NYSportsandSpinal_Finding Relief from Arthritis Pain

FINDING RELIEF FROM ARTHRITIS PAIN NEWSLETTER

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NEWSLETTER September 2019

INSIDE: How Physical Therapy Can Help Your Arthritis Advantages of Healthy Eating Free Physical Therapy Screening

FINDING RELIEF FROM ARTHRITIS PAIN

CLINIC NEWS:

Congratulations to our Physical Therapist, Lacey, on the birth of her twin girls, Molly and Riley!

When you experience an injury, dealing with the pain that comes as part of the aftermath is expected. 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, you know that, in time, you will feel like yourself again. This knowledgegivesyousomething towork towards, and helps the pain feel 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? Understanding Arthritis Pain 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 would rubagainstoneanotherwitheach movement, and would cause extreme pain. 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 themusclessurrounding 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 will appear more abruptly, especially when the pain develops in association with a change in weather or other environmental circumstance.

Welcome to the team, Lauren, our newest administrative assistant at our Thornwood office!

Guess who just earned her Personal Training Certification! Way to go, Courtney!

While Lacey is away on maternity leave, make an appointment with Julie, our newest Physical Therapist!

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838 Scarsdale Avenue Scarsdale, New York 10583 914-722-9200 Relieves Tight Hips & Thighs “Great experience for both my daughter and I! My daughter has pigeon toe, which severely impacted her running while playing soccer. We took her to Karn, he examined her and gave us two suggestions: First, strengthen the hip muscle, and Second, try orthotic or prosthetic care. With all these efforts, she can now run straight! I also had back pain and shoulder problems – with Karn’s treatment, now they are gone. His knowledge and care f pe ple is unbelievable, and I would recommend NY Sports and Spinal Physical Therapy to everyone!” - L. W. Patient Reviews 635 Commerce Street Thornwood, New York 10594 914-579-2722

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PRONE HIP EXTENSION

While lying face down with your legs straight, slowly raise one leg up off of the floor, about 10 inches into the air. Relax and hold for 3-5 seconds before placing leg back down to starting position. Repeat the exercise 6 times on both legs.

Exercises copyright of Always consult your physical therapist or physician before starting exercises you are unsure of doing.

FREE PHYSICAL THERAPY SCREENING

for New& Returning Patients!

HowPhysical Therapy Can HelpYour Arthritis

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, on the other hand, can provide actual relief from arthritis by helping to rebuild strength in the joints through targeted movements and flexibility exercises.   There is a lot of current research trying to understand what precisely causes arthritis todevelop insomepeople,and not inothers.Everyoneuses 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. Anti-inflammation and Arthritis One leading formof 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. Avoidingcertainfoodsandmovements can 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 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 painassociatedwitharthritis.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, call us today at Scarsdale (914-722-9200) or Thornwood (914-579-2722)or request an appointment online at nysspt.com/ request-appointment/.

FREE PHYSICAL THERAPY SCREENING RELIEF FOR: Current and past patients schedule your free physical therapy screening today!

Back Pain Neck Pain Shoulder Pain

Foot Pain Knee Pain Post Surgery

635CommerceStreet Thornwood,NY10594 914-579-2722

838ScarsdaleAvenue Scarsdale,NY10583 914-722-9200

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Relieving arthritis or joint pain may be easier than you think! The solution may be as simple as paying attention to what you are eating in order to avoid inflammatory foods that often lead to pain. What Inflammatory Foods Lead to Pain? Eatinghighlyprocessedfoods (suchaspasta,breadandcrackers—especiallythosecontaining gluten)creates inflammation in thebody.This inflammation then leads to theactualphysical pain that you may feel in your knees and joints since the joints are particularly vulnerable to inflammation. Foods with gluten, trans fats, found in snack foods like chips and pastries, and high sugar, that handful of M&M’s from your coworker’s desk, all cause inflammation. For many people, dairy products are also inflammatory. Eating these types of foods over a long period of time means more and more inflammation throughout the body and ultimately more pain. While changing your food sounds simple, many need more guidance and support, which is why a nutrition consultation, is often helpful. However, you can take our tips above and start alleviating your pain today! Give us a call today (Scarsdale 914-722-9200, Thornwood 914-579-2722) to learn more about how we can help you change your life and say “hello” to pain-free living. ADVANTAGES OF HEALTHY EATING

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Our Specialties

• Manual Therapy • Hand Therapy • Laser Therapy • Graston Technique • Ultrasound

• Therapeutic Exercise • Electrical Stimulation • Kinesio Taping

• Trigger Point Therapy • Running Analysis • Spinal Decompression

Who Do You Know That Needs Our Help? • Move without pain • Bend & move freely • Balance confidently & securely • Sit for long periods comfortably • Walk for long distances • Live an active & healthy lifestyle Do You Have Friends Or Family Unable To Do The Following:

TELLTHEM TO CALL 914-722-9200. THEYWILLTHANK YOU AND SOWILLWE!

Fun & Games SUDOKU The object is to place the numbers 1 to 9 in the empty squares so that each row, each column and each 3x3 box contains the same number only once. www.nysspt.com