May is Arthritis Awareness Month, and it is the perfect time to talk about one of the most common yet undertreated sources of pain and disability in the United States. According to the CDC, more than 58 million Americans live with some form of arthritis, making it the leading cause of work disability in the country. Despite how widespread it is, many people accept arthritis pain as an unavoidable part of aging and never seek the treatment that could genuinely improve their quality of life. At Sports and Rehab, our physical therapy teams in Derry, Salem, and Hampstead, NH work with arthritis patients every day, helping them reduce pain, improve mobility, and get back to the activities they love.
In this article, we cover the most common types of arthritis, why movement is medicine, and how our physical therapy services including the Graston Technique, Trigger Point Dry Needling, and individualized therapeutic exercise can make a real difference in how you feel and function day to day.
What Is Arthritis and Who Does It Affect?
Arthritis is not a single disease. It is an umbrella term for more than 100 conditions that cause joint pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced range of motion. The two most common types we see at our physical therapy clinics in Derry, Salem, and Hampstead, NH are:
Osteoarthritis (OA)
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that occurs when the cartilage cushioning the ends of bones gradually breaks down. It most commonly affects the knees, hips, hands, and spine, and tends to worsen over time without proper management. OA is often described as wear-and-tear arthritis, though research shows that inactivity and muscle weakness can accelerate its progression significantly.
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system attacks the synovial lining of the joints, causing chronic inflammation, pain, and eventual joint damage. Unlike OA, RA can affect multiple joints simultaneously and often presents with systemic symptoms like fatigue and morning stiffness lasting more than an hour.
Other forms including psoriatic arthritis, gout, and ankylosing spondylitis also respond well to physical therapy intervention. Regardless of the type, the goals of treatment remain consistent: reduce pain, improve joint function, maintain strength, and preserve independence.
Why Movement Is Medicine for Arthritis
One of the most damaging myths about arthritis is that rest is the best remedy. In reality, the opposite is true. Inactivity leads to muscle weakness, which places greater stress on already compromised joints, accelerating degeneration and increasing pain. Regular, appropriate movement is one of the most evidence-based interventions available for arthritis management.
May is also National Physical Fitness and Sports Month, making it an ideal time to commit to an active lifestyle. Physical activity for arthritis does not mean pushing through pain or running marathons. It means working with trained professionals to find the right type, intensity, and frequency of movement for your specific condition, which is exactly what our team at Sports and Rehab does for every patient.
Research consistently shows that therapeutic exercise can:
- Reduce joint pain and stiffness by promoting synovial fluid circulation within the joint
- Build the muscle strength needed to offload and protect compromised joints
- Improve balance and coordination, reducing fall risk in older adults with arthritis
- Decrease systemic inflammation, particularly in inflammatory arthritis conditions
- Improve mood, sleep quality, and overall quality of life
How Physical Therapy at Sports and Rehab Helps Arthritis Patients in NH
Our physical therapy services in Derry, Salem, and Hampstead, NH are designed to address arthritis at its root, not just mask the symptoms. Here is what a comprehensive arthritis treatment plan at Sports and Rehab may include:
Individualized Therapeutic Exercise
Every arthritis patient is different. The joint affected, the severity of degeneration, your overall fitness level, and your personal goals all factor into the program our therapists design for you. We focus heavily on strengthening the muscles around affected joints, improving flexibility and range of motion, and teaching you movement strategies that protect your joints during daily activities and exercise.
Manual Therapy and Joint Mobilization
Hands-on manual therapy techniques including joint mobilization and soft tissue work can help reduce pain, improve joint mobility, and decrease inflammation in arthritic joints. Our NH-licensed physical therapists are skilled in identifying exactly which manual approaches will be most effective for your specific presentation.
Graston Technique for Arthritis-Related Soft Tissue Dysfunction
Arthritis often leads to secondary soft tissue changes including muscle tightness, fascial restrictions, and scar tissue around affected joints. The Graston Technique uses specially designed stainless steel instruments to detect and break down these soft tissue restrictions, improving mobility and reducing pain. It is a particularly effective complement to therapeutic exercise for patients who have been dealing with chronic arthritis-related stiffness and limited range of motion.
Trigger Point Dry Needling (TPDN) for Arthritis Pain
Chronic arthritis pain frequently creates compensatory muscle tension and trigger points in the muscles surrounding affected joints. For example, knee OA patients often develop significant trigger points in the quadriceps, hamstrings, and calf muscles as a result of altered movement patterns. Our Trigger Point Dry Needling service directly addresses these secondary pain sources, providing relief that complements the primary arthritis treatment and allows patients to participate more fully in their therapeutic exercise programs.
Orthotics and Assistive Device Guidance
Biomechanical alignment plays a significant role in how much stress arthritic joints absorb during daily activities. Our team at Sports and Rehab evaluates your gait and movement patterns and can recommend custom orthotics and inserts to correct mechanical issues that may be worsening your arthritis symptoms. We also provide guidance on appropriate assistive devices and activity modification to keep you safe and active.
Arthritis and Women’s Health: A Special Focus This May
May 14 to 20 is National Women’s Health Week, and it is worth noting that arthritis disproportionately affects women. Women are nearly three times more likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis than men, and osteoarthritis of the knee and hand is also significantly more common in women, particularly after menopause when estrogen levels drop. At Sports and Rehab, our Women’s Health physical therapy services address the unique musculoskeletal needs of women at every stage of life, including those navigating arthritis alongside other health changes.
Tips for Living Well With Arthritis in Derry, Salem, and Hampstead, NH
In addition to working with our physical therapy team, here are some practical strategies for managing arthritis and staying active:
- Stay moving: Even gentle daily movement like walking, swimming, or cycling helps maintain joint health and reduce pain.
- Apply heat before activity: Warmth helps loosen stiff joints and prepare muscles for movement.
- Apply ice after activity: Cold therapy can reduce post-exercise inflammation and soreness.
- Maintain a healthy weight: Every pound of body weight puts several pounds of force through weight-bearing joints like the knees and hips. Weight management is one of the most powerful arthritis management tools available.
- Prioritize sleep: Poor sleep amplifies pain perception and worsens arthritis symptoms.
- Communicate with your care team: Physical therapy works best as part of a coordinated approach with your physician or rheumatologist.
Why Choose Sports and Rehab for Arthritis Physical Therapy in NH?
Sports and Rehab has been helping patients across Southern New Hampshire live more comfortably and actively since 1998. With three convenient locations in Derry, Salem, and Hampstead, NH, our NH-licensed physical therapists bring experience, advanced certifications, and genuine care to every patient visit.
- Patient evaluations available within 24 to 48 hours
- Individualized treatment programs tailored to your specific type and severity of arthritis
- Advanced techniques including the Graston Technique, TPDN, manual therapy, and therapeutic exercise
- Women’s Health PT, Pre and Post-Surgical Rehabilitation, and orthotic fitting all available
- We now accept Medicare and NH Medicaid
Hear from our patients directly by visiting our testimonials page, and learn about insurance coverage options before your first visit.
Ready to Manage Your Arthritis and Move Better? Contact Sports and Rehab Today
Do not let arthritis pain hold you back from living the life you want. This Arthritis Awareness Month, take the first step toward feeling better by scheduling an evaluation with our team. Contact Sports and Rehab today or call your nearest location:
- Derry, NH: (603) 437-3338
- Salem, NH: (603) 898-9947
- Hampstead, NH: (603) 382-0019
You can also download new patient forms and review insurance information on our website before your visit.
Frequently Asked Questions About Arthritis and Physical Therapy in NH
1. Can physical therapy actually help with arthritis, or will it make my joints worse?
Physical therapy is one of the most evidence-based, effective treatments for arthritis available, and when properly guided by a licensed therapist, it will not make your condition worse. In fact, the right therapeutic exercise program has been shown to reduce pain, improve joint function, and slow the progression of osteoarthritis. Our team at Sports and Rehab carefully tailors every program to your current level of function, ensuring you are always working within a safe and productive range.
2. What types of arthritis does Sports and Rehab treat?
We work with patients dealing with all common forms of arthritis including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and post-traumatic arthritis. Our physical therapy services can also help patients who have had or are preparing for joint replacement surgery through our Pre and Post-Surgical Rehabilitation programs.
3. How many physical therapy sessions will I need for arthritis?
The number of sessions varies depending on the type and severity of arthritis, how long symptoms have been present, and your personal goals. Our therapists at our Derry, Salem, and Hampstead locations will set clear expectations at your initial evaluation and adjust your plan as you progress. Many patients see meaningful improvement within four to eight weeks of consistent treatment and a home exercise program.
4. Is there anything I can do at home between PT sessions to help my arthritis?
Absolutely. Your therapist will prescribe a home exercise program tailored to your specific needs, which is one of the most important components of successful arthritis management. In addition to your exercises, staying active with low-impact movement, managing your weight, applying appropriate heat or ice, and getting adequate sleep all contribute significantly to your outcomes between sessions.
5. Does Sports and Rehab accept Medicare for arthritis physical therapy?
Yes! We are excited to now accept Medicare and NH Medicaid at all of our locations in Derry, Salem, and Hampstead, NH. We also accept most major private insurance plans. We recommend reviewing our insurance page or calling your nearest location to verify your specific coverage before your first visit.