How Physical Therapy Helps Arthritis Pain
July 23, 2010
Growing older often means that you have time for the activities that you enjoy. From gardening and painting to playing your favorite sport, you don’t want anything to get in the way of the things that you enjoy the most.
However, if you suffer from arthritis, then that usually isn’t an option.
For arthritis sufferers, living with this all-too-common ailment typically means reducing the amount of time spent on enjoyable activities. Additionally, because arthritis – which means the inflammation of the joints – causes a great deal of aches, pain, swelling and even limited motion, many sufferers often have trouble carrying out even the simplest tasks, like typing on a keyboard, cooking and even reading a book.
Fortunately, there is a way for arthritis sufferers to fight back against their pain: physical therapy.
After being diagnosed by a medical expert, arthritis sufferers can choose to seek physical therapy as part of a comprehensive treatment, which may also include prescribed medication. Physical therapists and chiropractors who specialize in treating injured joints can teach clients simple yet effective exercises that will gently strengthen the joints, thus reducing the pain and inflammation commonly associated with arthritis. Physical therapists and chiropractors can also provide sufferers with splints that will immobilize the hand or wrist, which can work wonders for patients who experience sharp pain whenever they use their hands.
Physical therapy for arthritis pain can also provide you with vital information on how to combat your arthritis at home. For example:
- You’ll learn about the types of food that can strengthen your joints and muscles by providing much-needed vitamins and minerals.
- For sufferers with severe knee pain, your physical therapist or chiropractor will show you the kind of footwear which will alleviate pain and reduce the amount of pressure you place on your joints.
- You’ll discover the kind of at-home exercises that will alleviate any sudden pains that you may experience while enjoying your favorite activities. Additionally, your physical therapist or chiropractor will show you activity modifications that you can do should your arthritis pain become too severe.
Don’t let arthritis stop you from enjoying your life – discover how physical therapy can help your arthritis pain today!
When considering treatment for arthritis pain and inflammation, our physical therapy clinics in Bayonne and Scotch Plains NJ come highly recommended by numerous physicians in Hudson and Union Counties. Feel free to contact us for a Free, In-Office Evaluation. If you are looking for faster service, give us a call at one of our two New Jersey locations. For our Bayonne, NJ location, call 201-339-889, and for our Scotch Plains, NJ location, call us at 908-490-1800. Just tell them that you read this article and you will receive our complimentary in-office evaluation (a $145 value).
Physical Therapy for Low Back Pain
May 18, 2010
Numerous studies have estimated that approximately 80% of people in Western countries have experienced low back pain at some point in their lives. Most cases resolve within 2-4 weeks without any medical intervention. However, within 1 year following the first episode of low back pain, 60-80% of patients will have recurring pain. In most cases of low back pain, certain muscles of the back that stabilize the spine are reflexively inhibited (shutdown) after injury. These muscles do not spontaneously recover, even if patients are pain free and return to normal activity. Strengthening these specific muscles to support and stabilize the spine is the best approach to help prevent ongoing low back pain.
After an episode of low back pain has lasted between two and six weeks, or if there are frequent recurrences of low back pain, it is reasonable to consider back pain exercises and physical therapy for back treatment. If pain is severe, physical therapy may be recommended sooner. In general, the goals of back pain exercises and physical therapy are to decrease back pain, increase function, and provide education on a maintenance program to prevent further recurrences.
Physical therapists use passive and active therapies to treat patients. Passive therapies include heat/cold therapy, ultrasound, electrical stimulation, massage, and joint mobilization. Active therapies include carefully monitored stretching, strengthening and other therapeutic exercise.
Even patients with a very busy schedule should be able to maintain a moderate back pain exercise regimen that encompasses stretching, strengthening, and aerobic conditioning. Here are the types of exercises recommended for back pain relief:
- Stretching: Almost everyone who has suffered from low back pain should stretch their hamstring muscles once or twice daily. It doesn’t take much time, but can be difficult to remember, especially if there is little or no pain present. Developing a daily routine where you do the exercises at the same time and place each day, will help enforce the routine.
- Strengthening: To strengthen the back muscles, 15-20 minutes of dynamic lumbar stabilization or other prescribed exercises should be done every other day.
- Aerobic conditioning: Low impact aerobics (such as walking, bicycling or swimming) should be done for 30-40 minutes three times weekly, on alternate days from the strengthening exercises.
A well designed physical therapy treatment plan, which may also include other modalities such as chiropractic services, massage therapy, and/or spinal decompression, can help speed a spine patient’s recovery more so than one type of therapy alone.
Hudson Spinal Care offers all of these treatments, and designs custom treatment plans for the most effective spinal care under one roof.
To learn more about the services at Hudson Spinal Care, register for a free, in-office evaluation. If you are looking for faster service, call one of the two New Jersey locations. For Bayonne, NJ, call 201-339-8889, and for Scotch Plains, NJ call 908-490-1800. Just tell them that you read this article and you will receive the complimentary in-office evaluation (a $245 Value).
This information is solely advisory, and should not be substituted for medical or chiropractic advice. Any and all health care concerns, decisions, and actions must be done through the advice and counsel of a health care professional who is familiar with your updated medical history.
Dr. Chludzinski has been treating neuropathic conditions for the past 5 years. He is the founder of Hudson Center for Spinal Care located in Bayonne and Scotch Plains, New Jersey. In preparation for his career, Dr. Chludzinski attended St. Peter’s College in Jersey City, NJ, graduating in 1998 with a Bachelor of Science in Natural Science. He continued his studies at Life University School of Chiropractic in Marietta, Georgia, graduating in the class of 2002 as a Doctor of Chiropractic. Dr. Chludzinski services all of Union and Hudson counties, including Bayonne, Jersey City, Hoboken, Harrison, Kearny, Newark, Elizabeth, Westfield, Clark, Fanwood, Plainfield, Watchung, Mountainside, Berkeley Heights and South Plainfield.Physical Therapy and Chiropractic working together at Hudson Spinal Care
May 11, 2010
Physical Therapy is often recommended in combination with Chiropractic care, but finding the time and strength to get to so many appointments can be challenging. At Hudson Center for Spinal Care, patients not only receive the best possible care, but also enjoy the convenience of both Physical Therapy and Chiropractic Services under one roof.
An integrated approach to pain relief and rehabilitation is often the best approach. A variety of treatments may be needed to get the best results, which is why Hudson provides a full range of pain relief and rehabilitation services and professionals in one location.
“We treat many types of conditions such as scoliosis, spinal stenosis, herniated discs, post-operative surgery, sciatica and acute and chronic pain, with a custom treatment plan that combines a variety of modalities. Offering a treatment plan that ONLY includes Chiropractic services (or Physical Therapy services) for the mere reason of convenience may not be the best approach” says Dr. Eric Chludzinski.
At Hudson, trained professionals have a complete range of services to offer patients including Chiropractic Services, Physical Therapy, Massage Therapy, Spinal Decompression, Laser Therapy, and Neuropathy Treatments.
The therapists use a hands-on and non-invasive approach utilizing a variety of services that complement each other and provide the best results. Every Hudson Spinal Care patient will receive a custom and comprehensive treatment plan.
The physical therapy clinics in Bayonne and Scotch Plains come highly recommended by numerous physicians in Hudson and Union Counties for our extensive expertise and cutting edge techniques. The clinics work to identify and maximize an individual’s movement potential by utilizing the four main spheres of physical therapy which include promotion, prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation.
To learn more about the services at Hudson Spinal Care, register for a free, in-office evaluation. If you are looking for faster service, call one of the two New Jersey locations. For Bayonne, NJ, call 201-339-8889, and for Scotch Plains, NJ call 908-490-1800. Just tell them that you read this article and you will receive the complimentary in-office evaluation (a $245 Value).
Article by Dr. Eric Chludzinski, DC. Dr. Chludzinski is the founder of Hudson Center for Spinal Care located in Bayonne and Scotch Plains, New Jersey. In preparation for his career, Dr. Chludzinski attended St. Peter’s College in Jersey City, NJ graduating in 1998 with a Bachelor of Science in Natural Science. He continued his studies at Life University School of Chiropractic in Marietta, GA graduating in the class of 2002 as a Doctor of Chiropractic. Dr. Chludzinski services all of Union County and Hudson County, including Jersey City, Hoboken, Harrison, Kearny, Newark, Elizabeth, Westfield, Clark, Fanwood, Plainfield, Watchung, Mountainside, Berkeley Heights, and South Plainfield.
Chiropractic Work and Insurance Companies
February 4, 2010
If chiropractic care helps patients get better faster and costs the patient and/or insurance company less, shouldn’t EVERY low back pain patient FIRST see a chiropractor before any other type of doctor? That is in fact, what should be done, based on a recent report!
On October 20, 2009, a report was delivered on the impact on population, health and total health care spending. It was found the addition of chiropractic care for the treatment of neck and low back pain “…will likely increase value-for-dollar in US employer-sponsored health benefit plans.” Authored by an MD and an MD/PhD, and commissioned by the Foundation for Chiropractic Progress, the findings are clear; chiropractic care achieves higher satisfaction and superior outcomes for both neck and low back pain in a manner more cost effective than other commonly utilized approaches.
The study reviews the fact that low back and neck pain are extremely common conditions consuming large amounts of health care dollars. In 2002, 26% of surveyed US adults reported having back pain in the prior 3 months, 14% had neck pain and the lifetime prevalence of back pain was estimated at 85%. LBP accounts for 2% of all physician office visits where only routine examinations, hypertension, and diabetes result in more. Annual national spending is estimated at $85 billion in the US with an inflation-adjusted increase of 65% compared to 1997. Treatment options are diverse ranging from rest to surgery, including many various types of medications. Chiropractic care, including spinal manipulation and mobilization, is reportedly also widely utilized with almost half of all patients with persisting back pain seeking chiropractic treatment.
In review of the scientific literature, it is noted that 1) chiropractic care is at least as effective as other widely used therapies for low back pain; 2) Chiropractic care, when combined with other modalities such as exercise, appears to be more effective than other treatments for patients with neck pain. Other studies reviewed reported patients who had chiropractic coverage included in their insurance benefits found lower costs, reduced imaging studies, less hospitalizations, and surgical procedures compared to those with no chiropractic coverage. They then utilized a method to compare medical physician care, chiropractic physician care, physiotherapy-led exercise and, manipulation plus physiotherapy-led exercise for low back pain care. They found adding chiropractic physician care is associated with better outcomes at “…equivalent to an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of $1837 per QALY (Quality-adjusted Life Year).”
When combined with exercise, chiropractic physician care was also found to be very cost-effective when compared to exercise alone. This combined approach would achieve improved health outcomes at a cost of $152 per patient, equivalent to an “incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of $4591 per QALY.” When comparing the cost effectiveness of chiropractic care with or without exercise even at 5 times the cost of the care they utilized in their analysis, it was still found to be “substantially more cost-effective” compared to the other approaches. It will be interesting given these findings if insurance companies and future treatment guidelines start to MANDATE the use of chiropractic FIRST – it would be in everyone’s best interest!
To learn more about Back Pain Relief, sign up for a free report, or click here to register for a Free, In- Office Evaluation. If you are looking for faster service, feel free to give us a call at one of our two New Jersey locations. For our Bayonne, NJ location, call 201-339-8889, and for our Scotch Plains, NJ location call us at 908-490-1800. Just tell them that you read this article and you will receive our complimentary in-office evaluation (a $245 Value).
Article by Dr. Eric Chludzinski, DC. Dr. Chludzinski is the founder of Hudson Center for Spinal Care located in Bayonne and Scotch Plains, New Jersey. In preparation for his career, Dr. Chludzinski attended St. Peter’s College in Jersey City, NJ graduating in 1998 with a Bachelor of Science in Natural Science. He continued his studies at Life University School of Chiropractic in Marietta, GA graduating in the class of 2002 as a Doctor of Chiropractic. Dr. Chludzinski services all of Union County and Hudson County, including Jersey City, Hoboken, Harrison, Kearny, Newark, Elizabeth, Westfield, Clark, Fanwood, Plainfield, Watchung, Mountainside, Berkeley Heights, South Plainfield
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