Physical therapy is a recommended modality in dealing with Arthritis, but can be complicated due the effects of this disorder.
Physicians routinely advise patients to undergo physical therapy as well as exercise under the guidance of a qualified personal trainer.
Arthritis is symptomatically indicative of a type of joint disorder and is accompanied by inflammation to one or multiple joints.
It is a degenerative disorder that may also affect the internal organs, skin, and the muscles.
There are more than 100 different forms of arthritis.
Osteoarthritis: The Most Common Form of Arthritis The most prevalent type, osteoarthritis, is the result of the degradation of joint cartilage.
Caused by the wear and tear experienced by the joints, it affects the knees, spine, back, pelvis, hip, feet, or even the hands.
Initial symptoms include minor pain during regular activities such as walking.
Over a period, the pain may escalate to a point where physical activity becomes difficult to perform.
A person's sleep patterns may also be disrupted by this.
Flexibility is hampered, and symptoms such as swelling, pain, 'grinding' of the joints, or tingling/numbness may be experienced.
Physical therapy can be significant in relieving some of the symptoms of Osteoarthritis.
Muscle strengthening and weight loss help reduce the stress on joints, and can prevent further progression.
Prescription pain-medication is often required, and in extreme cases joint replacement surgery may be beneficial.
Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Quick Study Rheumatoid Arthritis is a common disorder where the body's immune system turns on itself and starts destroying the body tissues.
This is a virulent type of inflammatory arthritis and little is known about its causes.
Typically, it affects the knees, elbows, wrists, and hands (both the metacarpophalangeal and proximal interphalangeal joints.
) This is a symmetrical disease and, if left untreated, may result in severe deformity and permanent damage to the joints.
Most occurrences fall in the age group of 20 and above.
Symptoms include general weakness/fatigue, pain, weight loss, fever, skin rash, tightness in the joints and restricted movement.
Not much can be done as far as prevention of this disorder is concerned.
So, the prime focus of attention is to relieve the symptoms.
Early detection and aggressive treatments significantly improve the quality of life.
A complete approach, encompassing the use of medication and physical therapy is recommended.
Fibromyalgia: Disorder or Syndrome? Fibromyalgia is a fairly widespread medical disorder believed to be afflicting millions globally.
It is associated with prolonged pain of the connective tissues and muscles.
A controversial disorder among health professionals, its causes remain unknown.
Typical symptoms associated with Fibromyalgia include extreme fatigue, pain, joint stiffness, sleep disorders, depression, anxiety, and bowel irregularities.
Patients may also be prone to allodynia, a condition which results in an excessively painful reaction to pressure.
There are several hypotheses which postulate the causes of Fibromyalgia.
These include genetic predisposition, stress, hypodopaminergia, abnormal serotonin metabolism, and physical trauma.
Typical treatment plans include medication, physical therapy, patient education and cognitive-behavioral therapy.
Arthritis need not be a permanently incapacitating condition.
The prudent use of exercise and physical therapy programs are recommended by most health professionals.
A qualified personal trainer can help you with the optimal exercise program to alleviate the symptoms of Arthritis.