Conditions - Pain - Arthritis

• Back and neck pain
• Herniated discs
• Shoulder pain and rotator cuff injury
• Knee and hip pain
• Fibromyalgia
• Arthritis

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Arthritis and Osteoarthritis


Patrick Massey MD, PhD  ALT-MED Medical and Physical Therapy, Elk Grove Village IL and serving the Chicago area
 
Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis resulting in degeneration of joint with a loss of cartilage.  Symptoms may include joint pain, tenderness, stiffness, and sometimes a build-up of fluid. Osteoarthritis pain and stiffness can decrease movement and the affected muscles and ligaments may atrophy and weaken.  Arthritis pain is the leading reason for chronic disability in the US today, affecting 27-30 million people each year.
 
Benefits of Physical Therapy
Physical therapy and the right kind of exercise are the mainstays for osteoarthritis.  Physical therapy can significantly improve the symptoms of osteoarthritis…pain and decreased range of motion.  Physical therapeutic intervention has been shown to delay need for surgery, especially in advanced cases of osteoarthritis. Physical therapy is also more effective, long term, than common pain medications.  ALT-MED Medical and Physical Therapy (more information, click here), for over two decades, has excelled at reversing the symptoms of osteoarthritis.
 
Benefits of Acupuncture
A recent, comprehensive medical review found that, in many studies, acupuncture leads to a statistically significant improvement in pain. This may be by reducing inflammation, muscle spasm, increasing circulation and the release of natural pain killers – endorphins.  As pain improves, range of motion, physical therapy – based exercises become more comfortable and long term relief is possible.  The expertise of the acupuncturist is essential for success (more information, click here).
 
Massage
Massage relieves soft tissue tension and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis pain. Massage increases circulation to the joints, improving joint stiffness and pain.  Massage may also prevent osteoarthritis by relieving soft tissue tightness and inflammation. Combined with physical therapy and acupuncture, the results can be near miraculous.  The expertise of the massage therapist is essential for success (more information, click here).
 
Dietary Supplements and Herbs
Many dietary supplements, like glucosamine and omega 3 oils, are commonly used to treat the osteoarthritis pain.  However, there are many other supplements and herbs (some are common spices) that reduce inflammation and, in culturally-based medical systems, are used to treat the symptoms of osteoarthritis.  Although these dietary supplements are generally safe, some are contraindicated with specific medications and illnesses.  Like medications, not all supplements work equally well for everyone and a combination of select supplements may be optimal.  Recommendations for dietary supplements and herbs should be made by an integrative medicine physician, like Dr. Massey, since integrative medicine physicians are experts in medications and dietary supplements.
 

Let us help you…call (847) 923-0046 for an appointment.   

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