James River PT: Low Back, Hip and Knee Arthritis Pain

THE NEWSLETTER ABOUT YOUR HEALTH AND CARING FOR YOUR BODY NEWSLETTER

PAIN RELIEF FOR ARTHRITIS

In physical therapy we focus on the following: • Restoring natural pain free range of motion in your joints • Improving muscular support and strength around your joints • Enhancing joint balance and function Teaching you what to do to protect your joints from further damage While our physical therapist cannot repair your cartilage, our unique treatments can reduce or completely alleviate your pain, swelling and improve your ability to walk, run, bend or reach. Here are some of the different conditions we help: • Osteoarthritis • Rheumatoid arthritis • Psoriatic arthritis • Joint pain • Post-surgery recovery • Joint replacement recovery

Arthritis is a debilitating disease for over 50 million Americans. The Centers for Disease Control has shown that 1 in 2 people will have knee arthritis by the time they are 85, and 1 in 4 will develop painful hip arthritis in their life. The good news is that you don’t have to live with arthritis pain or take constant medication. The right physical therapy can make all of the difference. Arthritis affects the cartilage of joints and most pain is due to wear and tear. However, the uneven wear and tear causes cartilage debris to shave off into the joint causing painful inflammation. This condition is made worse by a tightening of the tissue of the joint, loss of muscle strength supporting the joint and altered movement because of range of motion problems. Physical therapy is one of the most important treatments for arthritis and makes a significant impact in your joint health. While arthritis can slow you, it doesn’t have to. If you are suffering with arthritis, PT can change your life. INSIDE : • Your Next Step To Treat Arthritis Pain • 6 Ways To Help Your Arthritis Pain

Call us when you’re ready to begin working on methods for getting rid of your arthritis pain.

• Exercise Of The Month • Patient Success Spotlight

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THE NEWSLETTER ABOUT YOUR HEALTH AND CARING FOR YOUR BODY NEWSLETTER

YOUR NEXT STEP TO TREAT ARTHRITIS PAIN SICK AND TIRED OF ACHING JOINTS?

INSIDE : • 6 Ways To Help Your Arthritis Pain • Monument Avenue 10K Race

• Exercise Of The Month • Patient Success Spotlight

Simply walking can cause arthritis in the lower back, hip and knee. Our legs wear down as they’re used. Sometimes, old age is simply the culprit as use wears away at our joints and bone tissue. This type of arthritis, called degenerative arthritis—or osteoarthritis—is the most common kind of arthritis. When the leg’s cartilage—or its slick, cushioned surface—is worn away, bone rubs against bone. This pain, stiffness and swelling requires professional osteoarthritis treatment. Arthritis & Physical Therapy Regardless of the cause of arthritis, physical therapy serves a purpose in most cases. Often, severe arthritis may require medication, hot and cold therapy or even surgery. While maintaining a healthy weight, exercise and a good diet help, medical intervention may eventually be needed. During physical therapy, the individual is trained to reach maximum mobility. They may also undergo exercises that reduce the pressure on arthritic spots. If a patient has undergone surgery, post-op physical therapy can help them reclaim their mobility—as well as their lifestyle.

If you’re constantly facing lower back, hip and knee pain you might be feeling arthritis. According to the Centers for Disease Control, roughly 54.4 million North American adults are diagnosed with some form of arthritis per year. As we age, our bones wear down. Are yours? If they are, don’t worry. It’s possible to alleviate the symptoms. It’s even possible to eliminate them entirely. If you have regular aches and pains, keep reading. We have a solution. Before knowing how to relieve arthritic pain, you’ll need to understand it. Arthritis—or the painful stiffness, or inflammation, of joints—isn’t a single disease. The term “arthritis” is an informal explanation of joint pain and disease in general. Over 100 types of arthritis exist, asserts the Arthritis Foundation. People of all ages, races and sex can get it. It’s also the leading cause of ongoing disability in America. What Causes Lower Back, Hip and Knee Arthritis? Because arthritis is a catch-all term, pinpointing what causes arthritis may be difficult. In most cases, arthritis is caused by injuries. These injuries degenerate bones, joints and cartilage, resulting in the pain. Arthritis can also be caused by:

If you or a loved one suffers from arthritis, you still have options. Call TODAY to schedule an evaluation with James River Physical Therapy.

• Infections, such as Lyme disease • An immune system dysfunction • The inheritance of osteoarthritis

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STRAIGHT LEG RAISE While on your back as shown below, keep your knee straight and lift your leg up while leaving the other foot flat on the surface with knee bent. Hold for 5 seconds and repeat 20 times. Strengthens Knees www.simpleset.net EXERCISE OF THE MONTH Try this movement if you are experiencing knee pain.

6 Ways To Help Your Arthritis Pain

When it comes to treating arthritis, you may have more options than you realize. There is a lot you can do to reduce your aches and pains from arthritis, while gaining more mobility and function. People often experience pain from arthritis because of stiff joints, muscles and other tissues. In addition, muscles become weak, therefore not supporting the arthritic joints. Our customized therapy treatments promote muscle strength, improve range of motion, increase mobility and ease pain. In addition, coupling your treatments with the following can also help you live life to the fullest and get you back to doing the things you love: 1. Education and self-management. When your treatment is over, our experts will have equipped you with the knowledge and exercises you need to continue your progress on your own. 2. Weight loss. Maintaining your recommended weight—or losing weight if you are overweight—can lessen your pain by reducing stress on your affected joints. Weight loss specifically helps ease pressure on weight- bearing joints such as the hips and knees. 3. Footwear and insoles. If arthritis affects your knee, special footwear and insoles can reduce pain and improve walking. 4. Knee braces. For osteoarthritis with associated knee instability, a knee brace can reduce pain, improve stability and reduce the risk of falling. 5. Heat and cold. Many people find the heat of a warm bath, heat pack or paraffin bath eases arthritis pain. Others find relief in cold packs. Still others prefer alternating the two. 6. Exercise. Exercise has been proven to help reduce arthritis pain while increasing strength and function. Knowing the right kind of exercises to do, is the key. Talking with our physical therapists will point you in the right direction!

HEALTHY RECIPE

Trail Mix

INGREDIENTS •1 cup raw almonds • 3/4 cup raw cashews

• 2/3 cup raw pumpkin seeds • 1/3 cup raw sunflower seeds • 2 tbsp unsweetened dried cranberries, chopped • 2 tbsp dark chocolate chips • Sea salt for taste

INSTRUCTIONS Chop any large ingredients if necessary to make everything about the same size. Give the dried fruit a light sprinkle of sea salt before you mix it in (it sticks better), or sprinkle the whole mix with salt if you prefer. Combine all ingredients in a bowl and enjoy! Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.

CALL US TODAY IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING ARTHRITIS PAIN

Patient Success Spotlight

Monument Avenue 10K Race

I’m registered, are you? A great way to stay motivated to walk or run during these cold winter months is to consider registering for the Monument Avenue 10k on April 13th.

This great annual Richmond event, named one of the best races in the USA, turns 20 this year!

“I highly recommend James River PT” “Dan was knowledgeable, caring, and incredibly encouraging. He would listen intently as you spoke and make suggestions for immediate benefit while suggesting long term adjustments to prevent future injury. I highly recommend James River PT.” - Josh L.

Follow me on Strava.com to track my training as I work towards finishing this race for the 11th time!

Discover How To Live Pain Free!

Coupon Corner!

At James River Physical Therapy, receiving help for your back pain is quick and easy...

FREE PAIN CONSULTATION

1. CALL AND SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT WITH ONE OF OUR LICENSED PHYSICAL THERAPISTS. 2. MEET WITH YOUR PHYSICAL THERAPIST TO HELP DISCOVER THE CAUSE OF YOUR PAIN. 3. GET YOUR CUSTOM RECOVERY PROGRAM TO HELP YOU LIVE PAIN FREE.

(804) 330-0936 CALL TO SCHEDULE TODAY!

Spots are limited so call today!

Call to schedule. Expires 5-31-19

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