from heart disease and diabetes, and help you stay active and independent well into old age.
Ready to Start Exercising? ReQuest Physical Therapy Can Help!
While the benefits of regular exercise for arthritis are undeniable, getting started can be challenging. Which movements are safe for you to perform? Which will provide you with the most benefits? What should you do if even simple movement is too painful?
This is where our physical therapists shine! We’ll create a customized arthritis treatment plan that speaks to your needs and abilities. Here’s a taste of all that we can offer:
- Acute pain management using manual techniques and pain relieving modalities
- Personalized exercise programs with targeted, progressive exercises that build strength and improve mobility
- Specialized exercise programs to address balance and other functional challenges
- Guidance on general exercise programs to keep you moving outside our clinic
Don’t let arthritis keep you from living an active, healthy lifestyle. Call us today to find out more about our arthritis treatment programs!
Say Goodbye to Pain – Get Started with PT Now!
Return to ReQuest Physical Therapy and Let’s Continue Your Journey to Wellness Together. Schedule Your Appointment Now!
Did You Know You Can See a Physical Therapist Without a Referral?
In many cases, you can start physical therapy right away without needing a referral from your doctor—this is called Direct Access. It means faster relief from pain, quicker recovery, and less time waiting to get the care you need. Whether you’re dealing with an injury, nagging aches, or want to prevent future problems, our licensed physical therapists are here to help.
However, it’s important to note that if you have Medicare, a referral is still required before beginning treatment. We’re happy to help coordinate with your physician to make the process as smooth as possible.
Don’t wait for pain to get worse—reach out today and get started on the path to feeling better!
Restorative Yoga with Shawn Hinds
About This Class
Restorative yoga is a style of yoga that encourages physical, mental and emotional relaxation. Appropriate for all levels, restorative yoga is practiced at a slow pace, focusing on long holds, stillness and deep breathing.
When: Thursday 1pm-1:45pm
Where: Gainesville Health & Fitness
How Strong
Is Your Stance?
We offer FREE orthopedic screenings to test your lower body strength and your balance.
Living with chronic pain can be physically, emotionally, and mentally exhausting, interfering with work, relationships, and even simple daily tasks. While many people turn to medication or resign themselves to “just living with it,” there’s a more proactive solution: chronic pain management through physical therapy.
At ReQuest Physical Therapy, we believe in empowering patients with real tools for relief. That starts with understanding the truth about chronic pain and how therapy can help.
Understanding Chronic Pain and Why It’s So Challenging
Chronic pain is defined as pain that lasts longer than three months, often persisting well beyond the expected healing time. Unlike acute pain, which serves as a clear warning signal that something’s wrong in your body, chronic pain can linger without a clear cause. It may be linked to conditions like arthritis, back injuries, or previous surgeries, but sometimes, it seems to exist without an identifiable source.
Chronic pain is notoriously difficult to treat for a number of reasons:
- The nervous system becomes hypersensitive, making even light touch or movement painful.
- Pain signals continue even when there’s no physical damage to the tissue.
- Mental health plays a role, with anxiety or depression often amplifying pain perception.
- Rest alone doesn’t help, and inactivity can make symptoms worse.
Unfortunately, chronic pain’s complexity means that myths abound. Understanding the truth behind chronic pain–especially how physical therapy can help manage it–is one of the first steps in finding the relief you deserve.
Addressing Myths and Misconceptions about Chronic Pain Management
Myth #1: “If It Hurts, You Should Rest More”
Reality: Prolonged rest can actually worsen chronic pain.
Many people believe that avoiding movement will help their pain subside. In reality, targeted, guided exercises can help retrain the nervous system and reduce pain over time.
How Physical Therapy Helps
- Teaches safe ways to move without triggering pain
- Gradually restores strength and mobility
- Helps you build tolerance for daily activities
Myth #2: “Pain Means You’re Damaging Your Body”
Reality: Pain and damage are not always linked.
Chronic pain often continues after an injury has healed, leading people to fear that every twinge signals harm. However, research shows that the brain can continue sending pain signals even without physical damage. Physical therapy focuses on desensitizing the nervous system through education, movement, and manual techniques.
How Physical Therapy Helps
- Pain neuroscience education to reduce fear
- Mind-body strategies to change pain perception
- Functional exercises to restore confidence in movement
Myth #3: “Physical Therapy Won’t Help Long-Term Pain”
Reality: PT is one of the most effective non-drug treatments available.
Physical therapy doesn’t just address chronic pain symptoms. Our team will target the underlying factors that maintain pain, like poor posture, muscle imbalances, and limited mobility.
Long-Term Benefits of Physical Therapy
- Reduces reliance on medication
- Improves quality of life
- Enhances overall physical function
Myth #4: “There’s Nothing You Can Do About Chronic Pain”
Reality: You can take control of your pain with the right support.
Many patients come to us believing nothing can help. But the truth is, chronic pain management through physical therapy is about regaining control, not surrendering to pain. Our PTs help you understand your condition, take practical steps toward improvement, and reclaim your life.
Tools We Provide at ReQuest Physical Therapy
- Individualized treatment plans based on your goals
- Hands-on therapy combined with movement education
- Support from our occupational therapists if you’re struggling with day-to-day tasks
Take the First Step Toward Relief Today
Don’t let myths about pain hold you back from living your life. Chronic pain management at ReQuest Physical Therapy is about treating the root causes and empowering you to move forward.
Contact our clinic today to schedule your personalized evaluation. Our team of physical and occupational therapists is here to help you find relief, regain mobility, and return to the activities you love.
September Word Scramble
tnuamu
plaep
uxqoien
olatbflo
ratesvh
caron
Answer Key
autumn
apple
equinox
football
harvest
acorn
Quick & Easy Healthy Recipe
Simple Rosemary Summer Squash
Taste How Delicious Weight Loss Can Be
Ingredients
- Non-stick cooking spray or veggie broth or water
- 2 cloves garlic, minced or zested
- 4 C chopped summer squashes, like zucchini or yellow or patty pan squash
- 1 C red onion, chopped or sliced
- 1-2 tbsp. fresh rosemary, minced or 1-2 tsp. dried rosemary
Directions:
In large skillet, apply a thin film of non-stick cooking spray or 2-3 tablespoons of water or veggie broth.
Warm to medium heat. Add garlic, squash, and onion. Cook for 3-5 minutes or until desired tenderness.
Turn off burner and stir in rosemary. Let rest 2-5 minutes. Enjoy as is or with chicken or turkey breast or wild caught salmon!
This is one of the many complementary recipes shared in our healthy lifestyle program, Physicians’ Choice for Weight Loss.
Patient Testimonial 🌟
“Jerry, Jeni, Anna and the rest of the Tioga crew really care about me. They don’t just treat me like a patient, they treat me like family. I never want to leave!”
-Marcia
Maintain Muscle During GLP-1 Weight Loss: Physical Therapy for Ozempic®, Wegovy®, and Mounjaro® Users
Are you using GLP-1 medications like Ozempic®, Wegovy®, Mounjaro®, or Zepbound® to lose weight?
These medications are powerful — but many people don’t realize that 30–40% of the weight lost may come from muscle, not fat.
That muscle loss can:
- Slow your metabolism
- Decrease your strength
- Lead to fatigue or poor posture
- Increase your risk of injury and falls
🧠 Why Muscle Matters More Than Ever
Muscle isn’t just for bodybuilders. It’s critical for:
- A healthy metabolism
- Joint and spine support
- Balance and stability
- That toned, lean look (not just skinny)
💪 How ReQuest Physical Therapy Helps
Our licensed physical therapists create custom strength-building plans designed specifically for GLP-1 users.
Your program will:
- Preserve and rebuild lean muscle
- Improve balance, mobility, and posture
- Complement your weight loss goals
- Keep you strong, active, and confident
Whether you’re just starting GLP-1 therapy or already seeing results, we’re here to support your long-term strength and health.
📅 Book your evaluation today — because weight loss shouldn’t come at the cost of your strength.
Follow Us on Social Media!
Exercise of the Month
TOWEL CURLS
Sit in a chair with your feet flat on the floor and a small towel placed under your toes. Using only your toes, scrunch the towel toward you, curling and gripping it with your feet. Relax and repeat. This strengthens the foot muscles and supports arch control.
3 Sets, 10 Reps. (Materials needed: chair, small towel)
Thank You for Subscribing to ReQuest Physical Therapy
Refer a Friend
Our purpose at ReQuest Physical Therapy is to leave a greater impact on the communities around us. In order to do that, we want to change as many lives as possible and become a beacon of positivity in our communities.
Do you have a friend or family member who could benefit from our pain-relieving services? At ReQuest Physical Therapy, we love helping people achieve relief from pain and reach their full potential, thus making a difference in their lives.
If you know someone who could use our help, click the button below to fill out our form and we will send them information about how we may be able to help their condition. Be sure to let them know you referred them so they can thank you!
Meet Our Team
Jeff Gilliam
PT, PhD, OCS
Penny Goldberg
PT, DPT, ATC
Jerry O. Rieta
PT, CSCS, CPT
Alphonso Jones
PTA, NASM CPT
Adrian Latscu
PTA, ACCI
Patricia Nichols
OT, CHT
Samantha Ream
M.Ed., LMT
Tiffany Fisher
PhD, LMT
