FYZICAL. Helping Arthritis Pain

FYZICAL. Helping Arthritis Pain

N E W S L E T T E R

WHEN YOU EXPERIENCE AN INJURY, dealing with the pain that comes as part of the aftermath is expected. While recovering from an injury can be painful, you can find comfort in the knowledge that the pain is temporary. As your body heals and goes through the motions of building muscle mass and improving flexibility, with physical therapy, you know that in time you will feel like yourself again. This knowledge gives you something to work towards, and helps the pain be more manageable—even when 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 it begs the question: if the pain is coming from inside the joint, is there anything I can actually do about it? HELPING ARTHRITIS PAIN

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UNDERSTANDIN

There is a lot of current research trying to understand 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. Osteoarthritis is the most common chronic condition to affect the joints. Almost 30 million adults in the United States struggle with the condition, and while it can influence anyone of any age, it most 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, knees and hips to move with freedom. Without cartilage, the bones rub against one another with each movement and cause extreme pain. As the cartilage breaks down, so 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 surrounding the joint will weaken, making it altogether 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 can appear more abruptly, especially when the pain develops in association with a change in weather or other environmental circumstance.

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ARTHRITIS PAIN

ANTI-INFLAMMATION AND ARTHRITIS One leading form of arthritis treatment is with the use of anti-inflammatory medication. Certain types of arthritis develop as a result of a build-up of inflammation in the body. Specifically, the tendons and ligaments become inflamed as a result of an internal attack from the immune system, which is typically triggered by some combination of environmental factors. Avoiding certain foods and movements can reduce inflammation, and thereby reduce pain. OVERCOMING ARTHRITIS PAIN Turning to over the counter pain medications to cope with arthritis pain is ineffective as a long-term solution. While some of the medications may provide temporary relief, they will not help you overcome the pain for good. 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 some credibility to some of these concepts. 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, before you start making any changes to your lifestyle, it is best to consult with a physical therapist. For more information about how to rid your life of arthritis pain, contact us.

E X E R C I S E E S S E N T I A L S

SHOULDER D2 PATTERN

Stand with good posture with your arm across your body, your hand rotated in, thumb pointed down. Bring your arm up and across your body diagonally. As you do, rotate your hand outward. Finish with your hand above your head and out to the side. Repeat 6-10 times for both sides.

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LET’S TALK ABOUT LASER THERAPY! DRUG FREE! • NON-INVASIVE! • PAIN RELIEF!

F I N D R E L I E F F O R : Back Pain, Neck Pain, Shoulder Pain, Foot Pain, Knee Pain, Post Surgery, Arthritis

NO SIDE-EFFECTS! Laser therapy uses aprocess calledphotobiomodulation.Unlikemedications, laser therapy reduces pain without undesirable side effects. It is also important to point out that patients report long-lasting pain relief. While the number of treatments required may vary depending on the acuity of the condition, many patients experience lasting relief after only a couple treatments. FOR ACUTE AND CHRONIC CONDITIONS When treating acute conditions with laser therapy, it is particularly effective when it is administered as soon as possible following injury. The faster the inflammation is reduced and the healing process can begin, the better. In the case of acute injury, laser therapy helps restore the body to normal function quicker. CUSTOMIZABLE TREATMENTS FOR EACH SITUATION Depending on the condition, whether it is an acute swollen ankle or chronic low back pain, the therapist will set the laser up for your condition to treat the pain and inflammation along with improving cellular function to maximize the benefits. TREATMENTS FEEL GREAT! Depending on the laser, it can create little to no sensation or it can create a gentle, soothing warmth. TREATMENTS ARE FAST With lasers, treatments are quick, usually 30 minutes depending on the size, depth, and acuteness of the condition being treated.

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SPECIAL OFFER

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CHEYENNE 1217 A South Greeley Hwy Cheyenne, WY 82007 p: 307.772.0955 PINE BLUFFS 322 Main Street Pine Bluffs, WY 82082 p: 307.245.3858

WESTMINISTER 11265 Decatur Street, #300 Westminster, CO, 80234 p: 303.561.0447 FORT COLLINS 140 East Boardwalk Drive, Unit A Fort Collins, CO, 80525 p: 970.223.8293

WELCOMING C.O.R.E. PHYSICAL THERAPY TO FYZICAL IN FORT COLLINS!

We are very excited to announce our newest location in Fort Collins, CO, (formerly C.O.R.E. Physical Therapy). We look forward to providing the same quality physical therapy and other services through this new location. If you’re looking for effective pain relief, look no further than FYZICAL!