| Many people choose arthritis therapy to help relieve | | | | supplements will reduce their pain. One of the main |
| the pain caused by the disease. There are many | | | | problems most people with arthritis face is weak joints. |
| different therapy options available today. Some | | | | Weakness can occur because you need additional |
| therapy options can actually be painful in the beginning. | | | | vitamins or minerals. Many natural supplements, like |
| As your body adjusts to certain activities, it may | | | | glucosamine, can also help build joint strength. These |
| experience discomfort. However, most people find that | | | | supplements can usually be purchased without a |
| short term discomfort is worth it, especially if they | | | | prescription. However, you may want to discuss them |
| receive long term results in pain management. | | | | with your doctor or pharmacist. Natural remedies can |
| Consider the following therapy options if you are | | | | have drug interactions, just like prescription drugs. |
| looking to manage your pain and discomfort. All forms | | | | Homeopathic Therapy: Many people choose to use |
| of therapy focus on staying active. | | | | homeopathic therapy for arthritis pain management. |
| Occupational therapy: Occupational therapy has to do | | | | These types of therapies would include acupuncture, |
| with the way you move at work and home. It focuses | | | | hypnosis, and yoga. These therapy options do not |
| on relieving pressure on joints as you complete your | | | | treat the cause of arthritis. However, they can greatly |
| daily activities. For example, working at a computer all | | | | reduce the pain you experience, due to the disease, on |
| day can place stress on your neck and hips. Your | | | | a daily basis. |
| occupational therapist can recommend devices or | | | | These arthritis therapy options can be much safer that |
| furniture that helps. You may need to also adjust the | | | | taking prescription drugs. They are also less invasive |
| way your office is set up. Lowering your chair or | | | | than surgery and they don't require a recovery period. |
| monitor can help reduce stress. An occupational | | | | Most people choose these methods before |
| therapist will examine your environment and help you | | | | considering expensive painful options. The goal with |
| make these adjustments. | | | | each therapy option is to keep you active and moving. |
| Physical Therapy: Physical therapy focuses on | | | | The number one reason for pain in arthritis is stiffness. |
| exercises that make movement less painful. These | | | | It is very common to reduce activity when you |
| exercises will help you build strength that can reduce | | | | experience pain. However, that is the worst thing you |
| pain. You may also need to include stretches into your | | | | can do if your pain is related to arthritis. With arthritis, |
| daily routine. Stretching regularly can help to reduce | | | | inactivity can lead to permanent debilitation. Some |
| stiffness that causes pain. Most physical therapists will | | | | people actually become crippled when they slow |
| tailor a plan specifically for your problem areas. If your | | | | down because of the pain. Using several of these |
| hands bother you, you would focus on finger and wrist | | | | therapy options in conjunction with each other can |
| exercises, not running on a tread mill. | | | | provide excellent relief. |
| Supplemental Therapy: Many people find that using | | | | |