Ease The Stress of Arthritis With Physical Therapy Treatment

Almost a quarter of all American adults have arthritis, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This indicates that over 54 million people suffer from stiff, achy, swollen, and aching joints on a daily basis.

If you or a loved one suffers from arthritis in the neck, back, shoulders, wrists, hips, knees, or other joints, know that you are not alone in your struggle to find true, long-lasting pain relief!

Please contact our clinic in Dublin, GA to make an appointment with a physical therapist, and in the meantime, continue reading to learn how we can assist you!

How can a physical therapist relieve arthritis pain?

Without the use of medicines, a physical therapist can help you control and relieve your arthritis joint discomfort. Physical therapy may potentially help you avoid surgery, such as a complete knee replacement or total hip replacement, by maximizing your joint health through the following strategies.

Here are the top five things a physical therapist can do for you or a loved one who suffers from arthritis:

1. Using adaptive equipment to improve daily functions

To compensate for functional restrictions caused by arthritis and keep you safer as you go about your day, you may need adaptive equipment or another home modification item. While adaptable gadgets might be extremely cost-effective, having more of them than you need or not knowing how to utilize the ones you have properly, is pretty much a waste of time, money, and effort.

A physical therapist can show you a selection of adaptive gadgets that will help you in your daily activities. We can also ensure that you understand how to operate it properly and tweak any equipment so that it suits you properly. Custom orthotics, braces, splints, walkers, crutches, canes, bed canes, long-handled sponges or reachers, benches, and other devices may be used.

2. Teaching you therapeutic exercises and stretches

Exercise is an important part of any successful physical treatment program, especially for people with arthritis. But how can you work out if you’re in excruciating pain?

A physical therapist can teach you exercises and stretches that are appropriate for your current abilities while also managing your discomfort with other treatments. Physical therapy exercises are tailored to your specific needs, whether you want to heal tissues, reduce pain and inflammation, develop strength, improve range of motion, lessen excessive tension on an injured joint, or do all of the above.

Your physical therapist can also show you how to modify your home workout program in real-time to make you feel more successful and safe.

Remember that cardiovascular exercise, such as walking, swimming, or cycling, is one of the most effective non-pharmaceutical ways to relieve arthritis pain. Allow your physical therapist to show you how to incorporate more aerobic exercise into your everyday life in a safe manner so that you can get the most out of this healthy activity.

3. Using non-invasive pain-relief modalities

Our physical therapy team uses a range of non-invasive modalities that can enhance the healing effects of exercise and manual therapy techniques. These may include:

  • Electrical stimulation, including TENS
  • Cold or hot therapy, including cold packs or paraffin wax
  • Cold laser therapy
  • Kinesiotape
  • Therapeutic ultrasound
  • Dry needling

4. Trying joint mobilizations techniques

Arthritis is characterized by persistent inflammation and cartilage destruction in the joints, which can result in painful bone-on-bone contact. Joint mobilizations in physical therapy can help relieve pain caused by this damage while also improving joint alignment and mechanics for longer-term comfort.

Other manual approaches, such as soft tissue massage and mobilization, may be prescribed by your physical therapist, and you may be taught self-myofascial release exercises to relieve muscular tension, break up uncomfortable scar tissue, and improve healing circulation.

5. Provide you with patient education

By increasing your awareness about anatomy, pain, body mechanics, posture, ergonomics, and other relevant information, a physical therapist can help you gain a better understanding of your experience and what you can do (or avoid) to improve your comfort and quality of life.

Are you having joint replacement surgery?

Joint replacement surgery is on the horizon for some arthritis patients. When alternative conservative therapies have been attempted, this more invasive method may be the best “last resort” option for restoring function and easing suffering.

If this is the case for you, know that physical therapy is an important part of your post-operative recovery and is frequently recommended by orthopedic surgeons. A physical therapist can teach you how to obey any activity limitations or precautions prescribed by your surgeon, in addition to assisting you through rehabilitation exercises throughout your healing stages.

We invite you to think of us if you’re preparing for or recovering from a joint replacement surgery so you can make sure your outcomes turn out well!

Is Arthritis Pain Holding You Back?

Don’t let daily struggles with arthritis pain get you down. Our physical therapy team can provide innovative, research-backed, and individualized services to ease your pain and help you achieve the things that matter to you. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with a physical therapist.

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3 Common Types of Arthritis Physical Therapy Can Treat Without Medications

Say Goodbye To Harmful Medications Today

Arthritis is a pretty common term used to describe over 100 different types of joint pain and disease. Many people believe that arthritis only affects elderly people, but this is far from the truth. According to Healthline, “the symptoms of arthritis usually develop over time, but they may also appear suddenly. Arthritis is most commonly seen in adults over the age of 65, but it can also develop in children, teens, and younger adults. Arthritis is more common in women than men and in people who are overweight.

According to a study published in the American Journal of Sports Medicine, about 30 percent of male athletes who regularly play contact sports such as football, basketball, or soccer will develop arthritis in their knees and hips at some point.

Many people attempt to ease their pain with over-the-counter medications, but unfortunately, these can cause some nasty, long-lasting side effects. Have no fear though, if you’re looking for a natural and safe treatment for arthritis pain, physical therapy is a great option! Contact Rehab Advantage & Sports Medicine today to learn how you can kick your medications while still relieving your arthritis pain.

Physical Therapy Can Relieve All Types of Arthritis Pain!

Metabolic Arthritis: This kind of arthritis is typically caused by reduced kidney function. The most common type of metabolic arthritis is gout, a condition caused by uric acid crystals building up in the joints of the extremities, especially the feet. Physical therapy can help gout patients restore range of motion in the affected area and even reduce the buildup of the acidic crystals that accumulate in the joints.

Inflammatory Arthritis: With some cases of arthritis, the body’s immune system will attack joint tissues and cause intense inflammation. Rheumatoid arthritis is one example of this type of condition. Inflammatory arthritis often stems from a genetic cause, and it is usually treated with heavy doses of drugs and over-the-counter medications. However, depending on the severity of symptoms, physical therapy may be recommended for treatment as well.

Osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. This particular condition is caused by a reduction in joint cartilage as it wears away over time. This degeneration causes bones to rub together, which leads to pain and swelling. Physical therapy can often help to reduce osteoarthritis pain without medication, especially if the arthritis is mild to moderate.

Medications For Arthritis

It’s pretty common for doctors to prescribe an NSAID pain reliever to a patient with arthritis, such as Advil or ibuprofen, antibiotics, corticosteroids, or antirheumatic drugs. Even though these can provide temporary pain relief, they all carry a risk of side effects, some of which can be extremely serious. NSAIDs can cause you to have a higher chance of developing a blood clot, having a stroke or heart attack. Corticosteroids aren’t much better — they contribute to high blood sugar levels, cataracts, and even bone loss, which is the last thing a patient with arthritis needs!

What Does Physical Therapy for Arthritis Include?

Physical therapy is a 100% safe, natural, and effective method of pain management. Your physical therapist will be trained and licensed to handle your condition with care. When you work with a physical therapist to manage arthritis pain, the ultimate goals will include preserving or restoring your normal range of motion, increasing muscle strength to reduce stress on the joints, and other natural treatment options.

Here are some of the benefits of working with our physical therapists:

  • Weight control: Your physical therapist will work with you to control your weight through exercise and diet. Watching your weight prevents added stress on your joints, which is a leading cause of arthritis symptoms.
  • Improved posture: A physical therapist can help you to improve your posture, which will also help to reduce stress on your joints. Sitting and standing up straight does wonders for your pain!
  • Learn new exercises and stretches: Physical therapy treatment typically includes light exercises and stretching to help restore and increase range of motion in the affected painful areas.
  • Better sleep schedule: Your physical therapist will also recommend setting a solid schedule for rest and sleep to complement your exercises. Resting helps the body to heal faster and decrease arthritis inflammation and pain.

Contact Our Office Today To Learn More

You don’t have to live in pain anymore. Whether your arthritis condition is in your hands, knees, or ankles, or whether it has been caused by aging or playing sports, our physical therapists can help you! Keep in mind that every treatment regimen is different based on a patient’s needs and their particular type of arthritis. The best way to get started on a med-free treatment through physical therapy is by calling and scheduling an appointment with one of our therapists at Rehab Advantage & Sports Medicine.

He or she will assess your condition, pinpoint the source of your pain, ask you some health-related questions, and create a specialized treatment plan specifically catered to you and your needs. Say goodbye to harmful medication. Contact Rehab Advantage & Sports Medicine today to get on the road to recovery from arthritis pain!

Let Physical Therapy Save You From Arthritis Pain!

Your Days of Living In Pain Are Over

Do You Have Arthritis Pain?

Have you been consistently suffering from pain in your lower back, knees, hands, hips, or joints? The culprit might be arthritis. Arthritis is a joint disorder causing pain, stiffness, swelling, and inflammation. In the case that only a single joint is inflamed, the condition is known as monoarthritis. If two or three joints are involved, it’s referred to as oligoarthritis. Many people struggling with arthritis experience a loss of movement or a decrease in their range of motion, because their joints are just too swollen to move.

If you are struggling with joint pain or arthritis, you might tend to lean on over the counter medications for relief, but this is only temporary. What you need is a safe, natural, long-lasting pain relief. Physical therapy can provide this for you! Contact Rehab Advantage & Sports Medicine today to learn more about physical therapy and how a customized treatment plan could be the answer you’ve been looking for.

Types of Arthritis

There are over 100 types of arthritis. Below is a list of some of the most common ones and what part of the body they affect the most.

  1. Osteoarthritis. This condition occurs due to wear and tear of the cartilage. It typically affects the spine, hands, knees, and hips.
  2. Rheumatoid arthritis. This results from an overactive immune system. It affects the hands, feet, elbows, wrists, knees, and ankles.
  3. Psoriatic arthritis. Psoriatic arthritis typically affects large joints, causing inflammation in the places where tendons and ligaments connect to bone.
  4. Gout. This condition is extremely painful and occurs when there is an increased level of uric acid in your bloodstream.

Arthritis is the most common chronic illness in the nation. According to Arthritis.org, “More than 50 million adults and 300,000 children have some type of arthritis. It is most common among women and occurs more frequently as people get older.” This is most likely why there is a misconception that arthritis only affects the elderly.

Arthritis can render people unable to work, and many suffering from it are forced to go on disability. Arthritic pain can seriously interrupt a person’s routine, quality of life, and overall mobility.

Physical therapy for arthritic pain has been proven by research to be highly effective. If you suffer from arthritic pain be sure to call Rehab Advantage & Sports Medicine to schedule an appointment with one of our skilled physical therapists.

How Arthritis is Diagnosed

When you visit your physical therapist for the first time, he or she will examine your joints for deformity and inflammation, look for signs of disease and review your history of symptoms. They might also order blood or urine tests, x-rays, or joint fluid tests.

The earlier your arthritis is caught and diagnosed, the better chance you have of keeping your strength and mobility later in life. Early diagnosis can prevent disability and irreversible damage. Your physical therapist will recommend exercise routines, medications, and rest. It’s important that you do the proper, safe exercises to avoid injury, so make sure you listen up when your physical therapist is giving you tips!

How Physical Therapy Treatment Can Help Arthritis

Physical therapy is all about engaging in physical activity and exercise to improve your overall health. Getting regular physical activity is essential to achieving the maximum levels of both physical and mental health, and it is critical for the management of arthritis.

A physical therapist will create a treatment program that addresses all areas of the body. For example, if you suffer from arthritis pain in the knee an exercise program will address the lower back, hip, and ankle, in addition to the knee. This is because all of these areas contribute to proper knee control. Proper lifting and squatting techniques may also be a part of the treatment plan as well as carrying heavy objects the right way so you can learn how to reduce unnecessary strain on your back.

Your physical therapy treatment might also include manual therapy with soft tissue mobilization, deep tissue massage, TENS, ice packs, and heat therapy. All of these treatments are passive modalities that reduce inflammation, increase blood circulation, reduce pain and enhance mobility and range of motion.

All around, physical therapy is a safe, natural, and noninvasive method for arthritis pain.

Contact Our Office Today!

Arthritis pain can be exhausting, miserable, and debilitating for those who suffer from it. It’s even worse that as of today, there is no cure for it. However, thankfully we have physical therapy as an option, which is a safe, natural, and noninvasive method for arthritis pain.

A physical therapist will be able to customize a therapeutic exercise program to improve your mobility and strength. If you’re suffering from arthritis pain, be sure to schedule an appointment with one of our certified physical therapists. We are 100% committed to your success. Our research-driven treatments will help you get fast pain relief, and get your life back on track!

Physical Therapy for Non-Pharmaceutical Arthritis Pain Management

Stiffness and discomfort don’t have to be a part of our daily lives — and yet many people assume that they’re doomed to suffer from arthritis pain. If you’ve been losing more and more of your mobility and productivity due to chronic joint inflammation, you may be disappointed by the usefulness of painkilling drugs or even alarmed by the potential dangers of such drugs. Fortunately, you have a safer, more effective path toward arthritis pain management: physical therapy.

How and Why Arthritis Causes Pain and Stiffness

Arthritis includes an entire family of painful joint conditions. For some individuals, it may take the form of painful gout in a toe joint; in others, it can strike due to a bacterial joint infection. The majority of arthritis suffers, however, suffer from one of two agonizing conditions:

  • Osteoarthritis – This most common form of arthritis is usually a natural consequence of a lifetime of joint motion, coupled with certain changes that take place during aging. Healthy joints contain not only a lubricating fluid to keep the bone ends moving smoothly, but also a layer of cartilage that acts as a shock absorber and anti-friction component. Over time, however, the production of lubricating fluid can start to dry up, while the cartilage becomes thinner and more worn until it finally breaks down completely. This leaves you with pain, stiffness, and inflammation that usually feels worse whenever you try to move or put weight on the joint.
  • Rheumatoid arthritis – This form of arthritis is caused by an auto-immune disease or dysfunction. The same protective mechanisms that normally fight off disease germs decide to turn on your joints, treating them as the enemy and attacking them. This results in painful inflammation that may come and go, leaving joint swelling and deformity in its wake.

Many arthritis sufferers naturally turn to medication in the hopes that it will ease their symptoms. NSAIDs, steroids and (and in the most severe cases) opioid drugs may produce such relief, but only temporarily. These drugs can’t address the physical problems that actually cause your symptoms; they can only mute the symptoms themselves. What’s more, painkilling and anti-inflammatory drugs can pose significant risks if they’re used constantly. NSAIDs can damage the internal organs, while steroids may contribute to everything from cataracts to osteoporosis. Opioids can be extremely dangerous, not only because of their addictive properties but also because overdoses can (and often do) prove fatal.

Our Physical Therapist Can Develop Customized Pain Management Plans

If you want an arthritis pain management plan that improves your health without presenting you with the dangers of drugs, turn to physical therapy. Our physical therapist can examine your joints to see how advanced your arthritis has become and how it may be affecting your stance, gait or mobility. You’ll then receive a customized pain management plan that may include:

  • Exercise – Exercise can aid arthritis sufferers by boosting circulation, easing inflammation, strengthening joint tissues and increasing range of motion. It can help you improve your balance, if that’s become a problem for you.
  • Physiotherapy techniques – You may benefit from massage therapy, cold/heat therapy or laser therapy.
  • Corrective devices – Your physical therapist can recommend specialized insoles and train you in the use of devices such as walkers or canes.
  • Lifestyle guidance – Your physical therapist can recommend specific changes to your everyday ergonomics or lifestyle that will ease your pain.

Don’t just numb your arthritis pain — manage it the smart, safe, effective way. Contact Rehab Advantage & Sports Medicine today!

Find Help for Your Arthritis Pains Today

If you have arthritis, then you know all about the difficulties with moving and functioning in daily life that it can present. What you might not know, however, is that physical therapy can help you find relief from your arthritis pain. There is no cure for arthritis, but by using the exercises and techniques that your physical therapist can teach you, the onset of arthritis can be slowed and you will experience less pain overall. Those are some great reasons to contact Rehab Advantage & Sports Medicine and schedule a physical therapy appointment today.

How Physical Therapy Can Help with Arthritis

Arthritis attacks the joints of the body, so the goal of physical therapy will be to restore the use of those joints and improve your ability to move around and engage in daily activities. This will be achieved through a combination of exercise to strengthen the support structures around the joints, and teaching you how to move and engage in activities without worsening your symptoms. The exact course of treatment that your physical therapist will prescribe will depend on how advanced your arthritis is and which parts of the body are impacted.

The physical exercises your therapist will teach you will be directed toward improving your mobility, range of motion, flexibility and coordination. Additional treatments for your arthritis may include:

  • Posture: Your therapist will teach you various body mechanic techniques that will improve joint function and reduce pain. You will also be taught ways to use your strongest muscles and joints to relieve pressure on arthritic joints.
  • Education: Sometimes arthritis in the hip or knee will require the use of assistive mobility devices, such as a cane or walker. Your physical therapist will teach you the proper way to use these devices.
  • Treatments: Modern physical therapy has a broad range of treatment options available to assist with arthritis pain. Hot and cold therapy can relieve the pain and stiffness in joints; braces or splints can help to stabilize and support arthritic joints; shoe inserts can relieve arthritis pain in the lower extremities; and so on.
  • Environment Modifications: Your physical therapist can make specific recommendations for additional therapeutic aids based on your type of arthritis. These can include ergonomic furniture or cushioned mats in areas of your home or at work where you tend to stand on your feet for long periods of time.

Here’s What a Physical Therapy Session Looks Like

Physical therapy visits are often short in duration. Your therapist will be focused on spotting problems with your physical function that are related to the arthritis, and teaching you methods you can employ at home to relieve pain. The way to actually achieve pain relief from your arthritis is to keep up with the teachings for the long term. The improvement will be gradual, so it’s important that you follow your physical therapist’s instructions.

In order to help your physical therapist to provide you with the best advice possible, think carefully about different physical goals that you might have. For example, you might want to be able to do your daily job without straining your hips or knees, to reach things high up on a kitchen shelf, or to simply get in and out of your car without pain. Expressing these goals to your therapist will aid in ensuring that your treatments are as specific to your goals as possible.

Your physical therapy sessions probably won’t need to be done on a weekly basis. Once every few weeks to monitor your condition and progress should be sufficient. If you are ready for relief from arthritis pain, contact Rehab Advantage to schedule your first appointment with a physical therapist.

The Drug-Free Way to Treat Your Arthritic Pains

Arthritis refers to the pain associated with moving joints. It may result from a variety of factors, including genetics and lifestyle habits, and millions of people turn to medications for managing the pain. However, arthritic pain is susceptible to much more than just medications. Drug-free strategies to reduce arthritic pain rely on a person’s five senses to combat the effects of arthritis, including anxiety surrounding pain, reports the Arthritis Foundation. While medication treatment may be available, those with arthritis will benefit from the use of non-medication approaches to managing symptoms, and they should speak with an expert, such as a physical therapist, to discuss drug-free strategies to reduce its impact.

Think About the Good Times.

Simply spending time reviewing a photo album and connecting happy memories with images has a powerful effect on the mind and body. It provides a short-term escape from the trials of life today. Go throw an old photo book when the pain begins to impact your day.

Leverage the Power of Nature.

Sunlight aids the body in metabolizing vitamin D. This vitamin is responsible for bone health and the proper function of the immune system. Since arthritis involves the deterioration of the musculoskeletal system, getting enough vitamin D is crucial to keeping it at bay. Furthermore, sunshine triggers the release of serotonin in the brain, boosting mood and acting as a natural painkiller, notes the Arthritis Foundation.

Make Healthier Food Choices.

Depending on the type of arthritis, dietary improvements may benefit the condition. As explained by the National Institutes of Health, treatment for rheumatoid arthritis combined with improved dietary choices increases the chances of remission. Furthermore, a healthier diet offers advantages in other areas of health. For example, foods rich in antioxidants, such as dark chocolate, may reduce risk for cardiovascular disease and improve mood, reports EatingWell. It leads back to better management of pain.

Consider the Use of Non-Traditional Therapies, Such as Yoga or Meditation.

Non-traditional means of treating health conditions, including yoga and guided medication, have a history of improving arthritis pain. Yoga and meditation help a person relax, says the Mayo Clinic, reducing the sense of pain.

Maintain a Healthy Weight.

Excess weight places an extra burden on the body, and for those living with arthritis, extra weight amounts to more pain. However, any exercise regimen should be under the supervision of a primary care physician and trained experts, such as occupational and physical therapists.

Work With Occupational and Physical Therapists to Avoid Unnecessary Injury.

Occupational therapy focuses on fine motor movements, such as those used to hold a fork during meals. Physical therapy takes a whole-body approach to understanding the exact motions of joints and how to move them without causing pain. The Mayo Clinic continues with how the right combination of lifestyle choices and therapy may reduce pain and improve range of motion.

Leverage the Power of Physical Therapy and Alternatives to Medications at Last.

Arthritis affects the lives of more than 31 million Americans, and that statistic will double to more than 78 million by 2040, says the Arthritis Foundation. All races, genders and ages may develop arthritis, and while medication treatment may help, it is far from the sole solution. Stop treating your pain with NSAIDs and other medications alone, and take advantage of an alternative, such as physical therapy, instead. Request a consultation with Rehab Advantage & Sports Medicine today.

Find Help for Your Arthritis Pains Today

Do you feel like the Tin Man from The Wizard of Oz, barely able to move thanks to stiff, painful joints? Does arthritis pain prevent you from going about your daily activities and living the life you want to live? Believe it or not, those painful joints may bother you less once you start using them more. Physical therapy can provide a number of benefits, from wider range of motion to greater joint strength and stability — without the risks and side effects of anti-inflammatory medications. Our Rehab Advantage & Sports Medicine physical therapists will be happy to help you conquer your arthritis pain, so contact our physical therapy center today!

What Is Arthritis?

Arthritis can prove as confusing as it is painful, partly because there are so many possible causes of joint pain and inflammation — over 100 of them, according to the CDC. Conditions ranging from uric acid accumulation to bacterial infection can inflame and damage the body’s various joints. The usual symptoms include swollen, stiff joints that cause pain either constantly or with joint motion.

Causes and Symptoms of Arthritis

The two chief types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis typically occurs as the end result of many years of ordinary joint usage, although it can also develop more quickly in association with an injury or extreme joint wear. The cartilage that normally permits smooth, friction-free motion within the joint grows thin and breaks up, while at the same time, the joint may start producing less and less of its own natural lubricant fluid. Rheumatoid arthritis tends to occur in periodic flare-ups instead of causing constant pain and deterioration. In this form of arthritis, an immune system reaction attacks the joint components as if they were foreign invaders.

The classic symptoms of arthritis vary according to what type of arthritis you have. Both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis can cause joint pain, swelling, redness and deformation. But rheumatoid arthritis may be accompanied by additional symptoms such as fever, weight loss, weakness and fatigue. It also tends to come and go in acute episodes, while osteoarthritis is more of a constant, progressively worsening presence in your life.

How Physical Therapy Helps Arthritis Pain

If you’re struggling to use your hands, turn your head, or walk even short distances without pain, you might be understandably hesitant to use those arthritis-ridden joints at all. But the truth is that regularly flexing your joints and exercising your body can help you feel and move better. Research indicates that exercise can reduce the pain experienced by arthritis suffers. Based on your particular condition and type of arthritis, our physical therapist may recommend the following kinds of physical therapy exercises:

  • Flexibility exercises – These exercises are designed to help you increase your pain-free range of motion. They can be as simple as arm raises or shoulder rolls.
  • Strength-building exercises – Gentle, careful weight training, as prescribed by our physical therapist, can lend extra stability to your joints, helping your muscles and connective tissues assume more of the joints’ burden.
  • Aerobic exercises – Aerobic exercises boost your circulation. This increase in circulation supports joint tissue health while helping inflammatory substances and excess fluids to exit the joints.

If your weight-bearing joints make walking too painful to contemplate, our physical therapist may prescribe water walking instead. Standing in a water-filled pool reduces the amount of weight your joints must support, allowing you to exercise more easily and comfortably.

Looking for a powerful, drug-free way to ease your arthritis pain? Contact our Dublin, GA physical therapy center to schedule an appointment!

Don’t Suffer From Arthritis Pain Any Longer – Find Relief With Physical Therapy

Millions of individuals struggle with arthritis pain and stiffness. Many arthritis sufferers follow several steps each day just to relieve stiff and achy joints. Physical therapy can be part of an effective plan to ease your pain while also remaining active. Contact Rehab Advantage & Sports Medicine today to find out how a physical therapy program can lessen arthritis pain or even eliminate it altogether!

Choosing the right foods:

Nutrition can play a crucial role in easing arthritis pain and discomfort. Besides avoiding MSG, refined carbs, and sugary foods that increase inflammation, you’ll also want to add some specific foods to your diet that can help ease your arthritis pain. These include:

  • Walnuts. Much like the nutrients you find in fish, walnuts are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which can reduce inflammation. Walnuts can be eaten alone or added to almost any sweet or salty dish.
  • Broccoli. Broccoli has an ingredient called sulforaphane, which has the ability to slow down or even prevent osteoarthritis. Broccoli is great served hot or cold, in salads, or as a casserole.
  • Ginger. Ginger may be able to help reduce inflammation and alleviate arthritis pain. It also adds incredible flavor to almost any food, including soups, fruits, veggies, and meat.
  • Soy. Soy is high in protein and low in fat, and it is also a great tasting way to fight inflammation. You can get your soy through tofu, soy milk, or roasted soybeans.

Staying physically active through physical therapy:

While exercise won’t reverse arthritis, it can help slow its progression and ease painful symptoms. Sticking with a regular exercise routine that’s provided by your physical therapist can also help you maintain a healthy body weight, which will ease the strain on your joints. A physical therapist can show you several types of stretches and exercises that address your affected joints and help you find relief.

Physical therapy may also help you avoid taking excessive amounts of medication in order to reduce your pain. A physical therapist is trained to evaluate your condition and provide the correct exercises to meet your needs. A common physical therapy exercise for arthritis patients is aquatic therapy, as working out in water allows for soothing a non-impact exercise. A physical therapist may also recommend working out in a heated pool, in order to help relieve the pain in your arthritic joints.

Working with a physical therapist:

A physical therapy treatment program can ease the pain from arthritis and help improve your daily life. Working with a physical therapist can help you achieve the following goals:

  • Strengthening your muscles. When the muscles that surround and support your aching joints are stronger and more flexible, your arthritis pain will be much less severe. Physical therapy techniques can be used to increase strength, which in turn will relieve pain.
  • Increasing your range of motion. A physical therapy program can help reduce stiffness by keeping both your muscles and ligaments loose. This will lessen your pain and improve your overall range of mobility.
  • Learning how to correctly use devices. A trained physical therapist can help you learn how to use orthotics, walkers, and any other assistive device correctly. This will help lessen the strain on joints when you move and ensure that you are using the devices safely.

Understanding a physical therapist’s methods:

A qualified physical therapist may use several treatment methods in order to help relieve arthritic pain. For example, a physical therapist may use massage as a way to loosen up the muscles and tendons that surround your arthritic joints. Physical therapy treatments might also include the use of ice packs and ice baths, in order to reduce inflammation. Your physical therapist may also use heating pads, as well as other heat methods to loosen up your tight muscles. Laser or ultrasound treatments may also be used to provide relief, as your physical therapist deems fit.

A qualified physical therapist can put together an individualized program to help reduce your arthritis pain and keep you as active as possible. Physical therapy is an excellent way to keep your joints, tendons, and muscles working together efficiently. Contact our office today at (478) 887-3021 or click here to see how physical therapy can help you relieve your arthritis symptoms and live a pain-free life!

The Natural Way to Treat Your Arthritic Aches and Pains

Arthritis is a painful condition that can leave someone feeling limited and lonely in their journey. Many arthritis sufferers turn to antirheumatic drugs, steroid injections, or joint replacement surgery, in order to cope with pain. However, for many patients, physical therapy and other similar natural treatments have been proven to present better solutions. For more information on how our natural form of pain management can help relieve your arthritic pains, contact Rehab Advantage & Sports Medicine today.

What is manual therapy?

Physical therapy isn’t just about doing specialized exercises. In fact, manual therapy is a crucial part of many physical therapy treatment plans. It is the hands-on component of PT that not only gives arthritic patients much-needed pampering, but also helps to ease discomfort. Manual pain relief treatment often occupies a significant portion of an arthritic patient’s physical therapy session.

Additional treatment methods may include ice and heat therapies, massage, and even specialized machines, in order to ease aching joints. Your physical therapist can alternate heating pads and ice packs to naturally relieve pain. Targeted massage boosts circulation and creates a soothing, warming sensation for arthritic areas. Ultrasound machines bring soothing heat deeper into the affected joints. No matter what methods and modalities you are prescribed, you can find solace in the fact that your physical therapist designed your treatment plan specifically for you.

How does PT help build range-of-motion?

Anyone with arthritis can vouch for the painfully stiff joints that accompany the condition. If you try to push the affected joint further than it can move, the resulting sensation can range from a nagging twinge to sheer agony. Flexibility exercises learned in physical therapy sessions gradually allow your joints to become more limber, while resistance exercises work to strengthen the muscles that support those joints. By participating in such treatments, your complete physical therapy session will allow you to achieve lessened discomfort and greater freedom of movement.

How are painful joints isolated?

Rest can sometimes be the best cure for arthritic joints. However, too much inactivity can actually worsen the problem by weakening the surrounding muscles.

Your physical therapist can help you isolate the painful joint, so you can remain active while finding relief. Bracing provides natural pain relief for your arthritic condition. Depending on where your arthritis is rooted, a specialized neck collar or wrist splint can also provide specialized support for that joint. By isolating the painful area, you will be able to go about your daily life without worrying about the aches and pains you are carrying with you.

How can I learn new ways to move?

It’s not always simple to anticipate which actions you make will bring on arthritic twinges and sharp pains. Even something as simple as turning a corner while walking can cause your arthritic shoulder to tense and twist in a way that you never even noticed before, resulting in a jolt of pain that seems to shoot right through you. Because of this, learning new ways to move is important, in order to help you avoid some of those unwelcomed painful sensations throughout the day.

During physical therapy treatments, arthritic patients are able to learn which motions lead to discomfort. Their physical therapists are also able to demonstrate new joint protection techniques, in order to avoid unnecessary pain. This could be something as simple as using a purse with a particular kind of strap, in order to take pressure off your wrists, or exiting the car or bathtub in a different way

If you have arthritic fingers, a physical therapist can demonstrate how to carry objects with your palms instead of grasping them. Laying objects across the arms instead of carrying them in your hands is another common technique. Throughout your treatments, you will also gain information on the latest tools and gadgets that can help make day-to-day tasks much less challenging.

Contact us for relief:

Of course, each patient is different when it comes to the best type of physical therapy and related natural treatments for arthritis. A large part of your treatment prescription depends on the location and severity of your condition. A physical therapist on our team can give you a careful assessment and determine which methods will be best in providing you with natural pain relief. Contact our Dublin, GA office today to secure an appointment and get started on the path toward natural, safe, and effective relief!