Arthritis is one of the most common causes of chronic pain and stiffness, affecting millions of people of all ages. While arthritis cannot always be cured, modern treatment approaches aim to reduce pain, improve joint mobility, and help individuals stay active. There is lots of evidence to promote the combination of focal shockwave therapy and physical therapy, which together can support joint health and improve quality of life for people living with arthritis.

Understanding Arthritis and Its Challenges

Osteoarthritis refers to inflammation and degeneration within a joint. Over time, joint cartilage can wear down, leading to pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced movement. These symptoms often make it difficult to exercise, which can further weaken the muscles that support the joint and worsen discomfort.

Effective treatment of osteoarthritis focuses on managing pain while maintaining strength, flexibility, and function, and a combined treatment approach with focal shockwave can be especially beneficial.

What Is Focal Shockwave Therapy?

Focal shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses targeted acoustic waves delivered to specific tissues around the joint. For arthritis, shockwave therapy is often applied to surrounding tendons, ligaments, and soft tissues as well as the joint space.

Focal shockwave therapy may help by:

• Stimulating blood flow to irritated or damaged tissues
• Reducing chronic pain signals
• Improving tissue flexibility and quality
• Supporting the body’s natural repair processes

By decreasing pain and stiffness, shockwave therapy can help patients move more comfortably during daily activities and exercise.

How Physical Therapy Helps Osteoarthritis

Physical therapy is a cornerstone of arthritis management. A physical therapist designs a personalized program to:

• Improve joint mobility
• Strengthen muscles that support the joint
• Reduce stiffness and inflammation
• Improve balance and overall function

Movement is one of the most effective ways to manage arthritis symptoms and slow functional decline.

Why Combine Focal Shockwave Therapy with Physical Therapy?

When focal shockwave therapy is combined with physical therapy, patients often experience enhanced results:

• Pain Reduction to Support Movement
  Shockwave therapy can calm painful tissues, making it easier and more comfortable to perform strengthening and movement.
• Improved Joint Support
  Physical therapy strengthens surrounding muscles, helping to offload stress from arthritic joints.
• Better Mobility and Function
  Reduced pain combined with targeted movement therapy can lead to improved range of motion and daily function.
• Long-Term Symptom Management
  While shockwave therapy helps manage pain, physical therapy teaches strategies and exercises that support long-term joint health.

Common Arthritis-Related Areas Treated

This combined approach is often used to help manage arthritis symptoms in areas such as:

• Knees
• Hips
• Shoulders
• Hands/fingers and wrists
• Ankles and feet

Treatment focuses on the soft tissues surrounding the joint to reduce strain and improve movement.

What You Can Expect from Treatment

A typical PT session for arthritis may include:

• Targeted focal shockwave therapy sessions to address painful or stiff tissues
• Strengthening and mobility programming
• Manual therapy techniques, including dry needling and other modalities
• Education on posture and body mechanics 

Because focal shockwave therapy is non-invasive, most patients can return to normal activities shortly after treatment.

If you are suffering from arthritis and may want some pain relief or to delay the need for more invasive intervention, schedule an appointment with Release PT today.