HandsOn: Helping Arthritis Pain

Newsletter by Hands-On Physical Therapy

N E W S L E T T E R

DON’T LET ARTHRITIS PAIN SLOW YOU DOWN!

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N E W S L E T T E R

WATCH YOUR PLANTS BLOOM AS YOUR BACK PAIN WILTS

INSIDE : • Overcoming Arthritis Pain • Manipulation

• Patient Success Spotlight • Relieve Pain In Minutes

struggle with the condition, and while it can influence anyone of any age, it most frequentlydevelopsamong thosewhoaremostprone tooveruse—those who are over the age of 65. Arthritis occurs when there is a breakdown of the cartilage that covers the endsof thebones.Thiscartilage iswhatallows the joints in theelbows,ankles, knees and hips to move with freedom. Without cartilage, the bones would rub against one another with each movement, and would cause extreme pain. As the cartilage breaks down, so, typically, does the bone, and as the shape of the joint changes it becomes even more difficult for it to function smoothly. Furthermore, the ligaments and tendons around the joint will often stiffen, and the muscles surrounding the joint will weaken, making it altogether more difficult and painful to move. While arthritis pain typically develops gradually, the realization of what you are dealing with can still come as a shock. In some circumstances the pain will appear more abruptly, especially when the pain develops in association with a change in weather or other environmental circumstance.

When you experiencean injury, dealing with thepain thatcomes as partof the aftermath is expected. While painful, most of the time when recovering from an injury you can find comfort in the knowledge that the pain is temporary. As your body heals, as you go through the motions of building your muscle mass back and improving flexibility with physical therapy, you know that, in time, you will feel like yourself again. This knowledge gives you something to work towards, and helps the pain feel more manageable—even when it is intense, and never-fleeting. Arthritis pain is different. Arthritis doesn’t develop as a result of an injury, but instead develops over time as a result of chronic use, or even as a result of genetic disposition. This can make dealing with the pain of arthritis even more difficult to cope with, as it begs the question: if the pain is coming from inside the joint, is there anything I can actually do about it? Understanding Arthritis Pain. Osteoarthritis is the most common chronic condition to affect the joints. Almost 30 million adults in the United States

SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION TODAY GET RID OF YOUR NAGGING ARTHRITIS PAIN!

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MANIPULATION

Manipulationforphysical therapy isa typeofpassivemovementofaskeletal joint. It is usually aimed at one or more ‘target’ synovial joints with the aim of achieving a therapeutic effect. Manipulationcanbedistinguished fromotherManualTherapy interventions suchas jointmobilizationby itsbiomechanics,bothkineticsandkinematics. Jointmanipulation ischaracteristicallyassociatedwith theproductionofan audible ‘clicking’ or ‘popping’ sound. This sound is believed to be the result of a phenomenon known as cavitation occurring within the synovial fluid of the joint.Whenamanipulation isperformed, theapplied forceseparates the articular surfaces of a fully encapsulated synovial joint. This deforms the joint capsule and intra-articular tissues, which in turn, creates a reduction in pressure within the joint cavity. The clinical effects of joint manipulation have been shown to include: • Temporary relief of musculoskeletal 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 isa lotofcurrent research trying tounderstandwhatpreciselycauses arthritis to develop in some people, and not in others. Everyone uses their jointseveryday,andwhile itmakessensethatsomuchpressurewouldcause 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. Anti-inflammation and Arthritis. 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 tendonsand ligamentsbecome inflamedasa resultofan internalattack from the immunesystem,which is typically triggeredbysomecombination ofenvironmentalfactors.Avoidingcertainfoodsandmovementscanreduce inflammation, and thereby reduce pain. Physical Therapy and Arthritis. Physical therapy is highly recommended for the treatment of arthritis because it can strengthen and support the joints throughguidedpracticeofmovementandstrengthbuildingexercises. Typically,thebestactivitiesforarthritispainare low-impactactivities.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 changessuchas reducingcaffeineandsugarconsumptionaresaid tohelp alleviatepainassociatedwitharthritis.However,beforeyoustartmakingany 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. OVERCOMING ARTHRITIS PAIN

• Shortened time to recover from acute back sprains • Temporary increase in passive range of motion • Physiological effects upon the central nervous system • No alteration of the position of the sacroiliac joint

For more information, contact us at Astoria, NY center.

Relieve Pain In Minutes Try this movement if you are experiencing leg pain. QUAD SET While lying or sitting with a small towel rolled under your ankle, tighten your top thigh muscle to press the back of your knee downward towards the ground. Stretches Legs

Exercisescopyrightof Always consultyourphysical therapistorphysicianbefore startingexercisesyouareunsureofdoing.

CALL US TODAY IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING ARTHRITIS PAIN (718) 626-2699

Patient Success Spotlight

Who Do You Know That Needs Our Help?

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Do You Have Friends Or Family That Can’t:





 � Move without pain � Bend and move freely � Balance confidently & securely 

 � Sit for long periods � Walk for long distances � Live active and healthy

   



“Helpedme to be independent!” “When I first came to Hands-On I was very limited with things I would do with my right arm. Putting on my coat, dressing, personal care, was very difficult. The therapy that was given for my problem, helped me to be independent. My therapist Vinit, really helped me to reach that state of well-being. Vinit and all the rest of the staff at Hands-On are very caring, professional and helpful. I would strongly recommend it to friends. I will miss my weekly visits. Thank you to all!” - QMB

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       Call to schedule.     32-44 31st Street • Astoria, NY 11106 Tel: (718) 626-2699 • Fax: (718) 626-0923  Name: Refered by:











KWWSVXGRNXFRP STRENGTHEN YOUR MIND! Qr/HYHO+DUG

Healthy Recipe: Strawberry-Chocolate Greek Yogurt Bark







  



 



 





 



 



  







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INGREDIENTS • 3 cups whole-milk plain Greek yogurt • ¼ cup pure maple syrup or honey

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract • 1½ cups sliced strawberries • ¼ cup mini chocolate chips

 The object is to fill all empty squares so that the numbers 1 to 9 appear exactly once in each row, column and 3x3 box, and the sum of the numbers in each area is equal to the clue in the area’s top-left corner.      

INSTRUCTIONS Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Stir yogurt, maple syrup (or honey) and vanilla in a medium bowl. Spread on the prepared baking sheet into a 10-by-15-inch rectangle. Scatter the strawberries on top and sprinkle with chocolate chips. Freeze until very firm, at least 3 hours. To serve, cut or break into 32 pieces. To make ahead: Freeze airtight between sheets of parchment for up to 1 month; let stand at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving. Equipment: Parchment paper





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