NOVEMBER 2023 - 1
N O V E M B E R 2 0 2 3
Arthritis and Pain: How Physical Therapy Can Help Arthritis is one of the most common complaints doctors hear about and diagnose each year. It is defined by the Mayo Clinic as the swelling and tenderness of one or more joints. The main symptoms of arthritis are pain and stiffness, and these symptoms often increase with age. Arthritis occurs more often in women and people 65 and older. There are nine types of arthritis, with osteoarthritis being the most common form (when the protective cartilage that cushions the end of the bones wears down over time). According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, between 2016 and 2018, more than 58 million Americans were diagnosed with arthritis. It is estimated that by 2040, that number will jump to 78.4 million. Surprisingly, the majority of these people live a sedentary lifestyle, with little to no physical activity. Americans who meet physical activity suggestions (150 minutes each week and 2 days of muscle training) have an 18% rate of arthritis diagnosis. For Americans who live sedentary lifestyles, the rate increases to over 30%. Arthritis affects the lives of suffers in many ways. For example, daily activities and tasks of living are restricted with arthritis including reaching above your head, being able to sit for 2 hours without discomfort and grasping for small objects. Going up a flight of stairs without stopping to breathe is harder with arthritis, and the ability to stand for 2 hours becomes almost impossible for some. Social participation is often limited by arthritis, as getting out and doing things with friends and family becomes challenging.
continued on page 6
ASK THE EXPERT: ESTRANGED LOVED ONES FEATURE: ARTHRITIS AND PAIN - HOW PHYSICAL THERAPY CAN HELP RECIPES: MONSTER COOKIES AND PEPPERMINT OREO COOKIES