Overcoming Your Arthritis Pain
Turning to over the counter pain medications to cope with arthritis pain is ineffective as a long-term solution. While some of the medications may provide temporary relief, they will not help you overcome the pain for good. Physical therapy, on the other hand, can provide actual relief from arthritis by helping to rebuild strength in the joints through targeted movements and flexibility exercises. There is a lot of current research trying to understand what precisely causes arthritis to develop in some people, and not in others. Everyone uses their joints every day, and while it makes sense that so much pressure would cause pain to develop over time, it doesn’t explain why the pain develops when and where it does, and why it happens to some people and not to others. ANT I - INFLAMMAT ION AND ARTHRI T I S One leading form of arthritis treatment is with the use of anti- inflammatory medication. Certain types of arthritis develop as a result of a build-up of inflammation in the body. Specifically, the tendons and ligaments become inflamed as a result of an internal attack from the immune system, which is typically triggered by some combination of
environmental factors. Avoiding certain foods and movements can reduce inflammation, and thereby reduce pain. PHYS I CAL THERAPY AND ARTHRI T I S Physical therapy is highly recommended for the treatment of arthritis because it can strengthen and support the joints through guided practice of movement and strength building exercises. Typically, the best activities for arthritis pain are low-impact activities. Working with a physical therapist is the best way to ensure that you are practicing the best techniques for overcoming your discomfort. There is a long list of home remedies that are said to help with arthritis pain as well, and there is some credibility to some of these concepts. For example, losing weight, exercising regularly, and making some dietary changes such as reducing caffeine and sugar consumption are said to help alleviate pain associated with arthritis. However, before you start making any changes to your lifestyle, it is best to consult with a physical therapist. For more information about how to rid your life of arthritis pain, contact us. Patient Success Spotlight “I was very surprised at just how fast physical therapy would help heal my injury! The staff is caring, kind, and very knowledgeable. I was very impressed, and I look forward to returning for other areas that need attention. Ms. King was very seasoned as a therapist, and I enjoyed working with Becca– she was very pleasant!” - Carol T.
Exercise Essentials
Exercises copyright of
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HIP ABDUCTION (Helps Relieve Hip Pain) While lying on your side, slowly raise up your top leg up and to the side. Keep your knee straight and maintain your toes pointed forward the entire time. Use your bottom leg to stabilize your body. Repeat 6-10 times on both sides.
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