From hydrotherapy to massage, home therapies can help ease arthritis
pain
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[December
14, 2012]
(BPT) -- About one out of every
five American adults has been diagnosed with arthritis, and it is
the most common cause of disability in the United States, according
to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The pain and
stiffness caused by arthritis -- and the high cost of arthritis
medications -- prompt many people to seek effective home therapies.
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While you should always work with your doctor to manage your
arthritis, you can also do a lot at home to help minimize symptoms.
Home remedies like hydrotherapy, massage and simple exercise have
been shown to help reduce the pain and inflammation associated with
multiple forms of arthritis. Here are some common home therapies
to discuss with your health care provider:
Massage -- Recent studies indicate that massage can help
people with arthritis, the Arthritis Foundation reports on its
website ArthritisToday.org.
Simple massage of painful joints such as in the hands, elbows or
knees, may help your arthritis pain. You don't need to pay for a
professional massage to find relief. Talk to your health care
provider for simple tips on self-massage. Besides pain relief,
massage offers another benefit that may be particularly helpful to
people living with chronic pain: relaxation.
Hydrotherapy -- Soaking in warm water has been a viable home
therapy for muscle and joint aches for centuries. Your arthritis may
also cause mobility issues, making you wary about climbing in and
out of a traditional soaking tub. A walk-in tub may be a viable
alternative. Premier Care in Bathing, makers of walk-in tubs, offers
its Hydrovescent Therapy system designed to help ease aches and
pains but with gentler water motion than you would find in a
traditional jetted tub. The company has earned the Arthritis
Foundation's "Ease of Use" commendation for its easy-to-enter tubs
that feature extra-wide, low-level entry, left or right-hand door
openings, contoured and slip-resistant seats and backrests, and
leak-free design. Remember to consult your doctor before beginning
any home therapy, as hydrotherapy may not be appropriate for all
types of arthritis or with other health conditions.
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Lifestyle -- As important as it is to work with your doctor
to manage your arthritis, self-management is also essential.
Lifestyle habits such as staying active and watching your weight can
help reduce the pain of arthritis and improve function, according to
the CDC. Engage in at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise at least
five days a week. It's OK to break that time into 10-minute
intervals, the CDC says. Carrying excess weight can make your
arthritis worse, and losing just 11 pounds can improve mobility and
reduce pain. It's important to manage your weight as part of your
overall arthritis treatment.
The CDC estimates that the number of people with arthritis will
increase to 67 million by 2030. As more people struggle with
arthritis' debilitating effects, simple, cost-effective home
therapies may help millions more find relief.
For a free brochure including more information about walk-in
bathtubs and other solutions for making living at home more
convenient, visit
premiercarebathing.com/saferbathing or call 888-378-7953.
[Brandpoint]
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