If you’re constantly facing lower back, hip or knee pain—you might be feeling arthritis. According to the Centers for Disease Control, roughly 54.4 million U.S. adults are diagnosed with some form of arthritis per year. As we age, the cartilage in our joints wears down, causing painful bone on bone rubbing, inflammation, stiffness, and pain.
OCTOBER 2019 N E W S L E T T E R Y O U R H E A L T H I S O U R P R I O R I T Y
FIND THE RELIEF YOU NEED FROM LOW BACK, HIP, & KNEE ARTHRITIS
ALSO INSIDE: Arthritis & Physical Therapy • What Our Patients Say • Staff
Spotlight: Dr. Kristina Phu • October Is... National Physical Therapy Month!
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N E W S L E T T E R Y O U R H E A L T H I S O U R P R I O R I T Y
OCTOBER 2019
WWW.RECOVERYPT.COM FIND THE RELIEF YOU NEED FROM LOW BACK, If you’re constantly facing lower back, hip or knee pain—you might be feeling arthritis. According to the Centers for Disease Control, roughly 54.4 million U.S. adults are diagnosed with some form of arthritis per year. As we age, the cartilage in our joints wears down, causing painful bone on bone rubbing, inflammation, stiffness, and pain. While there is no cure for replacing cartilage yet, it is possible to alleviate the symptoms of arthritis, by improving your joint movement, muscle strength, balance, and coordination. It’s even possible to eliminate symptoms entirely, depending on the amount of arthritis you have. If you have regular aches and pains, keep reading. We have a solution. What Is Arthritis, Exactly? Before knowing how to relieve arthritic pain, you’ll need to understand it. Arthritis—or the painful stiffness, or inflammation, of joints— HIP, & KNEE ARTHRITIS
isn’t a single disease. The term “arthritis” is an informal explanation of joint pain and disease in general. Over 100 types of arthritis exist, according to the Arthritis Foundation. People of all ages, races and sex can get it. It’s also the leading cause of ongoing disability in America. The most prevalent form of arthritis is osteoarthritis, which is caused by either injury or normal wear and tear. What Causes Lower Back, Hip and Knee Arthritis? Because arthritis is a catch-all term, pinpointing what causes arthritis may be difficult. In most cases, arthritis is caused byoveruse,wearand tear,or injuries.Arthritis can also be caused by: • Infections, such as Lyme disease • An immunesystemdysfunction-rheumatoid arthritis
• The inheritance of osteoarthritis • Anabnormalmetabolism,whichleadstogout For arthritis suffers, even simply walking can cause pain in the lower back, hip or knee. Often, arthritis is a downward spiral of progress pain, limiting movement and strength, which in turn causes more inactivity and pain. However, by improving joint movement, muscle strength, balance and coordination, this cycle can be broken, reducing pain and inflammation. Discover how our team of specialists can get you moving pain-free again! Contact us today or visit www.recoverypt.com. Sources: arthritis.org/about-arthritis/understanding- arthritis/what-is-arthritis.php • arthritis.org/about- arthritis/where-it-hurts/back-pain/causes/back-arthritis. php • arthritis-health.com/blog/7-core-exercises-relieve- back-and-hip-arthritis-pain • arthritis-health.com/ blog/4-types-arthritis-cause-sacroiliac-joint-pain
ARTHRITIS & PHYSICAL THERAPY
Regardlessof thecauseofarthritis,physical therapyplaysamajor role in the treatment of arthritis symptoms and should be tried first, before more aggressive procedures such as surgery. While maintainingahealthyweight,exerciseandagooddiethelp,surgical interventionmayeventuallybeneeded.However,physical therapy hasbeenshown tobeanexcellentway toprepareandrecoverafter a total knee or hip replacement. It is very common for the muscles that support the knee, hip, and low back to become weakened from inactivity. Through targeted easy to do exercises, we help your muscles regain their strength, providinggreatersupport to the joints,andreducing inflammation. Furthermore, by improving balance and coordination, especially to the knee and hip joints, the abnormal strain on the joints is relieved, and safety is improved to reduce risk of further injury. If you or a loved one suffers from arthritis, you have options. The first step is to contact one of our therapists today, and ask about ongoing physical therapy treatment to restore mobility, comfort and quality of life. See how we can help your joints feel better and move better!
You can find relief from your arthritis pain. Call us today at (917) 763-7825 or visit www.recoverypt.com. We can help you live your life again, pain-free!
WHAT OUR PATIENTS SAY SUCCESS STORIES Ihadagreatexperience withRecoveryPhysical Therapy. Everyone
Excellent physical therapy! I went in for really bad knee pains
was so nice and accommodating. I’ve been having knee troubles for awhilenow,notmanydoctorsknew why, and I have seen other physical therapists, but physical therapy at RPThasby farbeenmy favoriteand mostbeneficial.Icannotrecommend themmore!”
that I have been having for years. My therapisthelpedme feelbetter and was also very informative on what stretches I could do everyday to keep from having these pains again. I strongly recommend RecoveryPhysicalTherapy.They’re very friendlyandalwayshavea fun and positive environment. ”
– B. K.
– A. N.
Hip Hikes While standing up on a step, lower one leg downward towards the floor by tilting your pelvis to the side. Then return the pelvis/leg back to a leveled position. Repeat 3 times. EXERC I SE ESSENT I ALS TRY THIS EXERCISE TO STRENGTHEN YOUR HIPS
DR. KRISTINAPHU, PT,DPT STAFF SPOTLIGHT
Kristina Phu is a Physical Therapist at our Grand Central and Midtown East clinics. She is a native New Yorker who grew up and currently still resides in Queens. Kristina graduated from The City College of New York with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and then attended Columbia University, where she received her Doctorate of Physical Therapy with a focus on advanced orthopedics. Kristina is a Graston Technique Specialist and is Blood Flow Restriction Therapy certified. She focuses on treating each patient as a whole rather than just an injury or body part. Outside of working in the physical therapy world, Kristina enjoys working out, playing soccer, traveling the world, and cuddling with her two dogs and cat. Dr. Kristina is a Physical Therapist at our Grand Central and Midtown East clinic. Call our Grand Central clinic at (212) 953-9494 and Midtown East clinic (212) 371-7869 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Kristina, today!
Exercisescopyrightof
Always consult your physical therapist or physician before starting exercises you are unsure of doing.
DIRECT ACCESS WHAT DOES IT MEAN? Physical Therapy is Easier to Get Than You Think! • A physician referral • Therapy may begin
OCTOBER IS... NATIONAL PHYSICAL THERAPY MONTH!
2. Seek treatment as immediately following the development of your pain as possible. Muscle aches and joint pain tend to grow worse over time. The longer you let your pain go untreated, the more severe the pain is likely to become and more difficult to heal. Therapycanhaveahuge impact inalleviating muscle and joint aches. 3. Physical therapy is the best strategy to overcomechronicpainand ishelpfulatallages. Physical Therapy addresses the source of the pain, while medication only masks the issue without addressing it. Your physical therapist will tailor therapy methods to your needs, helping you achieve the best results possible.
Take this month to learn some of the most important benefits of physical therapy: 1. Physical therapy is most beneficial when used before an issue becomes chronic and as a means to prevent future injury. Your physical therapist will provide an exercise regimen to help strengthen your body and keep joints healthy, flexible, and moving properly. Exercising regularly can help you understand proper lifting mechanics and their importance in everyday life, such as moving heavy furniture or lifting. Practicing proper posture can also prevent many different types of injuries.
with a full evaluation by a licenced physical therapist • Patients sent by their physician can choose where they want to receive therapy
no longer needed, whether you want a check-up, suffered a recent injury, or if you want to improve your overall health and wellness
Don’t let your pain hold you back. Call us today at (917) 763-7825 or visit our website at www.recoverypt.com.
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