Ascent PT. Help With Arthritis Pain

Ascent PT. Help With Arthritis Pain

Our Monthly Climb The Newsletter About Your Health And Caring For Your Body

Getting Help For Arthritis Pain

Also Inside: • Solutions For Arthritis Pain • Patient Success Spotlight • Improve Walking Ability In Minutes • Healthy Recipe

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Our Monthly Climb The Newsletter About Your Health And Caring For Your Body

Getting Help For Arthritis Pain

Overcoming Arthritis Pain Turning to over the counter pain medications to cope with arthritis pain is ineffective as a long-term solution.Whilesomeof themedicationsmayprovide temporary relief, theywillnothelpyouovercome the painforgood.Physicaltherapy,ontheotherhand,can provideactualrelieffromarthritisbyhelping torebuild strength in the joints through targeted movements and flexibility exercises.   There isa lotofcurrent research trying tounderstand what precisely causes arthritis to develop in some people, and not in others. Everyone uses their joints every day, and while it makes sense that so much pressure would cause 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. If you’re suffering from back or neck pain, call Ascent Physical Therapy at 503.427.0118. Your physical therapist can help you return to a more active and pain-free life.

Whenyouexperiencean injury,dealingwith thepain thatcomesaspartoftheaftermath isexpected.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, youknow that in timeyouwill feel likeyourselfagain. Thisknowledgegivesyousomethingtoworktowards, andhelps thepainfeelmoremanageable—evenwhen 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 itbegs thequestion: if thepain iscoming from inside the joint, is there anything I can actually do about it? Understanding Arthritis Pain Osteoarthritis is themostcommonchroniccondition to affect the joints. Almost 30 million adults in the United States struggle with the condition, and while

itcan influenceanyoneofanyage, itmost frequently develops among those who are most prone to overuse—those who are over the age of 65. Arthritis occurs when there is a breakdown of the cartilage that covers the ends of the bones. This cartilage is what allows the joints in the elbows, ankles,kneesandhipstomovewithfreedom.Without cartilage, the bones would rub against one another witheachmovement,andwouldcauseextremepain. 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 surroundingthe jointwillweaken,making italtogether 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.

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Solutions ForArthritis Pain

Anti-Inflammation & Arthritis One leading form of arthritis treatment is with the use of anti-inflammatory medication.Certaintypesofarthritisdevelopasaresultofabuild-upof inflammation in the body. Specifically, the tendons and ligaments become inflamed as a result ofan internalattack from the immunesystem,which is typically triggeredbysome combinationofenvironmental factors.Avoidingcertain foodsandmovementscan reduce 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 through guided practice of movement and strength building exercises.Typically, the best activities for arthritis pain are low- impact activities. 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 somecredibility to some of theseconcepts. For example, losing weight, exercising regularly, and making some dietary changes such as reducing caffeine and sugar consumption are said to help alleviate pain associated with arthritis.However,beforeyoustartmakinganychanges toyour lifestyle, it isbest to consult with a physical therapist. For more information about how to rid your life of arthritis pain, contact us. If you’re suffering from back or neck pain, call Ascent Physical Therapy at 503.427.0118. Your physical therapist can help you return to a more active and pain-free life.

ImproveWalking Ability In Minutes Try this simple exercise to keep you moving

Blackened Chicken & Avocado Sauce

Ingredients • 4 (4-ounce) chicken breasts • 2 tbsp blackened seasoning • ½ cup plain, Greek yogurt • ½ avocado • 1 tsp lemon juice • ½ tsp garlic powder • ⅛ tsp salt • 2 tbsp green onions, thinly sliced

IMPROVES WALKING ABILITY

Runner’s Step Stand in front of a box or step that is below the level of the knee. Step up onto theboxandbring theopposite leg up towardsyourchest.Loweryour leg down in a controlled manner. Repeat 6-10 times, alternating legs.

Directions Place the chicken breasts and blackened seasoning in a large resealable bag. Seal and shake a few times to evenly coat the chicken. Lightly coat a large skillet with nonstick cooking spray and heat over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until cooked through, 4-6 minutes per side. Meanwhile, in a food processor, combine the yogurt, avocado, lemon juice, garlic powder, and saltandpulseuntilsmoothandcreamy.Toserve, topeachchickenbreastwith 2 tablespoons of the creamy avocado sauce and garnish with ½ tablespoon green onions.

www.simpleset.net

For more information, call Ascent Physical Therapy at 503.427.0118 or visit our website at ascentptnw.com

Patient Success Spotlight

Provider Update

“I have been an active, outdoorsman and athlete all of my life. I work out 5-6 days a week and have since I was a teenager. I had never had a serious injury until this year. In early summer I injured my low back and hip doing heavy bent over barbell rows. I could barely take a step with my right foot and could not sit for more than 5minuteswithoutstabbingpains inmy lowbackarea.Obviously, Icouldno longer go to the gym or do any physical work. The summer steelhead fly fishing I had always anticipated was not going to be possible. In desperation, I sought out an acupuncturistandachiropractorweekly throughJulyandAugustof2018,without receivinganaccurateevaluation,orseeinganymeaningfulprogress.At thatpoint I was very discouraged and was losing hope of ever regaining my former physical skills and lifestyle. When I called Ascent, I was deeply discouraged about my ability to ever recover. I was half expecting more of the same disappointing diagnosis and “care.” Man, was I ever wrong! From the moment I called,Taylor’s deliberate, encouraging, and gentlemanner,on thephone,helpedme feel that Iwouldbe listened to,understood and well taken care of. I was able to make an appointment for the following day. I was, again, hopeful! When I arrived at the clinic for my first visit, Dr. Rice immediately made me feel welcomeandunderstood.Heaskedallthequestions I’dwishedthepreviousdoctors had asked, and many I didn’t anticipate. He listened thoughtfully with a smile of confidence that Iverymuchneeded toseeat thatpoint.He thenprovidedmewith the thoroughandaccurateevaluation that Isought. Iwasenthused.Hehelpedme understand what had happened to me and what we could do to heal my injury. We immediately began a regimen of exercises and activities, in the clinic, along with added homework, which I most appreciated. Dr. Rice’s enthusiastic manner and broad knowledge helped me feel optimistic throughout the process. I learned froma trueprofessional,whathadcausedmy injury,what Icoulddo to rehabilitate myself and what ongoing things I needed to do to prevent a future injury.This has been one of the very best “medical” experiences I have ever had. If you are physically injured in any way, Ascent Physical Therapy is the first place you should go. As young people famously say, “Dude, I can totally recommend these guys!” - Gregory S. Want results like these? Call 503.427.0118 to talk to your therapist at Ascent Physical Therapy today!

“Spring break has come and gone, and with it comes a change in the weather! As the days grow longer, and warmer, we find ourselves outside more often. For our family that means more time outside. Some of it is more mundane, like salvaging our yard from the winter months; but also lots of soccer, trips to the beach, and plenty of hikes. In fact, we just took our first trip to the beach over the weekend, it was an amazing day! What does your Spring have in store for you?” - Patrick

Special Offer

Don’t let arthritis pain become a way of life!

FREE ARTHRITIS PAIN ANALYSIS

Call 503.427.0118 to schedule your appointment today!

16126 SE Happy Valley Town Center Dr #200 Happy Valley, OR 97086

Offer valid for the first 25 people to schedule. Expires 5-15-19.