Tech Solutions for Arthritis and Pain
Knee and hip arthritis (also known as osteoarthritis) is a common condition that can significantly impact a person's quality of life. Fortunately, technology has advanced to offer innovative solutions for managing this condition.
One of the most beneficial ways technology can help is through wearable devices. Activity trackers can monitor your daily activity levels, encouraging you to stay active within your pain tolerance. Smart shoes provide real-time feedback on your gait, helping you identify and address any bio-mechanical issues that may contribute to knee pain. Our expert Doctors of Physical Therapy can help you setup and check many of your common wearable devices like Apple Watches, Aura rings, and Whoops.
Mobile apps also play a crucial role in managing knee osteoarthritis. Pain management apps allow you to track your symptoms, record medications, and manage your condition effectively. Exercise and physical therapy apps offer guided routines tailored to your specific needs, helping you strengthen your muscles and improve joint function. A recent Nature research article demonstrated that a brief reminder from an app could improve the mindset and physical activity of those with knee arthritis — simple tech, made effective! Our Naples and Ponte Vedra PTs use exercise apps for our home programs and can help connect you with apps like Curable, to help educate you about pain science.
Telehealth has become increasingly accessible, providing convenient options for consulting with healthcare providers and receiving virtual physical therapy sessions. This reduces the need for frequent in-person visits, especially for those with limited mobility. While seemingly popular during COVID, our physical therapists in Naples and Saint Augustine still connect with our traveling and seasonal clients — don’t be bashful to reach out during off season or vacation! We will be expanding into VR telehealth this year with Dr. Wells’ partnership with the Mountain View California tech startup, Immergo.
Assistive devices, such as knee braces and smart crutches, can offer additional support and stability, reducing pain and improving joint function. Robotics is also making significant strides in managing knee osteoarthritis. Exoskeletons can assist with movement, providing support and reducing pain, while robotic rehabilitation devices can help with targeted exercises and improve strength and range of motion. Our team can help with recommending and fitting most assistive devices; as for future-forward tech like robotics and exoskeletons, our team will be learning over the next years.
In conclusion, technology offers a wide range of solutions for managing knee osteoarthritis. By utilizing these innovative tools, our clients improve their quality of life and better cope with the challenges of arthritis and many pain conditions. If you or a loved one is struggling with arthritis or pain-related condition, our physical therapy team can help with not just tech but also evidenced-based exercise, manual therapy, dry needling, and more!
Call us today for a free phone consultation for PT in Naples, Ponte Vedra, or Jacksonville at: 904-568-1156