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Cheryl Jones finally determined that total knee replacement was the best option for her to get back to her active lifestyle. After a successful surgery, her doctor prescribed physical therapy to help with the recovery process.

“The care from the minute you get into the process is just outstanding,” Jones says. “I had peace of mind from the day I walked into Joint Journey.”

Joint Journey, a program of the Bone and Joint Center at PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center, is a seven-step process that starts with getting an accurate diagnosis and a team of responsive providers. Jones’ personalized journey led her through a total knee replacement and physical therapy. Physical therapy helped her bridge the road to recovery from the hospital to home and beyond.

PeaceHealth Southwest Physical Rehabilitation Services offers a full spectrum of services for patients who want to get back in action. Their comprehensive team includes physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, specialty programs such as Joint Journey, inpatient rehabilitation and board-certified physiatrists.

Through surgery and a comprehensive physical therapy program, today, Jones is active again, walking the track and riding stationary bikes at Firstenburg Community Center. “I wanted my knee back,” she says, “and I have it back now.” Jones is thrilled to have met her goals and be back in the gym.

Learnmore about PeaceHealth Southwest Physical Rehabilitation Services at www.swmedicalcenter.org/rehab .

You are not alone. Arthritis is the most common chronic illness in the United States, which isn’t surprising because of all the pressure we put on our joints over the years. However, there is more to arthritis than wear and tear on a person’s joints. Most believe that genetic or biological factors also play a role.

Arthritis can be different for everyone, since there are more than 100 different types of arthritis—and if you have it, you are very familiar with the symptoms this debilitating illness brings. Common symptoms include inflammation, stiffness and pain in the joint, which make it difficult to live the life you dream of.

Some types of arthritis include degenerative arthritis (osteoarthritis), rheumatoid arthritis and gout. But no matter the type you have, the most important thing to do is get an accurate diagnosis before your doctor can recommend a treatment.

“The thing to remember is there are treatments available for this chronic illness,” says Stacey Ostrin, MD, a primary care doctor with Southwest Medical Group. “Early diagnosis and treatment can sometimes help prevent irreversible damage.”

Once a diagnosis is made on the type of arthritis you have, your doctor can determine what treatment is best for you. Treatments include physical or occupational therapy, various types of medications, weight loss, home remedy treatments and surgery.

Don’t let arthritis hold you back. Make a step toward a solution by getting an early and accurate diagnosis so you can start living—without arthritis pain controlling your life.