So, your hips hurt when you sit down, or your knee gives out when you walk - if you think your symptoms are unique, or just a factor of “old age,” think again. You may be one of the nearly 70 million Americans affected by arthritis or related conditions.

According to the Arthritis Foundation, there are more than 100 different types of arthritis, with the cause of most types unknown. Osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease characterized by the breakdown of the joint’s cartilage, affects hands and weight-bearing joints such as knees, hips, feet and the back in mostly middle-aged and older adults.

Individuals who opt for joint replacements and other types of surgeries can begin the process of healing with the subacute rehabilitation programs at The McGuire Rehabilitation Centers located at Autumn View Health Care Facility in Hamburg, Garden Gate Health Care Facility in Cheektowaga, Harris Hill Nursing Facility in Williamsville and Northgate Health Care Facility in North Tonawanda. Highly skilled and certified rehabilitation professionals design a personalized program that helps patients return to the activities they enjoy as quickly as possible. “The positive recovery results we see are possible because of our high staff-to-patient ratio, along with our innovative programs, which enable us to focus on the special needs of each illness or injury,” stated Gena Mattiaccio, physical therapist for The McGuire Group. For more information visit their website at www.mcguiregroup.com.