Arthritis Treatment
There are nearly 3 million cases of arthritis reported each year within the U.S. alone. While there is currently no cure for arthritis, there are plenty of effective ways in which it can be treated. At Life Health Medical Center, we can help you to manage the discomfort and pain that is caused by arthritis. We understand and know the correct methods and techniques used to treat arthritis, and we will teach you how to properly maneuver your body in the right ways to help reduce swelling and pain in the joints. Our main focus is to get your body back to its proper alignment, lessening the side effects of arthritis discomfort.
What is Arthritis?
Arthritis is a musculoskeletal condition in which the joints within the body become inflamed, causing pain, discomfort, and reduced range of motion. Arthritis is characterized by stiffness and swelling in or around the joint areas, with the majority of cases involving joints in the hands, fingers, ankles, wrists, neck, or virtually anywhere bone meets bone. Over time, the joint lining (called synovial membrane) becomes worn down, and the bones begin to rub against each other. This membrane lining cannot regenerate; therefore, it will cause many long-term chronic problems if left untreated. There is currently no cure for the condition but doctors can assist patients with lifestyle changes to assist in reducing the inflammation with arthritis treatment.
The diagnosis for arthritis usually consists of a physical exam where the doctor tests the functionality and range of motion of the painful joints. Then imaging is sometimes needed to rule out any other possible conditions.
What to Expect
At your appointment our doctors will ask the patient a number of questions about their symptoms, family history, and current medications they are currently on. After the the exam, the physical therapists at Life Health Medical Clinic will teach you special relaxation techniques, as well as low-impact muscle strengthening exercises that are developed around your current physical level. Joints are more likely to stay in alignment when the surrounding muscles are strong enough to hold everything in place. Whereas not everybody heals the same, not every exercise plan is considered standard either. This is why our therapists design a unique plan that is customized with each specific patient’s needs in mind for effective arthritis treatment. Ideally, our goal is to reduce your current symptoms and keep them gone.
Caring for Arthritis at Home
During your arthritis treatment sessions with us, we will teach you many different special techniques and movements that you can also practice at home. Working on the exercises that your therapist teaches you will not only help to improve your pain management, but also prevent you from having to rely heavily on the need for pain medications. Regularly moving your joints in varies ways has been shown to help with the stiffness as well as the pain caused by arthritis because it keeps the joints fluid and promotes blood flow which reduces inflammation. Weight loss can also be beneficial in reducing the long-term symptoms of arthritis.
Arthritis Treatment – When to Call Us
Unfortunately, most people don’t seek out help from a healthcare professional for their arthritis pain until it has become debilitating. At this point there are fewer options and the potential need for surgery and medication is higher. Do not allow yourself to wait that long! Seek arthritis treatment before your arthritis gets too unbearable. If you are experiencing arthritis pain, call Life Health Medical Clinic today and speak to one of our specialists. We have been treating patients in the Salt Lake Valley for over a decade, and we can help you to finally find relief. Contact Life Health Medical Center for your arthritis treatment today!