THE SCIENCE OF RELIEVING ARTHRITIS PAIN pittmanpt.com The Pittman CONNECTION The Newsletter About Your Health And Caring For Your Body
Are you suffering from back, knee or hip pain? You may have osteoarthritis in those joints. Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common chronic condition of the joints, affecting approximately 27 million Americans. Although it occurs in people of all ages, osteoarthritis is most common in people older than 65. With osteoarthritis, there is a breakdown in the cartilage covering the ends of bones which form the joint and allow movement. As cartilage wears away, the bones become exposed and rub against each other. The break down of cartilage also affects the shape of the joint so that it no longer functions smoothly. In addition, the ligaments and tendons around the joint become stiff and the muscles that support the joint become weak. This leads to more painful rubbing of the joint surfaces. There are many studies and patient success stories promoting the effectiveness of physical therapy for osteoarthritis. Our expert physical therapists at Pittman Physical Therapy are trained in specialized hands-on therapy for patients suffering with osteoarthritis, obtaining fast pain relief and improved movement. In a recent study, 83 patients with osteoarthritis were divided to receive either hands-on physical therapy or a sugar pill that actually did nothing to help their pain without them knowing. The group that received hands-on therapy, had therapy to the knee, low back, hip and ankle as required. They then performed a knee exercise program in the clinic and at home. The group taking the sugar pill had just low intensity ultrasound, a form of deep heat, to the problem area. Both groups were treated at the clinic twice weekly for 4 weeks. Tests were done to measure how well the people were doing compared to their initial visit, 4 weeks, 8 weeks and 1 year later. The results were very impressive showing the patients who had hands-on physical therapy, combined with specific exercises had significant improvements in their pain, mobility and function. By 8 weeks, patients were able to walk further and faster with much less or completely resolved pain. Their joint stiffness, aches and mobility had improved by 55% compared to the placebo group who had no treatment. At one year, patients in the treatment group still were doing great in terms of less pain and more mobility. Other benefits included less need for surgery with only 5% of patients in the treatment group having undergone surgery as compared to 20% with the placebo group. In general, if you are suffering from osteoarthritis, especially of the back, hip or knee, physical therapy decreases the pain and stiffness
of osteoarthritis and may delay or prevent the need for more invasive treatments, like injections or surgery. Isn’t it time you did something about your arthritis and your pains? Call us today so we can make a positive difference in your life. Look inside to learn more about our SPINE Program and say good-bye to that aching back or neck!
Annals of Internal Medicine: February 1, 2000 vol. 132 no. 3 173-181. Gail D. Deyle, MPT; Nancy E. Henderson, PhD, MPT; Robert L. Matekel, MPT; Michael G. Ryder, MPT; Matthew B. Garber, MPT; and Stephen C. Allison, PhD, MPT, ECS
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