In the physical therapy world, a large percentage of our patients suffer from some form of arthritis. In the United States, knee osteoarthritis (OA) affects over 30% of individuals over the age of 60. Knee OA can cause pain, inflammation, swelling, decreased motion in the knee, difficulty walking, and may eventually require surgery such as a total knee replacement.
Have you heard of the Santa Clause Workout Challenge? Julie Dmochowski, PT demonstrates in this week’s video blog.
The holidays revolve around spending time with friends and family creating new memories and partaking in timeless traditions. Much of the holiday season involves time spent sharing a meal together. With all of the parties, get-togethers, and time socializing around the table, it is easy to get carried away while indulging in appetizers, home-cooked meals, and treats native to the season. Below is a list of creative ways to get up and start moving to burn off those extra holiday calories! (Calories burned based on a 150-pound, 65 year old female):
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive mental decline affecting one’s memory and other cognitive functions. According to the Alzheimer’s Association (2016) there are over 5 million cases in the US each year and Alzheimer’s disease is the 6th leading Cause of death in the US.
In the home…
Slowing the Progression of Arthritis
It is increasingly apparent that what is healthy for one’s heart is also good for one’s aching joints and knees. Current research links significant associations between the types of dietary fat intake with structural progression of knee osteoarthritis. Osteoarthirits (OA) also known as degenerative joint disease (DJD) is the most common chronic condition of the joints affecting more than 3 million people a year or 27 million Americans. One in two adults will develop symptoms of OA in their lifetime (Arthritis Foundation, 2016). Common risk factors for developing arthritis include increasing age, previous joint injury, obesity, joint overuse, weak supporting muscles, and genes.
However, top researchers in the field of nutrition science affirm that following a healthy diet may be an effective strategy for the management of knee osteoarthritis. Furthermore, following a healthy diet and lifestyle is by far more attractive than medications with respect to (long term) risks/benefits. The results of the following study offer hope for individuals searching for steps to limit the progression of OA.
Do more than mask the pain, reduce or eliminate it.
Exercise and manual therapy (including soft tissue and joint mobilizations) can help relieve pain, restore mobility and function and help reduce or eliminate pain. Pain is often cyclical and can be minimized or eliminated with musculoskeletal mobility.
Learn how to help treat yourself and become empowered with your care
There really isn’t a magic wand at PT! A Physical Therapist will do more than just address your injury or involved body part. We will look at you as a whole person and empower you with your care, giving you plenty of education and ways you can help yourself.
Become more active!
Learn to care for your body instead of suffer. There are so many studies that show that activity for 30 minutes per day helps to maintain healthy systems, from head to toe. A Physical Therapist promotes total health and wellness and can often be a good motivator to get you on track with your goals!
Prevent surgery
Often times, musculoskeletal injuries can be treated by PT and you can avoid surgery all together. The key is to get to know a PT soon after an injury so your pain and limitations do not become irreversible. Talk with your physician ASAP!
Is it because I am getting older? As we age, our body changes. Our reflexes slow down and our nerve signals are not quite as fast to alert us to make a correction when we lose our balance. Balance is essential to our everyday routine – from getting dressed to taking the dog for a walk, to cooking a meal. Most of the time you don’t have to think about balance – but when you do, it can become frustrating. The feeling of being unsteady can lead to inactivity. Individuals tend to withdraw from their favorite activities or decline invitations due to a fear of falling. The less you do the weaker balance will become and risk for falls will increase. What a vicious cycle!
Are you looking for a way to further challenge your balance? Check local gyms, churches and senior centers to see what activities are offered. Here are a few ideas to look for in your community to keep you at your best.
