BUT WAIT... WON’T EXERCISE INCREASE MY PAIN?
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To put it simply – no! Your physical therapist will prescribe gentle, targeted exercises that will help your joints move freely, and will add in periods of rest during your sessions. While many people believe that the aches and pains of arthritis are best treated with sedentary activities and rest, that is not necessarily the case – exercise keeps the body limber and warms up muscles, which prevents stiffness that can become exacerbated by arthritis. Extended “rest” can also lead to muscle atrophy, or deterioration of muscle tissue. While arthritis generally affects the joints of the body, muscle loss increases stress on the joints, allows them to move in ways that are unhealthy and causes more pain. By doing gentle exercises under the discretion of your physical therapist, you can actually ease your arthritic aches and pains! Low-impact exercises also contain several benefits that are not necessarily associated with the painful symptoms of arthritis. For example, feelings of fatigue that are so common in arthritis patients can be greatly reduced by low impact exercise.
After just 30 minutes of gentle physical activity, the brain is flooded by the feel-good hormones called endorphins that block pain, minimize any discomfort associated with exercise, and even create a feeling of euphoria. Furthermore, exercise increases flexibility in stiff joints and makes it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep at night. How can I get started on treatments? Every treatment regimen is different based on your body’s needs and your particular type of arthritis. The best way to get started on a natural, safe, and healthy treatment through physical therapy is by calling and scheduling a consultation with one of our physical therapists today. Your physical therapist will examine your symptoms, severity of pain, and location of the arthritis, in order to determine the best individualized treatment plan for your specific needs. If you are living with arthritis, or you think you may be experiencing arthritic symptoms, don’t hesitate to contact Northern Physical Therapy. We’ll get you feeling comfortable again in no time – without the need for pain management drugs!
Northern PT Events
Every Thursday morning from 6:30am - 7:30am our very own Jennifer Legacy-Gray, PT runs a Pilates class at Northern Physical Therapy. This class is FREE, all that we ask is you consider making a food donation. This class is for all abilities.
If you are interested please email Jesse Dimick at j.dimick@nvrh.org to reserve a spot!
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