What’ s Under Your Hood?
How Your Car Illustrates Why You DON’T Need Surgery
pressure. Just walking or bending can strain your joints when they don’t have muscles to protect them. That’s why it’s not uncommon for a patient’s physician to tell them they are experiencing “bone-on-bone” pain and to suggest the patient’s only option is to surgically repair the worn joint. The muscles have been too weak for too long to protect the joints, the doctor says, and now the only option is surgery.
Like many patients, you may believe you need a hip or knee replacement, but did you know that physical therapy may actually be more effective than surgery? In fact, it can make surgery completely avoidable and unnecessary. Think of your body as a car. As a car moves, its springs and shock absorbers take on the brunt of the impact of potholes and divots in the road to provide a smooth ride over any terrain. Your body has similar mechanisms: your muscles and your joints! Like a car’s wheel bearings and tires, your joints allow you to move. The joints use simple mechanics to allow your knees to bend and your hips to swivel.
But the truth is “bone-on-bone” is more common than you might think — and it’s treatable without going under the knife!
Experts at Harvard Medical School cite physical therapy as one of the top two ways to prevent hip- or knee-replacement surgery. (The second was weight loss, which is easier to
achieve once you get stronger!) The movements of physical therapy are designed to strengthen the muscles that absorb the pressure of your daily activities. Exercising and stretching regularly encourage the muscles to change and grow, creating a powerful cushion between your joints and the force of walking or playing with your grandchildren.
Though our joints play a powerful role in helping us move, they are incredibly weak. It’s the muscles that surround these joints that absorb the force of planting your
feet on the ground or sitting on a chair, similar to how shocks absorb the impact of driving over a speed bump.
For many, physical therapy is an effective, affordable treatment option. If you or a loved one would like to learn more, schedule a consultation with our team by calling 717.474.8754.
When your muscles are weak or small, they fail to absorb
Laugh Therapy
If you’re cutting back on calories, skip the eggnog and buttered rum this year and fill up your mug with this delicious mulled cider! Festive Apple Cider
Inspired by BoulderLocavore.com
Ingredients
• 2 tsp allspice berries • 1 inch fresh ginger, thinly sliced • 2 tbsp honey • 3 cinnamon sticks
• 1 lemon • 1 gallon pure apple cider • 1 large orange, thinly sliced crosswise • 2 tsp whole cloves
Directions
1. Using a paring knife, shave the lemon peel off in curls. Reserve the curls and save the lemon for use in a different recipe. 2. In a large slow cooker, combine the lemon peel with all other ingredients. Cook on low for 3–4 hours. 3. If desired, use a sieve to strain the spices. Serve and enjoy!
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www.MaddenPT.com • 717.474.8754
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