If you’ve been told you have “degenerative joint disease” or “osteoarthritis,” you might think your only options are to live with the stiffness and pain—or eventually have surgery. As a physical therapist with over 30 years of experience and an Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS) designation, I’ve helped many people with degenerative changes restore mobility, reduce discomfort, and return to activities they enjoy—often without surgery, and always with a plan built specifically for their body and goals.
Degeneration doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a gradual change in the cartilage, bone, and surrounding soft tissues. The good news is that the body is incredibly adaptable when I give it the right stimulus—through gentle, targeted movement, joint protection strategies, and hands-on techniques to improve how tissues move and interact.
My Approach: Whole-Body and One-on-One
I treat degenerative joint conditions with a whole-body lens. That means I don’t just focus on the one joint your MRI flagged—I look at how your posture, muscle balance, movement patterns, and even your breathing affect joint loading. This bigger picture helps us address root contributors and often slows further wear.
Every visit is one-on-one and hands-on. I use osteopathic manual therapy—including gentle joint mobilization, myofascial release, and soft-tissue work—to improve joint mechanics, reduce stiffness, and make movement more comfortable. From there, I build strength and control in the muscles that protect your joints.
What to Expect in Our Sessions
- Thorough evaluation. I’ll map your history, symptoms, and goals, then assess joint mobility, alignment, muscle activation, and compensations.
- Hands-on treatment. This may include gentle joint mobilizations to improve glide, soft-tissue work to reduce tension, and techniques to restore normal motion between joint surfaces.
- Movement retraining. I’ll work on alignment, muscle coordination, and posture to reduce stress on affected joints.
- Home program. I’ll give you a manageable set of exercises to build flexibility, strength, and endurance, plus strategies for pacing and joint protection in daily activities.
Key Strategies for Managing Degenerative Joint Conditions
- Build strength around the joint. Muscles act like shock absorbers. Strengthening the right ones can take pressure off painful joints and improve stability.
- Keep moving—smartly. Avoiding movement leads to more stiffness. I’ll find the right type and amount of motion to keep joints nourished without aggravating them.
- Protect, don’t overprotect. I’ll teach you joint protection strategies—how to bend, lift, and carry—without avoiding all movement (which can make joints more vulnerable).
- Use manual therapy to improve mechanics. By restoring joint play and reducing tissue tightness, I make it easier for you to move with less discomfort.
- Adapt, don’t stop. Whether it’s gardening, hiking, or playing with grandchildren, I’ll modify activities so you can keep doing what matters to you.
Common Questions I Hear
Is degeneration reversible? I can’t reverse structural changes, but I can absolutely improve how the joint feels and functions, often delaying or avoiding surgery.
Will exercise make it worse? The right exercises—matched to your tolerance and movement patterns—can protect joints, reduce pain, and improve your quality of life.
How quickly will I see results? Many people notice improved mobility within a few sessions, with pain gradually decreasing as strength and control improve.
Ready to Move More Comfortably?
If you’re living with joint stiffness, pain, or loss of mobility, let’s talk. I offer extended, one-on-one sessions by appointment so I can give your joints the attention they deserve.
- Phone: (443) 610-7022
- Email: micheleleasure@aol.com
- Address: 56 June Rd, North Salem, NY 10560