How to Stop Arthritis from Getting Worse
Friendly Advice from BTY Physical Therapy in New Braunfels
Arthritis is more than just “aching joints.” For many older adults, it’s a daily struggle that can limit your movement, keep you from doing the things you love, and slowly reduce your independence. The good news? You can take steps to slow arthritis down and protect your joints — and you don’t even have to leave your house to do it.
At BTY Physical Therapy we specialize in mobile physical therapy for older adults in New Braunfels, TX, and we’ve helped many people reduce their arthritis symptoms and stay active. Here are simple, proven ways to help stop arthritis from getting worse.
1. Keep Moving – But Safely
It might seem like resting is best, especially when your joints hurt. But gentle movement helps keep your joints healthy. The key is doing the right kind of activity.
Try low-impact exercises like walking, stretching, or using resistance bands.
Avoid high-impact activities like running or jumping, which can stress your joints.
A physical therapist can design a custom routine that keeps you safe and mobile.
Even 10 minutes of walking a day can make a big difference!
2. Manage Your Weight
Extra weight puts more pressure on your joints, especially your knees, hips, and lower back. In fact, for every pound you lose, that’s 4 pounds less pressure on your knees.
We’re not talking about extreme diets. Just small changes like:
Eating more fruits, veggies, and whole grains
Drinking more water
Moving more throughout your day
3. Use Heat and Ice the Right Way
Heat and ice can both help relieve arthritis pain — you just need to know when to use each one.
Use Heat for Stiffness:
Heat relaxes tight muscles and loosens stiff joints. Try a warm towel, heating pad, or a warm shower — especially in the morning or before exercise. Stick to 15–20 minutes at a time.
Use Ice for Swelling and Pain:
Cold helps reduce inflammation and numbs sharp pain. Use an ice pack (or frozen peas in a towel) after activity or when your joints feel swollen. Limit to 10–15 minutes.
Safety Tips:
Always wrap heat or ice — never place it directly on your skin.
Don’t use either for too long or while sleeping.
If you have poor circulation or diabetes, check with your therapist first.
Our New Braunfels mobile physical therapy team can show you exactly how to use heat and ice safely and effectively — right at home.
4. Don’t Skip Strength Training
Building up the muscles around your joints helps take pressure off them. You don’t need a gym — just your body weight or light resistance bands. The important thing is consistency.
And yes — you can do this from the comfort of your home!
5. Get Personalized Physical Therapy at Home
This is where we come in. If getting to a clinic is hard — or just not how you want to spend your day — we provided mobile physical therapy and come to you.
We bring all the tools, exercises, and knowledge to:
Help reduce arthritis pain
Improve your balance and strength
Prevent falls and joint damage
Keep you independent and moving
We work with older adults every day, and we know how to adapt therapy for every stage of arthritis.
6. Stay Consistent and Check in Regularly
Arthritis is a long-term condition — and staying on top of it is the best way to prevent it from getting worse. Regular check-ins with your physical therapist help you stay on track, adjust, and catch any problems early.
Ready to Feel Better? Let’s Bring Therapy to You
If you or a loved one in New Braunfels is living with arthritis, don’t wait until the pain gets worse. At BTY Physical Therapy, we bring expert care to your doorstep — so you can stay active, comfortable, and independent without the hassle of travel.
📍 Serving New Braunfels and nearby areas
🚗 Mobile physical therapy for older adults
📞 Call us today at [830-743-9661] or [Schedule a Free Consultation] online!
