Living in Constant Pain Isn’t Your Only Option!
Arthritis pain affects over 50 million people in the United States and is the leading cause of disability, according to the Arthritis Foundation. Arthritis can affect anyone at any age and can be severely debilitating for those who have it.
However, those suffering from this condition can take a number of important steps to alleviate their stiff and aching joints. One of them is physical therapy! It’s an excellent way to devise a pain-relieving strategy while remaining active.
If you want to put an end to your arthritis pain, contact our Oshkosh office today to learn how a physical therapy program can reduce or even eliminate your pain! We at Excel Physical Therapy are looking forward to supporting you.
What can I do on my own to help with arthritis pain?
Eating a healthy and nutritious diet can help relieve arthritis pain. Aside from avoiding refined carbohydrates, MSGs, and sugary foods (all of which increase inflammation), you should include these delicious natural foods in your diet!
- Walnuts – High in omega-3 fatty acids, walnuts can help reduce inflammation and soreness. You can eat them as a snack on their own or add them to almost any sweet or salty dish for an extra crunch.
- Soy – Because it is high in protein and low in fat, soy is a delicious way to fight inflammation. Soy can be obtained from roasted soybeans, tofu, and soy milk. It’s not even necessary to be a vegetarian to try it!
- Ginger – Ginger aids in the reduction of inflammation and the alleviation of arthritis pain. It also enhances the flavor of almost any food, including meat, fruits, vegetables, and soups.
- Broccoli – Did you know broccoli contains an ingredient called sulforaphane, which has been shown to slow or even prevent osteoarthritis? That’s correct! Broccoli is delicious hot or cold, in salads and casseroles, or as a side dish. When trying to maintain a healthy diet, it is critical to consume plenty of greens.
Why Should You Consider Physical Therapy?
Exercising on a daily basis will not cure arthritis, but it will help slow its progression and alleviate its painful symptoms. Your physical therapist can assist you in developing a regular exercise routine that will assist you in losing weight. This will help to reduce the strain on your joints. A physical therapist can also teach you various stretches and exercises to help you target specific areas of pain. You can also stop taking excessive amounts of medication if you choose physical therapy, which is a huge benefit to both your health and your wallet!
Physical therapists are professionally trained to assess your condition and recommend the best exercises for you. Most of the exercises they will teach you can be done at home on your own, allowing you to continue treatment between appointments. You could even do some aquatic exercises! Working out in the water is a low-impact exercise that is extremely calming to the joints. Working out in a heated pool may be recommended by a physical therapist to help relieve pain in arthritic joints.
How will PT help me?
Physical therapy treatment programs can not only alleviate arthritis pain, but they can also improve your quality of life. Working with a physical therapist once a week can help you with the following:
- Gain access to adaptive tools– Physical therapists can teach you how to properly use walkers, orthotics, and other assistive technology devices. When you move, this can help relieve strain on your joints.
- Muscle strengthening – Physical therapy techniques are frequently used to increase strength. Muscles that surround and support aching joints can help relieve arthritis pain if they become stronger and more flexible.
- Increase Your Range of Motion – Physical therapy can help keep your muscles and ligaments loose which will reduce inflammation and stiffness. This will decrease your pain levels, and improve your overall range of mobility.
What are the treatment methods used by physical therapists?
Physical therapists can use a variety of treatment methods to help relieve your arthritis pain. Massage, for example, may be used to loosen muscles and tendons around your arthritic joints. To reduce inflammation and soreness, physical therapy may also include the use of ice baths or cold compresses. Heating pads are also commonly used to help loosen tight muscles. As you progress, physical therapy may also include ultrasound or laser treatment to send soothing heat waves into your joints.
Contact Excel Physical Therapy today to get started on your pain-relief journey
One of our qualified movement specialists will design an exercise treatment plan to help you reduce your arthritis pain and stay as active as possible.
Physical therapy is a safe and healthy way to keep your joints, tendons, and muscles functioning normally. Please contact our office to learn more about how physical therapy can help you live a pain-free life!
