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TENS, also known as transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, is a form of pain management that uses electrodes placed on the skin to send electrical pulses to nerves and muscle groups. TENS is often used to treat arthritis pain, migraine pain and other chronic pain disorders. Doctors also may prescribe TENS for pain following surgical procedures. TENS is often an alternative to narcotic-based pain relief, and a physical therapist can administer it, or the patient can administer it at home. The use of TENS therapy has both theorized and documented physiological effects on the body.
Spinal arthritis is an inflammation of one or more joints in the spinal column. There are many types of arthritis, but the two most common are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Both cause stiffness, swelling and pain. Several forms of treatment for arthritis exist that usually involve a combination of medication and physical therapy. As each case is different, discuss all the possible methods of physical therapy with your physician or orthopedist.
Arthritis is not really one disease but more than 100, all characterized by painful swelling of the joints. The most common forms are osteoarthritis--where the cartilage that cushion the joint breaks down, rheumatoid arthritis--an autoimmune disease in which the body's natural defenses attack the tissues and gout--a hereditary condition that results in a build-up of uric acid. Any loss of finger dexterity can have dramatic effects on your quality of life, but along with other treatments, exercises and massage can make a big difference in how well you cope with arthritic fingers and hands.
Acromioclavicular arthritis is one of the most common kinds of osteoarthritis. According to Orthogate, this type of arthritis is common in middle-aged people and can make using your shoulder very difficult. Whether your acromioclavicular arthritis requires surgery or not, you will need a physical therapy program to help you keep your shoulder healthy and flexible.
Lumbar facet arthritis can be the cause of significant pain in the lower back. When the cartilage between discs gets worn away or the spinal discs get knocked off track, lumbar facet arthritis can be the result. Your physician will likely prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to keep swelling and pain to a minimum. He will also ask you to do strengthening and aerobic exercises to improve lower back function.
One of the most popular non-surgical ways of treating arthritis in patients is through extensive physical therapy. Physical therapy focuses on pain relief, increasing muscle strength, increasing overall wellness and physical fitness. There are several common types of physical therapy for arthritis patients.
Arthritis is a disease that causes inflammation and pain in joints throughout the body. Though it is not known what causes the disease, some possibilities include genetic factors, environmental factors such as a virus, or a general wearing out of the joints.
