Opioids Don’t Need to Be the Answer for Arthritis Pain Relief

Find Relief for Your Joint Pain the Natural Way!

Arthritis is a general term that actually encompasses hundreds of different diseases. Whether you have osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or any other type of arthritis, two of the primary symptoms are inflammation and joint pain.

Whatever type of arthritis you suffer from, you’re likely struggling to overcome varying degrees of pain. If you are taking opioids for arthritis pain, we’re here to let you know that there is a better option.

Find relief with physical therapy

Physical therapy can be an effective alternative to taking opioids for arthritis pain.

There are several specific ways that a physical therapist can help an individual struggling with arthritis pain, including:

  • Ergonomic modifications – A physical therapist will be able to make suggestions for your home environment that can help ease arthritic pain. These might include mats to stand on in your kitchen, ergonomic chairs, or certain types of mattresses or bedding you can use.
  • Assistive devices – During physical therapy treatment you can also learn how to correctly use devices such as braces, canes, or walkers.
  • Targeted exercises – A physical therapist can teach you exercises that will increase flexibility and strength. These exercises can also reduce the pain you experience when carrying out daily activities. According to the American Physical Therapy Association, research shows that individuals with arthritis can exercise without making pain worse.
  • Electrical stimulation – TENS is Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation therapy. This type of physical therapy includes pulses of electricity used to target arthritis pain. A physical therapist can place electrodes on the skin over the area of pain. Low amounts of electricity pass through to the joints. This can temporarily relieve arthritis pain.
  • Manual therapy – A physical therapist can provide massage or use hot or cold therapy to ease arthritic pain. Massage can help improve circulation which can reduce joint pain.

If you’re struggling with arthritis pain, a trained physical therapist can work with you to increase your mobility while decreasing pain.

What should I know about opioids?

Opioids are powerful narcotics that work to cause numb relief. They have the ability to bind to the brain’s opioid receptors and to limit the messages of pain sent to the brain. Both oxycodone and morphine are considered to be opioids.

While opioid drugs may be beneficial when carefully used over a short period of time, they are not without serious drawbacks. They are highly addictive and they often interact with other drugs. Approximately 42,000 deaths related to opioid overdoses occurred in 2016.

If you are currently taking some type of opioid for your arthritis pain, it is important to know that there is a safer alternative that can reduce and even eliminate pain.

Is arthritis impacting your everyday life?

If you’re struggling with osteoarthritis, you’re likely to experience pain, stiffness, and limited flexibility. Rheumatoid arthritis may cause similar symptoms and may affect organs in the body.

Psoriatic arthritis and gout are also types of arthritis that can cause varying levels of pain, inflammation, and mobility. Arthritis pain may affect even the simplest of daily activities.

Washing, cooking, and walking up and down the stairs can prove difficult with any of these types of arthritis. The severity of the pain may also change on a daily basis. Because of this, it can become too easy to rely on powerful pain medications to cope with arthritis pain.

What else should I consider?

It is quite common for people who have arthritis pain to resort to expensive surgery, steroid injections, and prescription medications to cope with their pain.

Sometimes, patients with severe arthritis may benefit from these treatments. However, more often than not, physical therapy and natural treatments are the best route to take.

Arthritis does not discriminate either, and although it is often found in elderly patients, it can affect anyone at any age.

According to a study on JAMA, “[rheumatoid] arthritis (RA) occurs in about 5 per 1000 people and can lead to severe joint damage and disability.”

Arthritis is also one of the leading causes of disability in the United States. If left untreated by a professional, patients with arthritis may experience extremely painful symptoms over a long period of time.

If you want to learn more about how physical therapy can benefit you and reduce your arthritis pain, please call our office today.

Get started today

Even if you are already taking opioids, an individualized physical therapy program may help you reduce the amount of medication you are taking.

To find out how you can reduce arthritis pain, contact our Dublin, GA office to set up an appointment with a physical therapist!

It’s Time To End Your Battle With Chronic Joint Pain

If your joints have been bothering you for a few months, know that you’re not alone. Joint pain plagues an increasing number of aging, often arthritic Americans. As a matter of fact, a report from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that in 2002, about 10.5 million people in the United States said they battled severe joint pain, but by 2014 that number had jumped to 14.6 million. That’s a pretty big leap, and it certainly leaves a lot of room for concern. The question now is, what exactly can be done to combat the painful effects of this ever-growing condition? The answer just might be physical therapy. If you have chronic joint pain, don’t ignore it or assume it will go away on its own. Give our office a call and set up an appointment with one of our certified physical therapists.

What is chronic joint pain?

Chronic joint pain refers to “discomfort, aches, and soreness in any of the body’s joints.” Joint pain is common, but thankfully doesn’t usually require a hospital visit. The joints form where the ends of two bones meet, such as the elbow, knee and hip. Its components stabilize the joint and allow it to move freely. The joint components have a capsule, which is a sac that holds the joint. It’s filled with synovial fluid for lubrication.

There is also cartilage that covers the ends of the bones in the specific joint. Chronic joint pain lasts for months and can even last a lifetime. Pain may range from moderate to severe and can be extremely debilitating. If you’re dealing with chronic joint pain of any sort, don’t bank on it to heal itself without medical attention!

Causes of chronic joint pain

One of the most common causes of chronic joint pain is arthritis. This includes rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis progresses slowly and typically affects the knees, hips, hands and wrists. It can cause inflammation, pain and fluid buildup.

Other common causes of chronic joint pain are:

  • Fibromyalgia
  • Osteoporosis
  • Overuse of a joint
  • Tendinitis
  • Bursitis
  • Sarcoidosis
  • Rickets
  • An injury
  • Gout

The symptoms of chronic joint pain generally include stiffness, inflammation and tenderness around the joint area, decreased range of motion and decreased mobility. If your joint pain persists for more than three days, it’s time to see a physical therapist for a thorough examination in order to determine the root cause of your pain.

How can physical therapy help chronic joint pain?

Physical therapy is a safe, holistic, and effective way to combat chronic joint pain conditions. A physical therapist will custom tailor a therapeutic exercise program to strengthen your body, increase your mobility and reduce pain. According to Verywell Health “Physical therapy for joint pain focuses on maintaining joint function and range of motion, strengthening muscles surrounding the joint, and minimizing joint stiffness and pain. Depending on your condition, your physical therapist may recommend a walking aid, brace, or splint to improve your functioning.”

A physical therapist will focus on the surrounding area of the joint pain. Strengthening and weight-bearing activity increase joint lubrication. For example, if you suffer from knee pain, the treatment plan will address impairments at the hip, ankle and lower back. All of these areas contribute to knee control and proper knee mechanics.

Your physical therapist may choose to utilize manual therapy to increase your mobility and to decrease your pain. This will likely include soft tissue mobilization and joint stabilization. Soft tissue mobilization is a hands-on technique that is used on muscles, fascia and ligaments. It breaks up any existing adhesions.

The goal is to reduce swelling, decrease pain, restore functionality and improve range of motion. If at any time your physical therapist recommends a stretch or exercise that is uncomfortable for you to perform, let them know! Honesty is key to a successful treatment outcome; they will be able to adjust the exercise so that you can complete it comfortably.

Are you seeking pain relief for chronic joint pain?

If you’re seeking relief from stiffness and chronic joint pain, call us today to make an appointment. Our physical therapists can help you! We use research-proven treatments for quick relief and help our patients get back to their normal lifestyle. Contact our clinic or visit us in Dublin, GA for a one-on-one consultation and evaluation, and get back to leading the life you love, free of pain and joint discomfort.

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3 Natural Ways To Relieve Stiff and Achy Joints

Pain Relief Is Closer Than You Might Realize!

Sometimes we wake up in the morning feeling stiff and achy. We wonder, “Did I sleep on my neck wrong? Do I need to replace my mattress?” It’s only normal that from time to time we feel a little off upon getting our day started! However, if you find that you’re consistently waking up in pain, it could be time for a trip to a physical therapist.

Aching, stiff joints could be an easily fixed issue, but in some cases, your physician might diagnose you with a condition that requires a referral to a physical therapist for further treatment. Rehab Advantage has worked with tons of patients dealing with aches and pains in their joints, so contact us today to learn more. We’re 100% committed to helping you enjoy a better quality of life!

Stiff and Achy In The Morning? There Could Be A Reason!

Throughout the day, your joint tissues become irritated. By the time you’re tired and ready to go to bed, there’s a good chance you won’t even notice it. For the most part, when you fall asleep, you remain immobile overnight. This allows the inflammation to grow thicker joints become even more irritated.

The result? You wake up in the morning and find that your joints are stiff and achy. How uncomfortable! After you start moving around though, usually the inflammation becomes more fluid-like and the pain will lessen or subside altogether.

Your physical therapist is likely to recommend a pretty common remedy for this, which is that you stay properly hydrated throughout the day. Drinking enough fluids and staying hydrated allows your body’s tissues to function at their normal rate, whereas dehydration slows down your chemical processes and has the opposite effect!

But What If I Have A More Serious Medical Condition?

Sometimes it’s not as simple as consuming enough fluids throughout the day to ease your aching joints. If your doctor has diagnosed you with a more serious medical condition that impacts your joints and tissues, physical therapy can be a great option for ultimate pain relief or elimination. Here are some of the most common ailments that can be relieved with the guidance of a physical therapist:

  • Lupus.
  • Bursitis.
  • Gout.
  • Rheumatoid arthritis.
  • Osteoarthritis.

Unfortunately, all of these conditions can cause aching, stiffness, and joint pain. A physical therapist will work with you to help you gain your strength back, achieve a greater range of motion with the affected joints or limbs, and relieve the pain so you can enjoy a better quality of life.

3 Natural Ways To Relieve Stiff, Achy Joints

Your physical therapy treatment plan will largely depend on the specific symptoms or diagnosis you have received. There are several recommendations that work hand-in-hand with physical therapy.

Here are some tips that your physical therapist may share with you on your recovery journey!

  • Eat Healthy. According to Healthline, “A plant-based diet provides antioxidants, which can help reduce inflammation by eliminating free radicals from the body.” Having a well-rounded diet is key to relieving joint pain. Be sure to consume lots of brightly colored fruits and vegetables. These healthy foods contain many antioxidants and vitamins, which help to fight the swelling and inflammation that can lead to joint pain. A better diet also helps your body reap more benefits from exercise, and helps you to get better sleep!
  • Get Restful Sleep. Sleep can help you stay fit — pretty cool, huh? Getting enough sleep at night creates a circular benefit with physical therapy exercises, because when you get enough sleep, it increases your ability to exercise effectively. When you exercise regularly, it helps you to get better sleep. Better sleep habits and physical exercise are a powerful duo for keeping aches and stiffness away.
  • Work On Your Posture. It’s important to get up every half hour for stretches if you work at a job that requires you to stay pretty sedentary all day. Moving around keeps your circulations going, and can help relieve joint pain. Having good posture during the day also helps your joints to function properly. When we slouch or don’t practice good posture, it causes unnecessary strain on parts of the body that shouldn’t be stressed.

Contact Our Physical Therapy Office Today

Some people believe that you have to be a professional athlete or a bodybuilder to work with a physical therapist regularly, but this is far from the truth. Many of the exercises and stretches a physical therapist will teach and recommend are very easy and simple to perform on your own, and they don’t require special tools or equipment. Not to mention, most of our patients are regular people — not Olympic athletes!

If you’re experiencing joint pain, it’s time to put your discomfort to rest. Contact Rehab Advantage today to learn more about how physical therapy can benefit you and relieve your pain. We can schedule a comprehensive exam for you to meet with one of our movement specialists. He or she will be able to assess your condition and create a customized treatment plan suited for your exact needs. So what are you waiting for? Pain relief is a phone call away!

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Decrease Your Joint Pain and Increase Your Mobility With Physical Therapy

As everyone ages, we may catch ourselves thinking the same thought: our joints simply aren’t what they used to be. Perhaps you are struggling with an injury that makes motion painful or perhaps you’re suffering from the age-related “wear and tear” of osteoarthritis. Whatever the case may be, one thing remains true: you can’t get around as well without the aches and pains.

However, taking painkilling drugs or leading a sedentary life in order to compensate for your daily aches and pains isn’t a healthy way to combat your condition. If you want to enjoy your life as fully as possible without being limited by joint aches and stiffness, it’s time to think about an all-natural answer: physical therapy.

How does joint pain and stiffness occur?

In order to understand how physical therapy can help you with your joint symptoms, you must first understand why those symptoms are happening. Joint stiffness and pain can develop due to a vast number of reasons. For example, in an acute sprain or strain, the muscles, tendons, or ligaments or the joint may be damaged. This can result in painful and immobilizing inflammation.

However, injury to the soft tissues doesn’t have to occur in a dramatic accident — it can also develop slowly over several weeks, months, or even years. If your chosen sport, job, or hobby causes you to repetitively overstress certain joints, you may end up with chronic tendinitis or bursitis. Sometimes, you can even develop soft tissue pain from doing nothing. For instance, a condition called adhesive capsulitis, also known as “frozen shoulder,” can cause your shoulder to become unusable if you’ve had your arm in a sling for a long time.

Perhaps the most common cause of joint pain and stiffness is osteoarthritis. Everyone gets older, and this condition usually stems from age-related deterioration of the cartilage between the bones in a joint. Another common form of arthritis is rheumatoid arthritis, which is a painful and damaging joint condition caused by autoimmune issues.

What are the different types of physical therapy?

As you can see, there are many ways to develop joint aches and pains. Fortunately, there are also many forms of physical therapy that can address these symptoms, thus easing your pain and extending your range of motion. One of our experienced physical therapists will start by evaluating your condition carefully. This will include an examination of your overall health, your daily activities, and the nature of your symptoms. Evaluation of the joint itself and your ability to move it will also be a crucial part of your evaluation, as it can reveal exactly what the underlying problem is. This will lead toward the recommendation of specific types of therapy, such as:

  • R.I.C.E. RICE stands for “Rest,” “Ice,” “Compression” and “Elevation.” If you are nursing an acute joint injury, your physical therapist will likely prescribe this protocol in order to reduce pain and swelling.
  • Stretching exercises. Stretching exercises help injured muscles and connective tissues heal back to their former length and range of motion. These exercises are also good for keeping arthritic joints from becoming stiffer.
  • Joint mobilization techniques. Joint mobilization techniques can help improve your pain-free range of motion and increase your function. You may also benefit from techniques aimed at breaking up internal scar tissue, which can form over old injuries and cause chronic stiffness.

Contact us today to get started on a treatment plan:

Our highly-trained physical therapists can create an individualized treatment plan equipped to fit your personal needs and goals. Don’t put up with your painful joints any longer – contact our office today at 478-887-3021 or click here to get started on your path toward recovery and relief!