Arthritis Pain One of Nation's Leading Disability Causes
Arthritis pain relief is essential to improving everyday activities like walking, bathing, and dressing. Pain as a result of arthritis is second only to heart disease as the leading cause of work disability. For Americans over the age of 15, arthritis is one of the most common chronic health issues, and it is also the leading national cause of disability for individuals of this demographic.
The most frequently reported form of arthritis is called osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is defined as a degenerative joint disease in which the cartilage that covers the ends of bones in the joint deteriorates, causing pain and loss of movement as bones begin to rub against one another.
The common thread among arthritic conditions is that they all affect the musculoskeletal system — and specifically the joints — where two or more bones meet. Arthritis-related joint problems include:
- Pain
- Stiffness
- Inflammation
- Joint cartilage damage (the tough, smooth tissue that covers the ends of the bones, enabling them to glide against one another)
These problems often impact the surrounding structures. Such damage can lead to joint weakness, instability and visible deformities that, depending on the location of joint involvement, can interfere with the most basic daily tasks such as walking, climbing stairs, using a computer keyboard, preparing your food or brushing your teeth.
Arthritis physical therapy can play an important role in the management of arthritis relief. The most effective treatment plan for patients with arthritis pain involves a comprehensive approach that brings together different health professionals and different treatment options. Physical therapists will focus on improving the alignment of the affected joint and strengthening the muscles around the joint.
Strong and "smart" muscles will reduce stress on the afflicted joint; this can slow down the progression of the disease and postpone disability. Smart muscles are muscles that know what to do when — this is often referred to as "coordination". Without excellent coordination, strong muscles will be of little assistance to an arthritic joint.
Dynamic Physical Therapy is primarily involved in the physical therapy component of the arthritis pain relief for patients with arthritis pain, we also believe that it is essential for our patients to understand that a multifaceted approach is most effective. Nutrition and medication, for instance, play a pivotal role in any comprehensive treatment plan for patients with arthritis.
Effective & Comprehensive Physical Therapy
Even though we are primarily involved in the physical therapy component of the treatment plan for patients with arthritis, we at Dynamic Physical Therapy feel it is essential for our patients to understand that a multifaceted approach is most effective. Nutrition and medication, for instance, play a central role in any comprehensive treatment plan for patients with arthritis. At Dynamic Physical Therapy, our physical therapists are not only trained to help patients with arthritis, but we also understand how to work with other health professionals and we are sensitive to the fact that it takes a multifaceted approach to establish proper management to arthritic pain conditions.
Reference:
Arthritis Foundation at www.arthritis.org
Dynamic Physical Therapy proudly serves the Northern Michigan region including Buckley, Cadillac, Gaylord, Manistee, Marion, Traverse City, and surrounding areas.