Do you suffer from back, knee, or hip pain? It is possible that you may have osteoarthritis in those joints. Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common condition of the joints, affecting approximately 27 million Americans. With OA, there is a breakdown in the cartilage covering the ends of bones. As the cartilage wears away, the bones become exposed and rub against each other.
The deterioration of cartilage also affects the shape and makeup of the joint so that it no longer functions smoothly. The ligaments and tendons around the joint become stiff and the muscles that support the joint become weak. This leads to even more painful rubbing of the joint surfaces. There are many studies and patient success stories promoting the effectiveness of physical therapy and occupational therapy for osteoarthritis. Our expert physical therapists at Complete Physical Rehabilitation are trained specifically in treating patients suffering from osteoarthritis and work to get the BEST results possible.
STUDY SHOES HOW TO RELIEVE OSTEOARTHRITIS PAIN
In a medical study*, 83 patients with osteoarthritis were assigned to receive either hands-on therapy (treatment group) or a pill that actually did nothing to help with their pain without them knowing (placebo group). Tests were done to measure how well the people were doing 4 weeks, 8 weeks, and 1 year later.
The results were very impressive with the patients who had hands-on physical therapy and occupational therapy combined with gentle, specific exercises. They show significant improvements in their pain, mobility, and function. By 8 weeks, patients were able to walk further and faster with much less, or completely resolved pain. Their joint stiffness, aches, and mobility had improved by 55% as compared to the group who had no treatment whatsoever. At 1 year, patients in the treamtne group were still doing great in terms of less pain and more mobility.
Other benefits included less need for surgery, with only 5% of patients in the treatment group having undergone surgery as compared to 20% with the placebo group.
If you are suffering from osteoarthritis, our physical therapy treatments relieve your pain. Isn’t it time you did something about your pain and movement?
Call us today at Complete Physical Rehabilitation to learn more about our Arthritis Program so we can make a positive difference in your life.
*Annals of Internal Medicine: February 1, 2000 vol. 132 no. 3 173-181. Gail D. Deyle, MPT; Nancy E. Henderson, PhD, MPT; Robert L. Matekel, MPT; Michael G. Ryder, MPT; Matthew B. Garber MPT; and Stephen C. Allison, PhD, MPT, ECS