Why Physical Therapy? 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. (Continued From Outside) FINALLY, THE HELP YOU NEED FOR YOUR ARTHRITIS PAIN
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 Bay State Physical Therapy . We’ll get you feeling comfortable again in no time – without the need for pain management drugs!
ARTHRITIS: HOW EXERCISE & PHYSICAL THERAPY CAN HELP Written By: Vidhi Rabia, PT, MS of BSPT Randolph
• Improve pain-free range of motion and mobility • Get a good night's sleep • Control your weight • Enhance your quality of life • Improve your balance
• Improve flexibility • Reduce joint pain • Combat fatigue
Arthritis. Most people are familiar with this commonly used word and are aware that it can affect multiple joints. Now, what is arthritis? It is an inflammatory condition that affects the joints and tissues around the joint. There are several factors that make one more prone to arthritis. Often it is caused by one’s occupation where their daily motions place repetitivestress on the joint cartilage, such as squatting, kneeling or jumping. Previous injury to the joint, obesity, and a sedentary lifestyle are also factors that can contribute to arthritic changes. External factors such as: emotional stress, cold and rainy weather, environmental stressors, anxiety, and depression may also add to increased pain in arthritis. Now thatweknowwhatarthritismeans ingeneral terms, let’s talkaboutwhat measures we can take to cope with the pain in the arthritic joints. EXERCISE is a crucial tool for people with arthritis. Exercise helps to:
Physicaltherapy isafirst-lineoftreatmentforarthritistopromote improved mobility with less pain. It can address all of thesymptoms describedabove and overall help patients to lead a more healthy life. For more details and a specific joint-wise exercise program, do not hesitate to consult Bay State Physical Therapy. We can set up an appropriate evaluation and treatment, along with an at home program to get you on your way to a more active and pain-free life. References: 1. Causes of pain and tips for taking control Managing Your Pain arthritis.org. (n.d.). Retrieved from https:// www.arthritis.org/Documents/Toolkits/Better-Living-Toolkit/Managing-Your-Pain.pdf 2.Kidd,B.L.,Langford,R.M.,&Wodehouse,T. (2007).Arthritisandpain.Currentapproaches in the treatment ofarthriticpain.ArthritisResearch&Therapy,9(3),214.https://doi.org/10.1186/ar2147 3.Howdoexerciseandarthritisfit together? (2018).RetrievedfromMayoClinicwebsite:https://www.mayoclinic. org/diseases-conditions/arthritis/in-depth/arthritis/art-20047971
• Promote improved healthy posture • Strengthen muscles for joint support
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