According to the American Physical Therapy Association, an estimated 27 million Americans have some form of osteoarthritis. “Arthritis” is a term used to describe joint inflammation, generating from deterioration of a joint. Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis, as 1 in 2 people in the United States may develop OA by age 85.

October 12, 2016 is recognized as World Arthritis Day to raise awareness of the disease and inform the community of possible treatment options. Physical Therapists are able to assist and effectively treat patients with OA by managing pain through exercise, environment modification, and the use of assistive devices to decrease strain on joints. The main focus of Physical Therapy is to maintain a range of motion and reduce pain in order to perform daily functions.