Osteoarthritis (OA) is a debilitating joint condition that effects more than 27 million individuals in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 80% of patients with OA have some limitation of mobility, while 25% are unable to perform the activities of daily living (ADLs)2. Osteoarthritis is thought of as “wear and tear” arthritis and is caused by prolonged, abnormal stress on joints that leads to the breakdown of cartilage on joint surfaces. This is often associated with increased pain while performing daily activities.
When OA pain flares, people often become desperate for relief when they find themselves unable to tolerate the physical demands of a normal day. Many arthritis sufferers often see medication as the only option to alleviate their symptoms. This is part of the reason excessive opioid use has become a national health epidemic. While medication plays a part in most treatment plans, there are other activities and treatments that arthritis sufferers should consider when trying to manage the pain associated with OA.
Deep Tissue Laser Therapy
In addition to actively addressing fitness levels, deep tissue laser therapy offers an effective passive treatment option that can help reduce arthritic pain. The pain and inflammation that occur in the majority of the body’s joints is created by inflammation of the tissue lining the joint capsule. Therapeutic laser can impact this tissue by improving the microcirculation in the tissue and impacting several anti-inflammatory mediators in the joint. Pain is normally reduced when these changes take place.
In addition to the metabolic effects laser has on inflamed tissue, it also provides a soothing warmth during treatment which also helps the body relax. Individuals will often feel a significant improvement from the first session. While each case is unique, typical treatment protocols call for 6-10 sessions for optimal results, and treatments are often short (about 5-10 minutes in length).
Here’s an example of how these approaches can be combined to minimize pain in an arthritic knee:
Laser therapy: deep tissue laser therapy to the knee joint, calf, lower thigh and lumbar spinal nerves. Proper recommendations will be given during a health screening.
Stretching: spend 5 minutes stretching the knee by fully bending and straightening it while standing next to a stable object. Hold stretches for 15 seconds, rest, and repeat for approximately 2 minutes per muscle to be stretched. Additional stretches at the ankle to promote dorsiflexion and hips to promote motion in multiple planes is recommended. Specific stretching techniques should be provided by a trained professional.
Closed chain exercises: spend 10-15 minutes working on sit to stands, squats, wall slides, and some type of step-up exercise to help build strength in the lower extremities. They should not be painful. Again, specific exercise techniques should be provided by a trained professional to match the program to an individual’s specific functional ability.
For those individuals that cannot perform a land-based program, substitute an aquatic program to work on strength and endurance for 20-30 minutes.
You can take back control of your life from the pain and discomfort of arthritis. Empower yourself to feel good again with movement, stretching, and laser therapy. While the idea of stretching and strengthening isn’t ground breaking, combined with the unique capabilities of deep tissue laser therapy, it might just be your ticket to lasting relief.
In combination with these recommendations, along with Chiropractic Care, you have a winning solution to complete health for your whole body and lifestyle.
Some Reference extractions:
Contributed by Mark Callanen, PT, DPT, OCS and Perry Nickelston DC, NKT, FMS, SFMA
1. Leahy M. Changing the paradigm for diagnosing and treating arthritis. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. http://www.aaos.org/news/ aaosnow/nov12/clinical6.asp. November 2012.
2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Arthritis basics. Physical activity for arthritis. http://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/basics/physical-activityoverview.html. September 1, 2011. Updated January 7, 2016.
3. The effects of closed kinetic chain exercise on articular cartilage morphology: myth or reality? a randomized controlled clinical trial. Dinçer U et al. Turk J Phys Med Rehab 2016;l(62):28-36 DOI: 10.5606/tftrd.2016.93899
4. Roos EM, Dahlberg L. Positive effects of moderate exercise on glycosaminoglycan content in knee cartilage: a fourmonth, randomized, controlled trial in patients at risk of osteoarthritis. Arthritis Rheum 2005;52:3507-14.
5. Dieppe, P. Osteoarthritis: time to shift the paradigm. British Medical Journal, 1999; 318, 1299-1300