Take a Proactive Approach to Arthritis Pain with Physical Therapy

Have you recently learned that your persistent joint pain is the result of arthritis? For many, this can be a challenging discovery, as the most common forms of arthritis have no known cures. Rest assured that you do not have to spend your life living with debilitating joint pain — physical therapy can help!

Arthritis refers to several conditions that cause joint inflammation, leading to its two primary symptoms: pain and mobility restriction. The most common form of arthritis, osteoarthritis, can cause pain during movement. It’s no surprise, then, that many people with arthritis wind up avoiding physical activity. 

In reality, regular physical activity is one of the best ways to manage arthritis pain. Physical activity can also help delay the progression of arthritis — and help you avoid surgery.

As movement experts, the team at Amber Hill Therapy Centers is well-equipped to help you manage your arthritis pain. The physical therapy approach to arthritis management focuses on drug-free pain relief and regular movement. Best of all, it allows you to take a proactive role in your treatment.

Let’s look at what happens when you exercise regularly with arthritis — and what happens when you don’t. And if you’d like to learn more, call us to schedule an appointment today!

Got Arthritis? What To Expect if You Skip Regular Exercise

1. Your muscles will weaken: One of the big benefits of exercise is that it builds muscle mass. If you don’t exercise regularly, your muscle mass will decrease — especially if you’re older, as muscle mass naturally decreases as we age. What does this mean if you have arthritis? Without strong muscles, your impacted joints don’t get the strength and stability they need to function, which puts even more stress on them — and means more pain in the long run.
2. Your joints will get stiffer: Our bodies are made to move, and when we don’t move them frequently enough, our joints don’t get the lubrication they need to run properly. This is as true for people with arthritis as it is for anyone else. Plus, since arthritis causes joint stiffness, not moving will only worsen your symptoms.
3. You increase your risk of injury: When you don’t exercise, you start to lose everyday abilities like balance, stability, and coordination. You can also develop muscular imbalances, improper biomechanics, or postural issues, all of which increase your odds of suffering an injury.

What Happens When You Do Exercise with Arthritis

1. You’ll experience less pain: While it’s true that activity can initially worsen arthritis pain, regular exercise will decrease your pain symptoms over time. 
2. You’ll experience fewer mobility restrictions: Just as regular exercise can decrease pain, it will also help improve your range of motion — meaning you can move more easily.
3. The progression of your arthritis may slow: Both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis — the two most common forms of arthritis — will gradually worsen over time and may eventually require you to undergo surgery. Exercising won’t cure arthritis, but it will slow the damage to your joints.
4. You may feel more empowered: Living with a chronic condition is hard. Regular exercise can help you feel like you’re taking an active role in managing your condition and reducing your pain.
5. You’ll experience other physical and mental benefits: Exercise offers many benefits beyond pain management. It can improve mood and quality of sleep, protect you from heart disease and diabetes, and help you stay active and independent well into old age.

Ready to Start Exercising? Amber Hill Therapy Centers Can Help!

While the benefits of regular exercise for arthritis are undeniable, getting started can be challenging. Which movements are safe for you to perform? Which will provide you with the most benefits? What should you do if even simple movement is too painful?

This is where our physical therapists shine! We’ll create a customized arthritis treatment plan that speaks to your needs and abilities. Here’s a taste of all that we can offer:

• Acute pain management using manual techniques and pain relieving modalities
• Personalized exercise programs with targeted, progressive exercises that build strength and improve mobility
• Specialized exercise programs to address balance and other functional challenges
• Guidance on general exercise programs to keep you moving outside our clinic

Don’t let arthritis keep you from living an active, healthy lifestyle. Call us today to find out more about our arthritis treatment programs!

Sources: https://www.choosept.com/guide/physical-therapy-guide-rheumatoid-arthritis, https://www.choosept.com/guide/physical-therapy-guide-osteoarthritis

Winter Arthritis Tips: Stay Warm, Stay Mobile, Stay Pain-Free

Do you notice that your arthritis becomes more painful in the winter? Does it become harder to go about your daily activities? 

Arthritis can hinder many qualities of life — from work to hobbies to overall mobility. Some people are so affected by arthritis that they cannot work and have to go on disability. 

If you are suffering from the chronic pain of arthritis, or you think you might be, call Amber Hill Therapy Centers to schedule a consultation with one of our physical therapists. Physical therapy is a safe, healthy, and effective way to treat arthritic pain.

Although cold weather does not cause arthritis, it can aggravate existing aches and pains. According to the Arthritis Foundation, cold temperatures can increase pain sensitivity, slow blood circulation, and cause muscle spasms. 

Luckily, there are some things you can do to help alleviate your arthritis symptoms in the winter, including:

• Keep warm. If the winter chill bothers your joints, the best antidote is to bundle up! Layer up with hats, gloves, and scarves. You could also take a warm bath to help your stiff joints. 
• Exercise. When you’re in pain, exercise might be the last thing on your mind. But did you know that getting active is the single most effective way to alleviate arthritis pain and keep your joints happy? Exercising can include anything from taking a yoga class to walking around your neighborhood. 
• Practice healthy eating habits. Did you know that your diet can contribute to your levels of inflammation and, consequently, how much pain you’re in? Opting for anti-inflammatory foods can significantly improve arthritis symptoms.  

If you believe you need some extra help when it comes to pain relief this season, don’t hesitate to contact Amber Hill Therapy Centers. Our dedicated team can help you start feeling better, so you can focus on enjoying this winter with your loved ones.