While arthritis is a painful and sometimes debilitating condition, our comprehensive rehabilitation program can teach you how to live with it. The program is directed by a licensed physical therapist with specialized training in the treatment of adults with rheumatologic conditions.

We give you the tools to improve your mobility, strength, and balance, while learning how to manage your condition. Our thorough approach includes land and aquatic therapeutic exercise, arthritis education, and assessment for appropriate assistive equipment.

You will undergo a physical therapy evaluation and a limited bicycle stress test. We will then develop a personalized treatment plan for you, which may include land-based exercise -- including stretching, strengthening, and/or endurance -- as well as pool-based exercise, such as the Arthritis Foundation-approved aquatic class. So that you maintain and improve the gains you make at the Duke Health and Fitness Center, we will develop an exercise program for use outside of the center.

We also offer informative lectures on topics including anatomy and physiology, pain management, and related topics such as osteoporosis. We also offer a graduate program for clients who have completed the arthritis rehabilitation program so that they may continue their participation at the Duke Health and Fitness Center.

The arthritis rehabilitation group meets Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings, with the introductory program typically lasting two to three months. The schedule is as follows:

To schedule an evaluation appointment, call 919-660-6660.

Please note that we will need you to bring a prescription for physical therapy evaluation and treatment from a rheumatologist, orthopaedist, or primary care physician. This prescription should also list the type of arthritis from which you suffer.

We also will need a copy of your laboratory test results from the previous 12 months, the most recent clinic notes from your doctor, and the results of a limited bicycle stress test if you underwent one during the previous 12 months.

Costs are based on services rendered. Although Medicare and insurance companies reimburse much of the cost of the arthritis rehabilitation program, a co-payment is sometimes required by some insurance plans. Our insurance specialist can assist you with insurance issues, if necessary. Simply call 919-660-6603.

For questions or details about the arthritis rehabilitation program, call Emily West, MPT, at 919-660-6659.

Locations

This service is available at:

• PepsiCo Fitness Center
  3475 Erwin Road, Durham, NC 27705