How Exercise Helps in Managing Joint Pain
Exercise is an important treatment modality for joint pain. The article discusses how exercise helps to relieve joint pain. Joint pain refers to discomfort, pain or inflammation arising from any part of a joint, including cartilage, bone, ligaments, tendons or muscles. The pain in the joints can range from mildly irritating to debilitating and it may go away after a few weeks (acute) or last for several weeks or months (chronic). This condition can make your routine tasks challenging and prevent you from living an active and independent life. Exercise is an important element of joint pain treatment. With exercise, you can better maintain range of motion and improve symptoms. In an established and reputable healthcare center in Brooklyn, NYC physical therapists, orthopedic surgeons and other health care experts work together to provide each patient with a customized treatment plan involving exercise, physical therapy, pain management injections, TENS, and anti-inflammation medications for joint protection. What Causes Joint Pain? The main conditions that lead to painful joints include – Fracture Bursitis Dislocation Tendinitis Strains and sprains Repetitive or overly forceful movements during sports or work Posture problems Septic arthritis Rheumatoid arthritis Osteoarthritis Lupus Overweight and obesity Aging
Role of Exercise in Providing Joint Pain Relief In most cases, people with joint pain tend to avoid physical activity. However, this may cause more harm than help. Stiffness, pain, and swelling associated with this condition can severely reduce the range of motion in joints. Avoiding physical activity due to pain or discomfort can lead to significant muscle loss and excessive weight gain. Though pain medications and cold or hot packs may offer quick pain relief, this may be temporary. A healthy lifestyle with regular exercise and a balanced diet will help in better pain management. As a treatment modality, exercise can help – Increase flexibility in the joints Build muscle strength Improve range-of-motion In weight management Boost the production of synovial fluid (lubricant inside the joints) Prevent further injury Increase the production of natural pain neuro-chemicals in the body Exercises for Joint Pain Treatment In established pain management centers, the treatment plan would include range of motion, strengthening, and aerobic exercises. Range-of-motion exercises - These exercises reduce stiffness and improve joint mobility by allowing the joints to move through their full range of motion. This may include raising the arms over the head or moving the shoulders forward and backward. Strengthening exercises – These exercises improve and build muscle strength and include weight training, sit ups, crunches, leg raises and hyper extensions. Endurance or aerobic exercises – Aerobic exercises aim to increase overall fitness. Examples include walking, bicycling, swimming, using an elliptical machine, with intensity varying depending on the patient’s condition. therapy.
In a reliable multi-specialty healthcare center, pain management doctors will conduct a thorough evaluation of patients to determine the type of treatment and exercise program that best suits them. The type and duration of treatment will mainly depend on the extent and intensity of pain symptoms. In professional healthcare centers, joint pain treatment plans combine several nonsurgical modalities such as physical therapy exercises, chiropractic care, TENs, anti-inflammation medications, massage, Ice and heat application, and cold compression therapy.