What is joint stiffness?
Joint stiffness is a reduction in the normal range of motion of a joint, often accompanied by discomfort or a feeling of tightness. It can affect any joint but is most common in the knees, hips, shoulders, and hands. Stiffness is often worse in the morning or after periods of inactivity. While it's a normal part of aging to some degree, significant stiffness that limits daily activities is treatable with the right approach.
Common symptoms
- Reduced range of motion in one or more joints
- Tightness or discomfort with movement
- Stiffness that's worse in the morning
- Difficulty with tasks like bending, reaching, or gripping
- Joints that feel better after warming up
- Swelling around affected joints
- Creaking or cracking sounds
- Gradual loss of flexibility over time
What causes joint stiffness?
Joint stiffness can result from osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, prolonged inactivity, previous injuries, or post-surgical scarring. Deconditioning from a sedentary lifestyle is one of the most common and most reversible causes. Inflammation, fluid changes in the joint, and muscle tightness all contribute.
How online PT helps with joint stiffness
Evaluation. Your PT assesses which joints are affected and how much mobility has been lost. They test your range of motion, strength, and functional movements to understand what's limiting you.
Treatment. Your program combines gentle mobility exercises, progressive stretching, and strengthening to restore range of motion. The approach is gradual — pushing through stiffness without aggravating inflammation.
Ongoing support. Your PT adjusts your program as your mobility improves. Between visits, you can message with questions about exercises or how your joints are responding.
What to expect
Your first visit is about 60 minutes over video. Your PT will assess your stiffness and movement limitations, then build a program you can start the same day. Improvement is typically gradual but steady — most patients notice meaningful changes within 4-6 weeks.
Insurance accepted for joint stiffness
Online physical therapy for joint stiffness is covered by most major insurance plans. You pay your normal copay — nothing extra for online visits.
MedicareBlue Shield of CaliforniaAnthem Blue CrossCignaAetnaUnited HealthcareHumana
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