Whether to climb a flight of stairs or get out of bed, we utilize our joints in almost every activity we do. Consequently, pain and stiffness in the joints can make your life very challenging.
One of the most common conditions that negatively affect your joint health is ‘Arthritis.’ According to studies, approx 54 million individuals in America suffer from one or the other kind of arthritis.
Arthritis is a condition that can affect anyone regardless of age and gender. Some individuals are even born with the disease. The most common types of arthritis found worldwide are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
If you seek effective pain relief from arthritis in Wasilla, AK, this article is for you. Read on to know how you can manage your arthritis with the help of non-invasive treatments.
How To Manage Your Arthritis Symptoms Without Relying On Medications?
Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy is a physical therapy modality where your doctor will curate a personalized care plan keeping your symptoms, severity, and medical history in mind.
With this treatment plan, you will minimize joint pain, improve mobility and reduce swelling of the affected joint.
Exercises that relieve arthritis pain, improve function, and improve mood are included in occupational therapy treatment plans. These experts also recommend making minor changes to your daily routine to improve your overall functioning and quality of life.
Heat & Cold Therapy
This treatment is one of the oldest and most effective healing remedies for any pain, let alone arthritis. Heat and ice are alternately utilized to alleviate arthritis symptoms in this therapeutic method of dealing with the disease.
In heat therapy, you can heal the affected area by soaking your hands in a warm tub of water or applying a heating pad. However, make sure the heating pad does not directly contact your skin since that might cause skin damage or fatal burns.
On the other hand, ice packs or ice cubes wrapped in a towel or handkerchief are applied in cold therapy. These strategies help relieve joint discomfort, reduce swelling, and enhance blood flow, all of which help prevent stiffness.
Immobilizing Devices
Whenever a specific area is affected with arthritis, it is recommended to keep it protected and not strain the affected muscles or joints.
Braces, splints, and sleeves can protect and immobilize the damaged area, reducing pain and preventing additional injury. Your arthritis specialist will assist you by recommending a personalized immobilization device(s) that best meets your unique symptoms.
Postural Improvement
Posture plays a significant role in determining the severity of your symptoms. An improper posture or long hours of static positions can stress the already damaged joints and worsen your arthritic symptoms.
You can enroll in a work conditioning program and learn about maintaining proper posture at the workplace and performing other activities. Alternatively, you can also consult a physical therapist to maintain the correct posture while sitting, standing, lifting weight, and exercising.
Aquatic Exercise
Studies have shown that Aquatic therapy has proven to be highly beneficial in controlling the symptoms of arthritis.
Water offers resistance, which helps to raise the intensity of the workout. At the same time, the buoyancy provided by the water helps support body weight, alleviating joint pressure.
Many arthritis patients have found adequate relief from joint pain with aquatic therapy treatment. However, it is often temporary. For lasting pain relief, we recommend going for therapy sessions (45-60) minutes, at least thrice a week.
Yoga Therapy
Yoga is yet another excellent non-invasive remedy for arthritic symptoms. This age-old practice helps you achieve anatomical alignment to relieve joint tension and inflammation.
Studies have concluded that arthritis patients who performed yoga regularly reported significant improvements in their quality of life. They were more successful in coping with pain, and yoga also played a colossal part in enhancing their overall health while keeping arthritic pain at bay.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese procedure in which tiny needles are strategically inserted into the body. This technique is famous amongst healthcare experts because it can restore energy and balance in the body, ultimately promoting healthy joint life.
ACR/AF recommends that Acupuncture may help relieve arthritis pain, but the effectiveness varies from person to person. To undergo this therapy, make sure you find a licensed and certified acupuncturist.
Conclusion
Arthritis is a leading cause of pain and joint stiffness affecting millions of individuals worldwide. Living with symptoms of arthritis-like chronic pain, stiffness, immobility can be extremely difficult.
We hope that you find the relief you seek with the above-mentioned natural remedies for arthritis. For detailed information or professional consultation, contact a nearby clinic specializing in Arthritis at Wasilla, AK