Tag Archive for: arthritis pain

in home physical therapy

Managing Osteoarthritis: Empowering Strategies for a Pain-Free Life

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in home physical therapy

Implementing strategies for managing osteoarthritis will help reduce pain and maintain independence.

Have you felt tightness in your joints or uncomfortable aches following periods of excessive use or inactivity? There is the possibility you’re affected by osteoarthritis (OA), the most common form of arthritis. So, what exactly is taking place within your body? The breakdown of cartilage material results in the bones rubbing against one another, resulting in stiffness, pain, and decreased mobility in the joint. This type of arthritis generally has an effect on the hips, knees, hands, neck, as well as lower back.

If you believe that osteoarthritis might be impacting your life, Harmony Home Health & Hospice suggests getting a thorough physical exam by a healthcare provider – and we are available to provide helpful home health care assistance.

To help you better understand the symptoms of osteoarthritis, as well as strategies for managing osteoarthritis, our home health care experts offer the following information.

Osteoarthritis Symptoms
  • Stiffness or pain in the joints following periods of excessive use or inactivity.
  • Bony growths at the margins of affected joints.
  • Grating or “catching” experience in the course of joint movement.
Management of Osteoarthritis

Physical activity keeps joints pliable and maintains or improves muscle strength.

  • Joint protection reduces the risk of strain or stress on painful joints.
  • Maintaining a healthy weight is essential for prevention and to slow the progression of osteoarthritis impacting the weight-bearing joints (knees and hips) and lower back.
  • Treatment approaches often entail a mixture of medications, rest, physical activity, joint protection, use of heat or cold to reduce pain, and occupational or physical therapy.
  • Many people with osteoarthritis use pain medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or acetaminophen to reduce joint pain, swelling, and stiffness.
  • Corticosteroids or hyaluronic acid derivatives can often be injected into joints that are not responding to treatment.

Harmony Home Health & Hospice is available to help a person with osteoarthritis remain as independent as possible. Contact us online to learn more about our home health care services, and to find a partner in care to help with the numerous effects of osteoarthritis. Just some of the ways we are available to help include:

  • In-home physical and occupational therapy
  • Skilled nursing and home health care to implement any doctor’s recommended treatment plan
  • Education and support to better manage this chronic condition or any others
  • And so much more

Call Harmony Home Health & Hospice at 1-877-I-NEED-CARE to find out more information about our top-rated services in New Mexico and Utah!

*Tips courtesy of the Arthritis Foundation

Woman Helping Senior Neighbor To Remove Jar Lid

Beyond Medication: Effective Strategies for Managing Osteoarthritis Pain

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Woman Helping Senior Neighbor To Remove Jar Lid

There are a number of alternative strategies that can assist with managing osteoarthritis pain.

Osteoarthritis impacts nearly 27 million Americans, which makes it the most widespread form of arthritis. It is a significant source of work disability and reduced quality of life. However, managing osteoarthritis pain does not mean only popping pills to find relief. The home health care team at Harmony Home Health & Hospice can help individuals diagnosed with osteoarthritis manage the pain through a variety of alternative methods.

After being correctly diagnosed, there are various strategies to manage the pain of osteoarthritis. Some approaches tend to be more traditional than others, but considering not every person reacts to therapies in the same way, it is a good idea for each individual to try several techniques (with the recommendation of a physician) to find out what works best.

What Are Some Strategies for Managing Osteoarthritis Pain?

Controlling Weight

One of the most important strategies to manage the discomfort of arthritis is controlling weight. For each pound of weight lost, there is a 4-pound drop in the weight exerted on the knee when performing everyday activities; and losing 11 pounds can reduce the chance of developing knee osteoarthritis by an astounding 50% for some people.

Exercise

Regular exercise helps keep joints active, diminishes pain and makes muscles around the joints stronger. Swimming is ideal for individuals with osteoarthritis because the water’s buoyancy allows for exercise with minimal impact stress to the joints, while at the same time, developing strength and increasing range of motion.

Relaxation

When treating the body for osteoarthritis pain, do not neglect the power of the mind. The mind plays a crucial role in how an individual experiences pain and responds to illness. Coping with tension through relaxation tactics can give a sense of control and wellbeing that makes it easier to manage osteoarthritis pain and may also minimize depression, anxiety, and sleeping issues.

Cold and Warm Therapy

Cold and warm therapy can also be beneficial pain management treatments. Heat therapy, including a warm shower, hot pack, or heating pad, can loosen rigid and sore muscles. Cold therapy, including cold compresses and frozen gel packs, can help by numbing nerve endings in afflicted spots. Note that individuals who have Reynaud’s syndrome should not use cold therapies.

Occupational Therapy

A physician may recommend occupational therapy for a person with osteoarthritis. Occupational therapists can help with body mechanics (learning how to move the body in such a way that will not increase pain), joint protection techniques, and modifying daily activities to conserve energy.

Harmony Home Health & Hospice is available to help individuals with arthritis remain independent and in control of life. We recognize the unique needs of people diagnosed with arthritis and offer a number of home health care solutions based on each person’s needs.

Contact Harmony Home Health & Hospice at 1-877-I-NEED-CARE for more information on our home health care services and to learn about partnering with an agency that can provide support when a helping hand is needed. We proudly offer our top-rated services in New Mexico and Utah. Visit our Service Area page to learn more about the communities we serve.