19 Dec Holistic Approaches to Arthritis Pain Management
Arthritis is one of the most common chronic conditions affecting adults. While traditional pharmaceutical arthritis pain management can be part of treatment, some patients and providers also use holistic approaches to help manage symptoms. Holistic strategies focus on treating the whole person by integrating regenerative medicine, physical therapies, and lifestyle modifications. Here is more information about arthritis and some holistic techniques for managing arthritic pain and discomfort:
Arthritis Definition and Symptoms
Arthritis is a disease that damages the joints, and arthritis pain management methods can vary depending on the type of arthritis and the symptoms the patient experiences. There are more than 100 different types of arthritis and related conditions. Arthritis causes the inflammation of one or more joints, and while it is most frequently associated with older adults, it can affect people of all ages.
Common symptoms may include swelling, pain, stiffness, and diminished range of motion in the affected joints. Symptoms may come and go, varying in severity from mild discomfort to debilitating pain that complicates daily activities. There is no cure for arthritis, but with a healthcare provider’s guidance, you may be able to manage the pain.
Pain Management and Techniques
Holistic pain management employs methods that aim to alleviate discomfort and promote healing without solely relying on medication. Some examples of holistic interventions include:
- Gentle exercise: Low-impact movement helps maintain mobility and may help with pain symptoms.
- Heat and ice: Heat therapy relaxes muscles, loosens joints, and increases circulation. Ice therapy reduces inflammation and numbs sharp pain.
- Relaxation techniques: Chronic pain can increase muscle tension as a stress response. Techniques such as guided imagery and deep breathing may lower the body’s stress responses and reduce pain perception.
- TENS therapy: Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) involves the use of low-voltage electric currents to treat pain. This therapy can interrupt pain signals sent to the brain and stimulate the production of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers.
- Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy: The provider draws the patient’s blood and concentrates the number of platelets, then injects the concentrated blood back into the patient. PRP can stimulate the body’s healing response as well as reduce long-term inflammation.
Physical Therapy and Maintaining Mobility
Physical therapy provides a structured environment to engage in exercise under a professional’s supervision. There are multiple benefits of a professional physical therapy regimen for arthritis. Therapists assist patients in achieving extended mobility and added strength to support affected joints. The therapist can utilize techniques to reduce inflammation and teach proper body mechanics to help prevent further injury. Consistent engagement in physical therapy may assist with weight loss, which reduces the load on weight-bearing joints. If you would benefit from an assistive device, such as a walker or cane, a physical therapist may provide guidance on best-use practices.
Maintaining your mobility helps to slow the progression of arthritis and preserve joint function. Some techniques for maintaining your mobility include:
- Walking: A simple, weight-bearing exercise that strengthens bones and muscles.
- Water-based Aerobics and Swimming: The buoyancy of water reduces stress on the joints while providing resistance for muscle strengthening.
- Cycling: This low-impact exercise improves cardiovascular health with minimal impact on knees and hips.
- Yoga and Tai Chi: These practices emphasize balance, flexibility, and range of motion through controlled movements.
Learn More About Arthritis Pain Management
Arthritis pain management can involven multiple different techniques and methods to address pain perception and physical function. By combining regenerative treatments, thermal therapies, and dedicated physical activity, patients may improve their ability to participate in daily activities as well as their long-term joint function. To learn more about arthritis pain management, consult your healthcare provider.
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