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“When patients are faced with surgery, there’s often a misconception that the surgery itself is the only part of the process. However, most surgeries require some aftercare and collaboration with a physical therapist for the best possible out-come...”
When some people suffer an injury to a bone or ligament, they think that surgery alone will fix it.
something that is done ‘to you,’ but rather something that is done by the patient in partnership with the physical therapist or rehabilitation therapist.” Rehab helps patients get back to their desired level of function and provides them with a greater understanding of their injury and recovery. “Patients who are active participants in their rehabilBy Cori Urban itation care tend to have the Special To The Republican most positive outcomes,” she Not true, says Dr. Catherine adds. Spath, an orthopedic surgeon The orthopedic teams at who is division chief of ortho- Trinity Health Of New Enpedics and vice president of gland/Mercy Medical Center medical Staff at Mercy Medi- can help with sports injuries and chronic orthopedic cal Center in Springfield. conditions such as joint pain “When patients are faced with surgery, there’s often through innovative surgical a misconception that the and nonsurgical treatments and specialized orthopedic surgery itself is the only part of the process. However, care. most surgeries require some Orthopedic surgeons, many aftercare and collaboration of whom have board certificawith a physical therapist for tions and fellowship training, the best possible outcome, have years of experience such post-operative therapy treating thousands of patients and offer joint replacement is often a critical element of a patient’s full and complete and orthopedic spine, orthorecovery,” she says. “Rehabil- pedic, sports and physical itation gives a patient insight rehabilitation. Customized physical therainto the way their body is recovering and more confidence py plans and advanced surgical options are available. in their recovery.” She reminds patients that Trinity Health Of New Enrehabilitation therapy is gland offers 24/7/365 orthopedic trauma care at Mercy a two-way street: “It’s not
Medical Center, which has the resources and specialists to provide the highest level of care to critically ill or injured patients. The care team works closely with patients to create personalized treatment plans that help them heal and strengthen, taking a conservative approach whenever possible, beginning with nonsurgical treatment. Stephen Boyd, of West Stockbridge, tore his rotator cuff and had an arthroscopic repair of the supraspinatus tendon in his right shoulder. “Everything from my diagnosis and treatment decisions to the surgery itself as well as the follow-up and recovery have been top-notch,” he reports. Members of his care team took time to explain the details of the injury and the care plan, and “they’ve been right there, supporting (me) every step of the way.” Contributing to his positive experience were the facts that the hospital was clean and easy to manage, and the entire staff and practitioners were professional and attentive; the surgery was done exactly as planned and on time; and he was sent home carefully with no pain. “In short, I’d say quality, expertise and approach are the top reasons
to turn to Mercy Medical Center,” Boyd says. Spath is proud to be part of Mercy Medical Center which is nationally recognized for quality and patient safety. “Mercy is, at its core, a community hospital, and just as we have been doing for decades, we are bringing value in healthcare by providing care designed to offer the best outcomes with the best patient experience at the most reasonable cost,” she says. Among the most common injuries she treats are fractures of hand and wrist, cut tendons, flexor tendons, hand infections and post traumatic reconstruction. The most common types of non-injury conditions include carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, arthritis reconstruction, joint replacements and fusions. “We utilize appropriate advanced imaging in the evaluation of the patient in the diagnosis to be able to best discuss the treatment options, which may or may not include surgery,” Spath explains. “We have technological advances, such as arthroscopic surgery, but we also have a much better understanding today of the power of rehab and how it can support with providing optimal longSEE ORTHOPEDIC, PAGE D4
Top: Dr. Catherine Spath in the Operating Room at Mercy Medical Center. Bottom: Stephen Boyd has been able to return to work at his company, Boyd Technologies in Lee, just a week after surgery. (PHOTOS COURTESY OF MERCY MEDICAL CENTER)
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D2 | SUNDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2021
Methods of treating
arthritic knees
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Non-drug treatments: Examples of non-drug treatments include exercise, stretching and range-of-movement strategies. Weight loss can alleviate excess strain placed on the hips and knees and reduce pain. Braces, sleeves and orthotics may help reduce pain and joint stiffness when directed properly through a specialist.
Medications: Many medications are geared around reducing inflammation and pain and include overthe-counter pain relievers and NSAIDs, such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen and naproxen sodium. Topical NSAIDs may be tried, and these can reduce the risk of gastrointestinal side effects from oral medications. OARSI also found that the antidepressant duloxetine may help with chronic knee pain.
Injections:
The Arthritis Foundation says that some doctors can inject corticosteroid comcovers and protects the patella pounds directly into affected Osteoarthritis of (knee cap) at the knee joint, joints. Use of hyaluronic acid the joints can affect offers the online resource Ar- injections can supplement the Since this car- natural substance that gives people of all ages, but thritis-Health. tilage has no nerve endings, joint fluid its lubrication and viscosity. These injections may some people can experience is one of the leading For your protection, our office is currently closed due to the help relieve pain and improve arthritis but feel no pain. causes of disability in However, pain may occur COVID-19 health crisis. Although are unable protection, our office isour currently dueclosed towe the mobility. For your protection, office isclosed currently due to theto see patients, when doing specific activities the aged population we are monitoring our telephone messages and email. We will health crisis. Although we are unable to see patients, Since Mercy Hearing in Springfi eld and Agawam COVID-19 health crisis. Although weCenters are unable to see patients, Surgery: cause impact between respond to your message as soon as we can. Follow us on our onitoring our telephone messages and email. We will in the United States. that we are monitoring our telephone messages and email. ercy Hearing Centers in Springfi eld and Agawam Since Mercy Hearing Centers in Springfi eld and Agawam closed at the end of 2018, you mightWe bewillconcerned bones, like jumping, walking In cases when the aforeFacebook page for updates and information. orespond your message as soon as we can. Follow us on our to your message as soon as we can. Follow us on our up stairs or certain sports. A study published in the mentioned treatments are at the end of 2018, you might be concerned closed at about the Our end of options 2018, you might be care. concerned youroffice forwith hearing isinformation. open regular hoursRest and assured unsuccessful, doctors may Over time, knee arthritis Caspian Journal of Internal page for updates and information. Facebook page for updates and our options for hearing care. Rest assured about your options forreopens, hearing care. Rest assured When our office we will contact you to reschedule your may become worse, and pain suggest surgery. The Arthritis Medicine found incidence that we are new patients. Our Doctors Since Mercy Hearing Centers in Springfi eld and Agawam service is accepting provided by appointment only. For yourcanceled protection, our office you is currently closed due to the can be accompanied by stiffof knee OA is rising by Foundation says joint lavage appointment. Our Doctors of Audiology will also be office reopens, we will contact to reschedule your When our office reopens, we willnew contact you to reschedule eclosed areCOVID-19 accepting new patients. Our that we accepting patients. Our Doctors ofare Audiology would welcome theDoctors opportunity toyour helpand you.safety. We at the end of Although 2018, you might be concerned health crisis. we are unable to see patients, ness and loss of mobility. This and arthroscopic debridement, increasing average age of We continue to follow CDC guidelines for your health accepting new patients. We wish you good health and appointment. Our Doctors of Audiology will also be canceled appointment. Our Doctors of Audiology will also ogy welcome the opportunity to helpeld you. We of would Audiology would welcome theinmessages opportunity tocontinued help you. Wehearing may be accompanied by knee which involve flushing the joint the general population. Age, we are monitoring our telephone and email. We willbe Since Mercy Hearing Centers Springfi and Agawam provide comprehensive hearing evaluations and aid about your options for hearing care. Rest assured we look forward to seeing you soon! new patients. We wish you continued good health and accepting new patients. We wish you continued good health and with a sterile saline solution locking or buckling. weight, trauma, and repetitive respond to your message as soon as we can. Follow us on our closed the end evaluations ofhearing 2018, concerned We look forward tobe seeing you! comprehensive hearing andmight hearing aidto provide comprehensive evaluations and hearing fiatpage ttings and service to you adults. We want be sureaidthat you are hat we are accepting new patients. Our Doctors Those who suffer from movements are common risk and the surgical removal of rward to seeing you soon! Facebook for updates and information. we look forward to seeing you soon! about your options for tohearing care. Rest assured knee OA may seek treatment. factors for the condition. tissue fragments from the nd service to adults. We want be sure that you are fi ttings and service to adults. We want to be sure that you are hearing your best.the When you needtous, we’ll be We here. of Audiology would reopens, welcome opportunity help you. When we willnew contact you to reschedule your that our weoffice are accepting patients. Our Doctors joint, are controversial but In 2014, the Osteoarthritis According to Dr. Scott our best. When you need us, we’ll beofus, here. hearing yourappointment. best. When you need we’ll be here. provide hearing evaluations and hearing Research Society InternaParis of Central Jersey Spine may help some people achieve canceled Our Doctors Audiology will beWe aid ofcomprehensive Audiology would welcome the opportunity to helpalso you. tional, a nonprofit organizaand Wellness, more than 27 short-term relief. Partial knee accepting new patients. We wish you continued good health and fittings provide and service to adults. We want to be and surehearing that you comprehensive hearing evaluations aid are million people in the country tion dedicated to promoting replacement may be another we look forward to seeing you soon! and service adults. Weus, want to bebesure that you are hearingfittings your best. Whentoyou need we’ll here. option that offers a similar osteoarthritis research and suffer from knee arthritis. treatment, updated its recomAn estimated 37 percent of improvement in function, but hearing your best. When you us, we’ll be here. Theneed Finest Hearing Care By Doctors Of Audiology The Finest Hearing Care By Doctors Of Audiology mendations for the treatment fewer complications than a Canadians aged 20 or older ~ Since 1984 ~ ~ Since 1984 ~ The The Finest Hearing Care By Doctors Audiology The Finest Hearing Care By Doctors Audiology Finest Hearing Care By Doctors Audiology The Finest Hearing CareOf ByOf Doctors OfOf Audiology who had been diagnosed with of osteoarthritis targeted to total knee replacement. 200 North Main North Building, Suite 103 103 200~North Main Building, Suite ~~Since ~ Since 1984 1984 ~~Since 1984 ~Street,North Since 1984 ~Street, different patient characterisarthritis reported osteoarthriOsteoarthritis in the knee East Longmeadow, MA Longmeadow, MA01028 01028 200 North MainStreet, Street, North Building, Suite 103 200 North MainStreet, Street,East North Building, Suite 103 200 North Main North Building, Suite 103 200 North Main North Building, Suite 103 can be painful and restrictive. tics. The main categories of tis, with 29 percent occurring (413) 525-7979 • www.hampdenhearing.com East Longmeadow, MA 01028 East Longmeadow, MA (413) 525-7979 •01028 www.hampdenhearing.com treatment include non-drug in the knees, states Statistics Working with a qualified docEast Longmeadow, MA 01028 The Finest Hearing Care By Doctors Of Audiology East Longmeadow, MA01028 The Finest Hearing Care By Doctors Of Audiology info@hampdenhearing.com (413) 525-7979 • www.hampdenhearing.com (413) 525-7979 • www.hampdenhearing.com 525-7979 Canada. Knee arthritis occurs treatments, medication, injec- tor, individuals can develop a ~(413) 1984 ~Since Since 1984 ~~ (413) 525-7979 •525-7979 www.hampdenhearing.com (413) • www.hampdenhearing.com info@hampdenhearing.com info@hampdenhearing.com 200 North Main Street, North Building, Suite 103 103 when there is a degeneration tions, and surgery. treatment plan that works for www.hampdenhearing.com 200 North Main Street, North Building, Suite Jennifer Lundgren Garcia, Au.D. Susan Bankoski Chunyk, Au.D. East Longmeadow, MA Doctor of Audiology Doctor of Audiology of articular cartilage that their specific conditions. info@hampdenhearing.com East Longmeadow, MA01028 01028 (413) 525-7979 • www.hampdenhearing.com
MESSAGE TO PATIENTS OF MERCY HEARING CENTER OSAGE PATIENTS OF MERCY HEARING CENTER TOHappy PATIENTS OF MERCY HEARING CENTER Message totothe Community Holidays You & Your Family!
sage the Community Message to the Community Since to Mercy Hearing Centers Springfi eld and Agawam MESSAGE TO PATIENTS OFinMERCY HEARING CENTER
Hearing Centers in Springfi eld and Agawam Mercy Hearing Springfi eld and Agawam closed at PATIENTS the end ofin 2018, you might be concerned GE TO PATIENTS OFCenters MERCY CENTER MESSAGE TO OFHEARING MERCY HEARING CENTER
end 2018,ofoptions you might concerned de at theof your end 2018, you be might becare. concerned about for hearing Rest assured options for hearing care. Rest assured your care. patients. Rest assured MESSAGE TO OFhearing MERCY HEARING CENTER that options wePATIENTS are foraccepting new Our Doctors Message to the Community eweaccepting new patients. Our Doctors are accepting new patients. Our Doctors of Audiology would welcome the opportunity to help you. We would welcome the opportunity to help you. We diology would welcome opportunity toCENTER help you. MESSAGE TO PATIENTSthe OF MERCY HEARING provide comprehensive hearing evaluations and We hearing aid rehensive hearing evaluations and hearing aid de comprehensive hearing evaluations andto hearing fittings and service to adults. We want be sure aid that you are rvice to adults. We want to be sure that you are s and service to best. adults. We want to beus,sure that hearing your When you need we’ll be you here.are est.your When youWhen needyou us, need we’ll be ng best. us,here. we’ll be here.
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(413) 525-7979 • www.hampdenhearing.com info@hampdenhearing.com
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Gaining back their lives Submitted by Hartford HealthCare
scheduled in two stages. The first stage to free her spine and Connecticut Judge mobilize it was performed at Hartford HealthCare Bone Finds Relief Thanks to & Joint Institute (BJI). Three Collaboration Between days later, the majority of her spine was operated on during Hartford HealthCare a 6-hour procedure at HartBone & Joint Institute ford Hospital. Kathleen’s procedure inand Ayer Neuroscience volved three surgeries. Stage Institute one involved two surgeries: Judge Kathleen McNamara one on the lower back from was always aware of some the back; which included an scoliosis in her lower back and osteotomy, or release of the had surgery to correct curvabone to allow for mobilizature years ago. But when the tion. After that, an additional issue began to affect her upper surgery, called an anterior back, life-changing relief lumbar fusion, was performed came from a team approach on the lower back from the across specialties at the Bone front to change the angle at and Joint Institute and Ayer the base of the spine to correct Neuroscience Institute at Hartford Hospital. “When I walked, I was shuffling more or less. I knew people from their shoes. I was bent in half. It didn’t hurt. But all of a sudden, I was in agony,” she recalled. “For me to get out of bed and down the hall was a challenge.” She saw Dr. Hanbing Judge Kathleen McNamara “Steve” Zhou, an orthopedic spine surgeon at the Bone and Joint Institute at Hartford the deformity. Stage two took Hospital, who made the diag- place during a six-hour surnosis of adult scoliosis in her gery during which surgeons accessed the majority of her upper back. After non-surgical treatments provided little spine from the back to remove relief, surgery was scheduled. the old hardware and stabilize Dr. Zhou worked closely the spine with screws and with Dr. Mohamad Khaled, a rods, from her upper thoracic neurosurgeon with the Ayer spine to the pelvis. Neuroscience Institute to plan Dr. Khaled explained how and perform complex spine the collaboration of the surgideformity correction surgery. cal teams led to a successful The process entailed extensurgery. “We both understand sive preoperative preparation each other’s work flow,” he and planning with a multi-dis- said. “Dr. Zhou worked on ciplinary approach involving one side of the spine and I orthopedic spine surgery, did the other side at the same neurosurgery, anesthesia and time to improve efficiency, deICU team in addition to excrease surgery time, decrease pert nursing care and physical blood loss and minimize surgical risk and complicatherapy. McNamara’s surgery was tions in addition to improving
using a cane, then a combination of cane and walking stick, and ultimately a walker. “Fatigue got worse as my hip got worse,” Susan recalls. “I went to a chiropractor and then an osteopath – the conversation turned when they mentioned maybe a hip x-ray was in order.” Clark asked friends and acquaintances for input and Dr. Robert Carangelo came highly recommended. He performed Susan’s total hip replacement at the Hartford HealthCare Bone & Joint Institute. She was never in doubt he was the right surgeon for the job. “Dr. Carangelo was very conversational and explained the surgery in simple terms, using a model,” Clark says. “He showed me exactly what was going to happen and I understood it clearly.” Susan recounts that her stay from check in to discharge was like nothing she’d experienced before, sharing that every single team member took an interest in her and her progress. From the cleanliness of her room to the food, Susan has high praise for the people “My life started over again. I who made her visit a pleasant one. When it was time to go got my life back,” she conhome, Susan was sent home fides. “I was locked in the house for years and I couldn’t with all her prescriptions filled – no need for a stop at do things. I can take my dogs her local pharmacy. “I didn’t for hikes and walks – I have a whole new life. I got a second have a single complaint! I even slept like a baby,” Susan chance.” says. “I went to physical therHip Surgery Brings apy and said, ‘I had a great Independence to night’s sleep!’” Rehab was a big part of her Septuagenarian recovery and Susan was motiAt a spry 78 years old, Susan vated knowing the rehab team Clark leads a busy and active wanted her to do her best life as a substitute teacher. and be good at it. Just a short The Middletown resident has time after her surgery, Susan enjoyed her independence is off all pain medication and until recently. Over the course recently found her way back of four to five months discom- behind the wheel of her car, fort from hip pain set in and something she couldn’t do she was forced to get around without pain before. She is outcomes.” For Dr. Zhou, the goal of the surgery resulted in mission accomplished. “This is, in my opinion, truly a life-changing operation,” he said. “Kathleen is able to stand up straight and look forward without being hunched over.” After her surgery, McNamara tells of the turning point that took her quite by surprise. After surgery, the physical therapist came to help her get out of bed and stand up. When McNamara stood up, she saw something she hadn’t seen in a long time – another person’s face, head on. No more downcast line of sight – she was upright for the first time in five years.
“I was locked in the house for years and couldn’t do things. I can take my dogs for hikes and walks - I have a whole new life. I got a second chance.”
Top: Judge Kathleen McNamara with her dogs. Bottom: Susan Clark (PHOTOS SUBMITTED BY HARTFORD HEALTHCARE)
optimistic about getting into a pool again and independently doing day-to-day tasks like grocery shopping. Her advice to anyone putting off surgery? “Do it now. Postponing it could be too late. Do exactly what the doctors say and follow directions.”
To learn more about the Hartford HealthCare Bone & Joint Institute visit hartfordhospital.org/ services/bone-joint-institute
s a d e z i l a i c e p s s A . s l l i k s t e l l i k s r u o y
CT’s only orthopedic hospital. As specialized as you are. Only one hospital in Connecticut is entirely dedicated to orthopedics: Hartford HealthCare’s Bone & Joint Institute, with super-specialized expertise in everything from joint replacements to sports medicine. So you can dedicate yourself to everything you love to do. Learn more at BoneandJointInstitute.org.
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D4 | SUNDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2021
Orthopedic CONTINUED FROM PAGE D1
term outcomes.” Key tools, like implants and surgical techniques, have vastly improved and are of a higher sophistication level than in years past. “I also remind patients that we never want to underestimate the power of time and biology when it comes to healing and ensuring recovery is achieved at its fullest,” she adds. At Mercy Medical Center, “we are also proud of our ability to tailor care to the individual,” she says. There are surgical protocols in place for such things as knee replacements or hip replacements: “However, everyone is unique, so each treatment plan is approached on a case-by-case basis to ensure that the patient has an optimal outcome.” Not all injuries need surgery. Patients may need doctors’ input and assessments but not necessarily surgery. “We only want to do surgery when it is the best course that will lead
to optimal outcomes,” Spath says. There are injuries that can be treated with rest, reassurance and rehabilitation. In some cases, cortisone injections or other treatment courses might be used, that, in many cases, can eliminate the need for surgery. While the goal is always to get patients back to doing what they enjoy, but she reminds her patients there will always be a risk when returning to activities. “We want patients to feel empowered to find the balance of enjoying the activities they love without putting themselves at risk. Listen to your body, rest when you need to, and do the proper warm-up/cool down. Keeping up on all the rehabilitation exercises, including strengthening and stretching, will reduce the risk of re-injury,” she advises. Everyone involved with his case made Boyd feel confident and assured that his outcome was going to be as good as it has proven to be. “I’m very appreciative of that
and plan to be back on ski slopes and serving tennis balls soon,” he says. Physical activity is good for a person’s health. But when exercising, use safety equipment and take the proper precautions when working with certain machinery or equipment, Spath cautions. And when it comes to athletics, be sure to do proper warm-ups, cool downs and stretches before and after activity; proper stretching helps prevent injuries. “I would also encourage patients to maintain general good health by eating right, staying hydrated, avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol intake as that all plays a factor in overall good health which impacts the musculoskeletal system,” she says. For more information, go to trinityhealthofne.org/ location/mercy-medical-center-orthopedic-institute or orthoinfo.aaos.org. Orthopedic Care Center, 175 Chestnut St., Suite 250, Springfield, can be reached by phone at 413-748-7350.
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Long-Term Solutions
to protect joints
P
eriodic aches and pains can affect anyone. Individuals who are physically active and even those who live largely sedentary lifestyles may experience pain from time to time. In fact, many professional and amateur athletes experience relatively minor, short-term injuries at one point or another, and rest is often the best remedy to overcome such obstacles. Though minor tweaks may be somewhat normal, longterm issues like persistent joint pain should not be written off as par for the course. It can be tempting to write joint pain off as a concern only serious athletes need to worry about.
Terms like “tennis elbow” and “runner’s knee” can give less physically active individuals a false impression of joint pain and what causes it. But the Mayo Clinic notes that lack of exercise can contribute to pain and stiffness in the joints. That’s because exercise strengthens the muscles and tissues that surround the joints. That added strength puts less stress on the joints. In recognition of the threat posed by chronic joint pain, the Arthritis Foundation® recommends individuals take various steps to protect their joints over the long haul. • Focus less on fashion in regard to footwear. High heels may be the epitome of glamorous footwear, but
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TrinityHealthOfNE.org
If you or a family member has had a serious injury or illness and needs intensive rehabilitation services to help regain function, Mercy Rehabilitation, the only CARF accredited facility in Western Massachusetts, is here to help. We are the only inpatient rehabilitation program in the area attached to an acute care hospital and offer both inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation services for adults and children. For more information, call us at 413-748-6880 or visit TrinityHealthOfNE.org. The rehabilitation services we provide: • Inpatient rehabilitation on the campus of Mercy Medical Center • Outpatient rehabilitation at two locations • Day rehabilitation program, a unique outpatient program especially for adults with a brain injury, neurological disorder or complex medical conditions • Children’s outpatient therapy
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Rehabilitation Services 233 Carew Street, Springfield, MA 01104 • 413-748-6880
women who routinely wear high heels will pay a steep price. The AF notes that heels put added stress on the knees and increase risk for osteoporosis, and experts indicate that three-inch heels are seven times more stressful on feet than one-inch heels. But women aren’t the only ones whose footwear fashion sense could be hurting their joints. Men also must pay attention to what they’re putting on their feet. For example, sandals without a back strap force toes to overgrip the edge of the sandal, putting needless strain on each foot and potentially causing issues with the toes. • Alternate between sitting and standing throughout the day. Joint stiffness and strain can develop when individuals spend lengthy periods of time sitting or standing. The AF recommends taking a break to stand up or sit down every 30 minutes. Professionals who sit at a desk all day may want to switch to height-adjustable desks that make it easy for them to transition from sitting to standing and still get their work done. • Maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight causes a ripple effect that impacts the entire body, including the joints. The AF notes that researchers have determined that losing 11 pounds can reduce risk for osteoarthritis of the knee by 50 percent. On the flip side, each extra pound an individual carries puts four times the stress on his or her knees. Exercising to lose weight can provide the added benefit of preventing joint stiffness. • Opt for low-impact activities. Low-impact activities like cycling and swimming are easier on the joints than fitness classes that involve high-intensity dancing and kickboxing. In addition, when choosing between a treadmill and elliptical machine, the Mayo Clinic notes that ellipticals are generally considered low-impact machines that are less stressful on the knees, hips and back than running on a treadmill or even outdoors. Various strategies can help individuals maintain healthy, pain-free joints over the long haul.