Pittman Physical Therapy_Helping Arthritis Pain_12518

Pittman Physical Therapy_Helping Arthritis Pain_12518

The Pittman CONNECTION The Newsletter About Your Health And Caring For Your Body

“ I now can have full movement without back and leg pain!” “I came to Pittman with stenosis issues in my lower back. After 4 weeks of PT, I now can have full movement without back and leg pain. Pittman did the work that was needed to relieve my pain and recommended appropriate exercises to continue my good health. Thanks!” -Thomas F.

THE SCIENCE OF RELIEVING ARTHRITIS PAIN pittmanpt.com The Pittman CONNECTION The Newsletter About Your Health And Caring For Your Body

Are you suffering from back, knee or hip pain? You may have osteoarthritis in those joints. Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common chronic condition of the joints, affecting approximately 27 million Americans. Although it occurs in people of all ages, osteoarthritis is most common in people older than 65. With osteoarthritis, there is a breakdown in the cartilage covering the ends of bones which form the joint and allow movement. As cartilage wears away, the bones become exposed and rub against each other. The break down of cartilage also affects the shape of the joint so that it no longer functions smoothly. In addition, the ligaments and tendons around the joint become stiff and the muscles that support the joint become weak. This leads to more painful rubbing of the joint surfaces. There are many studies and patient success stories promoting the effectiveness of physical therapy for osteoarthritis. Our expert physical therapists at Pittman Physical Therapy are trained in specialized hands-on therapy for patients suffering with osteoarthritis, obtaining fast pain relief and improved movement. In a recent study, 83 patients with osteoarthritis were divided to receive either hands-on physical therapy or a sugar pill that actually did nothing to help their pain without them knowing. The group that received hands-on therapy, had therapy to the knee, low back, hip and ankle as required. They then performed a knee exercise program in the clinic and at home. The group taking the sugar pill had just low intensity ultrasound, a form of deep heat, to the problem area. Both groups were treated at the clinic twice weekly for 4 weeks. Tests were done to measure how well the people were doing compared to their initial visit, 4 weeks, 8 weeks and 1 year later. The results were very impressive showing the patients who had hands-on physical therapy, combined with specific exercises had significant improvements in their pain, mobility and function. By 8 weeks, patients were able to walk further and faster with much less or completely resolved pain. Their joint stiffness, aches and mobility had improved by 55% compared to the placebo group who had no treatment. At one year, patients in the treatment group still were doing great in terms of less pain and more mobility. Other benefits included less need for surgery with only 5% of patients in the treatment group having undergone surgery as compared to 20% with the placebo group. In general, if you are suffering from osteoarthritis, especially of the back, hip or knee, physical therapy decreases the pain and stiffness

of osteoarthritis and may delay or prevent the need for more invasive treatments, like injections or surgery. Isn’t it time you did something about your arthritis and your pains? Call us today so we can make a positive difference in your life. Look inside to learn more about our SPINE Program and say good-bye to that aching back or neck!

Annals of Internal Medicine: February 1, 2000 vol. 132 no. 3 173-181. Gail D. Deyle, MPT; Nancy E. Henderson, PhD, MPT; Robert L. Matekel, MPT; Michael G. Ryder, MPT; Matthew B. Garber, MPT; and Stephen C. Allison, PhD, MPT, ECS

pittmanpt.com

Exercise Essentials Try these exercises to help maintain a healthy body

Helps With Tightness In Neck

Helps With Low Back Pain

SINGLE KNEE TO CHEST STRETCH While lying on your back, hold your knee and gently pull it up to- wards your chest. Hold for 30 seconds. Alternate legs and repeat 8 times.

FOUR POINT ARM RAISE Start on hands and knees, hips and shoulders at 90°. Lift one arm out front. Bring it back down and then repeat on opposite side. Repeat 8-10 times on both arms.

Exercises copyright of

www.simpleset.net

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

Not all exercises are appropriate for every person. Please consult with a healthcare provider before starting.

Who do you know that needs our help?

Refer a Friend Do You Have Friends or Family Unable to Do The Following? 9 Move without pain 9 Bend and move freely 9 Balance confidently and securely 9 Sit for long periods comfortably 9 Walk for long distances 9 Live an active and healthy lifestyle WIN A $20 GIFT CARD If you know someone suffering with aches and pains give the gift of health. Refer them to Pittman Physical Therapy today. Pass along this newsletter or have them call us directly to schedule an evaluation! You will get your name in our next newsletter and you could win a $20 gift card!

Referral Club: Thanks to our patients for referring a friend or family member!

Marion Clark Barbara Elliott Candace Harris

Jack Rude Denise Throneberry Stephanie Andre

Do you (or someone you know) suffer from back pain, numbness or tingling in your legs, feet, buttocks or lower back? Saturday, February 10th at 10AM You Should Only Attend These Workshops If: 1.) You or a loved one suffer from back pain or sciatica pain. 2.) You are aged 40+ and have suffered with pain for longer than you feel you should have 3.) You are currently seeing a doctor or thinking about it How Do I Register For These Workshops? Call Pittman Physical Therapy at 901-850-5246 We only have 25 seats available for each event due to the interactive nature of this workshop. So if you would like to attend, be sure to register now Call 901-850-5246 Upcoming Back Pain Workshop You are invited to our

How Much Is It To Attend The Workshop? Nothing... the event is absolutely FREE but call 901-850-5246 now to register as we are taking only 25 attendees.

STAY HEALTHYWITH SMOOTHIES Green Juices & Smoothies

For years we have seen a surge in the number of people who drink healthy green juices. However, we think that green juices and smoothies will be an even big hit in 2018, easily becoming one of the trendiest ways to stay healthy. These juices and smoothies are made from fresh fruits and vegetables, which makes them very nutritious. Here are some good smoothie recipes we recommend you try. Mix a number of different fruits and vegetables to your own liking:

• Tropical green smoothie made from bananas, papaya, and pineapple • Apple, spinach and carrot juice

• The avocado-pear smoothie • Basil-avocado smoothie • Cranberry pineapple smoothie

We hope this tip will inspire you to stay healthy in 2018!

Patient Success Spotlight

“I am doing 90% better!” “Pittman PT has been wonderful in helping me with my recovery. When I first started working with Mitch, I could barely walk and now with his help and others, I am doing 90% better. Thank you for your kindness and I will always remember you all.” -Paula Watson

“I can walk without pain!” “On October 16, I had a total knee replacement. I started therapy at Pittman PT on October 18. I was scheduled to come in 3 times a week. The first week I was on a walker and not a happy camper. Each week I improved but not without a lot of sweat, tears, and the tremendous support of Pittman PT. Thanks to Laura and Jeff I returned to work 7 weeks after surgery. I can walk without pain. I will be forever grateful for their support and not giving up on me when I whined. ” -Mashelle Gibson

“I can finally jump andmove like I used to!”

“Became a PT believer!” “Before I came here with a herniated disc, I was in such horrible pain and was truthfully afraid of physical therapy. Everyone at Pittman Physical Therapy was kind and patient. It was so laid back but professional that I was at ease immediately and became a PT believer! My progress was slow but sure every visit. I did not feel fully ready to leave at my scheduled finish date, but they made me feel welcome to stay. Now I feel fully ready to re-enter the world! I will miss everyone here because they have become friends to visit at a comfortable place.” -Helen Brown

“Before PT, my left knee was in constant pain due to a torn cartilage. My first few days of PT immediately after surgery were rough, but I was quickly pain free. Some days were not at all easy, but I have definitely improved, and I feel much better. I can finally jump and move like I used to, this time without pain. Thanks to Jeff, Jeremy, Mitch, Laura, and everyone else at Pittman who helped me along my journey!” -Ben Hicks

GAIN YOUR ACTIVE LIFESTYLE BACK

When it comes to treating arthritis, you may have more options than you realize. There is much you can do to reduce your aches and pains from arthritis while gaining more mobility and function. We offer consistent recommendations for our patients suffering with the pain and inflammation associated with arthritis. If you want to know how to relieve and reduce the pain of arthritis, try our physical therapy first. Patients often experience pain from arthritis because of stiff joints, muscles and other tissues. In addition, muscles become weak, therefore not supporting the arthritic joints. The customized treatments at Pittman Physical Therapy promote muscle strength, improve range of motion, increase mobility and relieve pain. In addition, coupling your physical therapy 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-managment When your physical therapy is over, your therapist will have equipped you with the knowledge and exercises you need to continue progress on your own. 2. Weight loss Maintaining your recommended weight or losing weight if you are overweight can lessen your pain. Weight loss specifically helps ease pressure on joints such as your hips and knees. 3. Footwear and insoles If arthritis affects your knee, special footwear and insoles can reduce pain and improve walking.

4. Braces Osteoarthritis can cause instability in joints. A knee or back brace can help reduce pain, improve stability and reduce the risk of falling.

DECREASE COSTS WITH PHYSICAL THERAPY Research shows people who go directly to Physical Therapy had 86% fewer visits

• Physical Therapy • Wellness and Prevention • Dry Needling • Manual Therapy • Joint Pain Treatment Our Services

on average than referred patients, decreasing costs tremendously. CALL TODAY

Phone: 901-850-5246 • Fax: 901-850-5226