Joint Pain IN Knoxville

Understanding Joint Pain and Its Impact

Joint pain, characterized by discomfort, soreness, or achiness in joints like knees, shoulders, or hips, can significantly impact daily life and mobility. It’s common in elderly individuals, athletes, and those with specific medical conditions, such as arthritis, lupus, or gout. Symptoms typically include pain, swelling, stiffness, and redness or warmth in the affected joints.

Common Causes of Joint Pain

Joint pain stems from various factors, including arthritis (such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis), injuries or trauma, overuse, and infections like septic arthritis. Athletes and physically active individuals often face joint pain due to repetitive stress and injuries in their joints, leading to conditions like osteoarthritis, bursitis, and tendinitis.

Types of Joint Pain and Their Impact

The types of joint pain vary, with osteoarthritis being the most common due to aging and wear and tear. Rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune condition, and gout, caused by uric acid crystal buildup, are other prevalent types. These conditions can be particularly challenging for former athletes, as they often lead to a significant decrease in physical activity and sports participation.

Treatment Approaches at Shift Performance Physical Therapy

• Rest and Activity Modification: We guide patients on balancing rest and activity to avoid aggravating the joint pain.
• Physical Therapy: Our physical therapists design exercises and techniques to enhance joint strength, flexibility, and overall mobility, tailored to each individual’s athletic background and current pain levels.
• Medication Management: When necessary, we collaborate with healthcare providers for appropriate pain relief and anti-inflammatory medications.
• Hot or Cold Therapy: We use thermal therapies to provide immediate pain relief and reduce swelling in affected joints.
• Injections and Surgical Consultations: For severe cases, we refer patients for specialist interventions like corticosteroid injections or surgical consultations, though our focus remains on non-operative care.

Recovery Expectations and Prevention Strategies

Recovery from joint pain varies, but at Shift Performance Physical Therapy, we emphasize gradual healing, continued physical therapy, medication adherence, and lifestyle adjustments. Prevention strategies include maintaining a healthy weight, regular physical activity, protecting joints during sports, and a balanced diet to support joint health.

Empowering Former Athletes and Active Individuals

Our goal is to empower our patients to manage or alleviate joint pain effectively, enabling them to resume an active, fulfilling life. We understand the specific challenges faced by former athletes and active individuals and provide targeted, non-operative care to enhance their quality of life.

Start Your Journey to Pain-Free Movement

If you’re a former athlete or an active individual in Knoxville struggling with joint pain, Shift Performance Physical Therapy is here to help. Contact us today to schedule your consultation. Let us be your partner in overcoming joint pain and rediscovering the joy of movement.