Editing Arthritis (section)

=== Physical therapy ===
In general, studies have shown that physical exercise of the affected joint can noticeably improve long-term pain relief. Furthermore, exercise of the arthritic joint is encouraged to maintain the health of the particular joint and the overall body of the person.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Ettinger WH, Burns R, Messier SP, Applegate W, Rejeski WJ, Morgan T, Shumaker S, Berry MJ, O'Toole M, Monu J, Craven T | display-authors = 6 | title = A randomized trial comparing aerobic exercise and resistance exercise with a health education program in older adults with knee osteoarthritis. The Fitness Arthritis and Seniors Trial (FAST) | journal = JAMA | volume = 277 | issue = 1 | pages = 25–31 | date = January 1997 | pmid = 8980206 | doi = 10.1001/jama.1997.03540250033028 }}</ref>

Individuals with arthritis can benefit from both physical and [[occupational therapy]]. In arthritis the joints become stiff and the range of movement can be limited. Physical therapy has been shown to significantly improve function, decrease pain, and delay the need for surgical intervention in advanced cases.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Fransen M, Crosbie J, Edmonds J | title = Physical therapy is effective for patients with osteoarthritis of the knee: a randomized controlled clinical trial | journal = The Journal of Rheumatology | volume = 28 | issue = 1 | pages = 156–164 | date = January 2001 | pmid = 11196518 | url = http://www.jrheum.org/cgi/pmidlookup?view=long&pmid=11196518 }}</ref> Exercise prescribed by a physical therapist has been shown to be more effective than medications in treating osteoarthritis of the knee. Exercise often focuses on improving muscle strength, endurance and flexibility. In some cases, exercises may be designed to train balance. Occupational therapy can provide assistance with activities. Assistive technology is a tool used to aid a person's disability by reducing their physical barriers by improving the use of their damaged body part, typically after an amputation. Assistive technology devices can be customized to the patient or bought commercially.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.aota.org/About-Occupational-Therapy/Professionals/RDP/assistive-technology.aspx|title=The Role of Occupational Therapy in Providing Assistive Technology Devices and Services|date=2018|website=www.aota.org|access-date=8 April 2018}}</ref>