STAR Physical Therapy: Helping Arthritis Pain

As we age, the discs in our spine can wear, begin to bulge, and become narrowed. These changes can put strain on the cartilage, ligaments, and joints at the involved level of the spine and may cause pain. The cartilage covering the joint surface can begin to fray and wear away over time. If your cartilage wears down so that your bones begin to rub together, it can result in enlarged joints, inflammation, stiffness, and pain. As Osteoarthritis (OA) of the spine progresses, your body will try to repair it by growing new bone. This bony growth is called a “bone spur.” Spur development can result in a condition known as spinal stenosis. Most often this disorder affects men and women over 50 years of age. If the spurs enlarge, they can create a narrowing of the spaces in the spine.The narrowing can involve small or large areas and can result in pressure on nerves near the involved joints, resulting in symptoms that may include pain, tingling, numbness, or burning. Star PT Clinics can help with a variety of treatment options, including: Exercise: Exercise is the most important treatment to lessen your pain and improve your mobility. Your physical therapist will prescribe specific low-impact activities that will strengthen your spine, abdomen, and hip muscles. Stretching: Specific stretching exercises will be prescribed for your spine, based on the results of your initial evaluation. Combined with strengthening, stretching may help slow the progression of the disease. IT’S TIME TO LIVE LIFE WITHOUT ARTHRITIS PAIN

Symptom management: Symptom management means learning to feel better and remain active. Sometimes people are fearful that increased activity will worsen their symptoms or increase their pain. Your physical therapist will help you learn how to be more active without worsening your symptoms. He or she will help you find your appropriate activity levels, and develop a unique program to keep you moving.

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Tasty Recipe

Patient Success Spotlight

FRUITY YOGURT ICE POPS

• 2 cups fresh blueberries, raspberries, strawberries & sliced bananas, mixed

• 2 cups plain/vanilla yogurt

• 1/4 cup white sugar

• 8 small paper cups

• 8 popsicle sticks

Place the mixed blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, sliced bananas, yogurt, and sugar into a blender. Cover, and blend until fruit is chunky or smooth, as desired. Fill paper cups 3/4 full with fruit mixture. Cover the top of each cup with a strip of aluminum foil. Poke a popsicle stick through the center of the foil on each cup. Place the cups in the freezer for at least 5 hours. To serve, remove foil and peel off the paper cup.

“I can go up and down stairs with ease...” Success Story: Karen D.

“The staff was very friendly, helpful, and informative. They encouraged and supported me. All of these things made therapy pleasant and productive. At this time, I can go up and down stairs with ease while previously I would be stiff and riddled with pain. There are also many other activities which have become easier and less painful. I feel my therapy was very helpful and a lot of that credit goes to the staff.”

www.starptclinics.com

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