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How a Massage Chair Helped My Osteoarthritis
Conditions & Treatments

How a Massage Chair Helped My Osteoarthritis

by Guest Blogger
written by Guest Blogger
I have Osteoarthritis in my spine, hips, knees, and ankles. I have had a spinal fusion (ACDF) of C3-C7 in my cervical spine. I am in constant pain in my neck, upper and lower back. I also have pain and muscle spasms in my shoulders and between my shoulder blades. Also, pain in my knees and ankles from the degeneration from osteoarthritis. Very few things decrease that pain. Norco and muscle relaxers help when it’s at its worst, but I don’t take either regularly. I just choose to deal with chronic pain.
How a Massage Chair Helped My Osteoarthritis
I bought an $11,000 adjustable Tempur-Pedic bed and pillow. This bed took 50% of my pain away when laying in it, which is the best I’ve had since the chronic pain started.
Until…I decided to take the plunge and buy the Perfect Chair PC-LiVE. This chair is now my go-to for pain relief! It takes 75% of my pain away, more than even the medication! When I’m sitting in the chair, my pain melts away. As soon as I get up, it returns, but anyone with chronic pain will know that getting relief for even a temporary period of time, IS WORTH ITS WEIGHT IN GOLD!
With my old recliner I had a neck pillow, lumbar support pillow, a sciatic pillow to sit on, and a heating pad and I was still in pain. With the Perfect Chair, the neck support pillow takes the place of my other neck pillow, the lumbar support works better than the half dome pillow I had, the fluid-filled seat doesn’t need a sciatic pillow, and the jade heat stones work better than the heating pad. Also, the memory foam seating is like sitting on a cloud. It really is a chair that covers EVERY pain issue!
The zero gravity position is awesome. I can fall asleep in that position with no medication, which says a lot. The other great thing about this chair is that the position I sit in to watch TV or read is just as comfortable. I honestly wonder if it’s magic.
I have no complaints about this chair. Not even the price. The leather is premium and in my opinion, nothing is better than sitting in a chair with that amazing smell of high quality leather surrounding you. It is very easy to use, and I appreciate the 5-year full-coverage warranty! Is it an expensive chair? Yes. Is it worth it and more? YES!
I honestly thought that my Tempur-Pedic bed was the best out there to help with my pain, and it is awesome and worth the money, but this chair exceeds it. If I had to choose one, I would pick this chair. I’m blessed to have the best of both worlds with the dream bed and the dream chair. I foresee a lot less pain medication in my future!
If I could kiss the creator of this chair, I would.
By Sheri Zwaanstra
Shop the Perfect Chair PC-420
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Conditions & Treatments

Is Arthritis Limiting your Activity?

by Andrew Vertson
written by Andrew Vertson

Arthritis is one of the most common causes of adult pain and disability in the United States. It is a symptom of more than 150 diseases, symptoms, and rheumatic conditions that includes osteoarthritis, gout, and fibromyalgia. Most patients overlook the early symptoms of arthritis assuming the pain is a result of over-use. Is Arthritis Limiting your Activity?
Osteoarthritis, is the most common type of arthritis. It is associated with a wearing down of the cartilage in joints. Most commonly affecting the weight-bearing joints of the hips, knees, and spine. Typically, osteoarthritis usually does not affect other joints unless previous injury, excessive stress or an underlying disease is involved. Is Arthritis Limiting your Activity?
Some common symptoms of osteoarthritis include joint aching and soreness, especially with movement. Another symptom is pain after overuse as well as stiffness after periods of rest and joint swelling.

Arthritis relief doesn’t always have to come from a bottle in the medicine cabinet. Maintaining a healthy diet, exercising, and using special devices to help you get around can also have a big impact on your symptoms. Losing weight can help take immense pressure off your joints.

One of the best treatments for arthritis is movement. Physical therapy offers such treatments as yoga and clinical Pilates, along with gentle yet effective ways to stay active and stave off disability. Exercise aids in pain relief and maintaining flexibility. Physical therapy treatment plans can also be designed for weight loss to relieve pressure on joints. Massage is effective for rehabilitation should patients undergo joint replacement surgery or have joint swelling. Physical therapy is designed to relieve pain, improve flexibility and range of motion with treatment plans tailored to the individual patient. Arthritis is painful, debilitating and the leading cause of disability, but patients can treat, alleviate and delay effects with physical therapy.
Do you need help with your osteoarthritis? Schedule an appointment with your local physical therapist today.

Another natural remedy for arthritis is using topical CBD products.

Is Arthritis Limiting your Activity?

Is Arthritis Limiting your Activity? Is Arthritis Limiting your Activity? Is Arthritis Limiting your Activity? Is Arthritis Limiting your Activity? Is Arthritis Limiting your Activity? Is Arthritis Limiting your Activity?

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Conditions & Treatments

Massage Chairs Help You Recover from Injuries

by Jeff Dailey
written by Jeff Dailey

Many people use massage as a form of treatment when caring for a soft tissue injury, such as a pulled muscle or a hamstring strain. Injuries less likely to be treated with massage are skeletal system injuries, like a fractured or broken bone. Even skeletal injuries do actually benefit from massage, but proper precaution and protocol must be applied if you are to improve (and not worsen) the injury. Massage Chairs Help You Recover from Injuries
For any type of injury, it’s recommended that you wait at least 48 hours before engaging in any type of massage. Some physicians even recommend waiting up to 72 hours before massage therapy. Particularly for acute injuries, like a strain or sprain, it’s important to follow what is known as the R.I.C.E. program.

This includes:
Rest – to protect the injured muscle, tendon, ligament, or other tissue from further damage.
Ice – to reduce pain and spasm, and to control swelling.
Compression – This additionally limits swelling in order to enable the healing process.
Elevation – To limit edema formation and slow hemorrhage.

If swelling and pain persist after two full days, it is recommended that you continue to hold off on massage, and seek out medical attention if you haven’t already.
If you have a skeletal system injury, you will want to consult with a masseuse or physical therapist about personal, indirect massage around the injured area, in order to encourage blood flow and to further reduce swelling. Since these types of injuries vary greatly from person to person, it is recommended that you avoid using a massage chair on these areas and instead consult with a professional who will be able to address and respond to specific requirements that you may have. You may continue to safely use your massage chair to relax and encourage overall circulation improvement, as long as you avoid direct massage contact to the injured area. One helpful remote control feature to try is the BodyMap PRO, which allows you to select just one area in which you’d like a massage so that you can avoid the injured area.

For soft tissue injuries, it is also highly recommended that you consult with your physician before engaging in any type of massage. Once you have their approval, you may receive massage but must listen to your body and ease yourself into a massage routine that works for you. Many Human Touch massage chairs feature Cloud Touch Technology air compression, which uses targeted air cells to squeeze and release particular areas of the body. This is often an ideal introduction level for these massage chairs since they do not apply pinpoint pressure to any given area. Once you have established that the Cloud Touch feature is comfortable for you, you may “graduate” to other massage programs and techniques with increased levels of pressure. Swedish massage uses relaxing, long strokes to achieve an overall sense of calm. It also encourages increased circulation so that your body can heal from your injury. Slowly increasing the intensity of the Targeted Benefits like Stretch, Flex, Tone, and Ease are also a good way to test out which massage will work best for you. If you feel any pain while using the massage chair on or around your injured area, discontinue the massage and either try another massage method that avoids your injury, or take a break from the massage chair entirely.

With all of these tips in mind, there are some types of injuries that require you to avoid massage altogether. These include the presence of blood clots, extremely high blood pressure (it’s worth mentioning that this is low risk, but is generally advised against), Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), nerve damage, cancer, burns, lesions, and certain forms arthritis or osteoporosis. If you have any of these conditions or injuries, you will need to consult with your physician to confirm whether any type of massage is recommended.

Massage Chairs Help You Recover from Injuries

Massage Chairs Help You Recover from Injuries Massage Chairs Help You Recover from Injuries Massage Chairs Help You Recover from Injuries Massage Chairs Help You Recover from Injuries Massage Chairs Help You Recover from Injuries Massage Chairs Help You Recover from Injuries

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Diet and Exercise Helps Osteoarthritis
Diet & Nutrition

Diet and Exercise Helps Osteoarthritis

by Jeff Dailey
written by Jeff Dailey

Deep, aching joint pain? Limited movement? Stiffness? These are all common symptoms of osteoarthritis, a condition caused by the breakdown and eventual loss of cartilage (“cushioning”) in the joints – often from natural aging. Diet and Exercise Helps Osteoarthritis
Researchers have yet to discover a way to stop or slow the course of this joint disorder. Medication is often prescribed to help ease the pain and stiffness. Studies have shown, though, that certain lifestyle changes can help you cope with the discomfort, too. Diet and Exercise Helps Osteoarthritis

Taking control with weight loss and exercise

Some people think the only way to treat arthritis is with medication or surgery. But this is not always the case. Talk to your doctor about trying the following effective lifestyle changes first:
Lose some weight

Excess weight is the biggest risk factor for developing osteoarthritis. Being overweight or obese puts undue stress on your joints. Plus the increased inflammation that stems from being overweight wears down cartilage.

  • Keeping your body weight under control may cut your risk for osteoarthritis by 40 percent to 50 percent.
  • Even a modest loss of just 5 percent of your body weight can help take the extra load off your knees and decrease pain.
  • That means that for someone who weighs 200 pounds, losing just 10 pounds can help to ease discomfort.

Increase physical activity
Contrary to popular belief, it’s a mistake to avoid exercise in most cases. Inactivity can actually stiffen your joints even more. Activity reduces the inflammation that can make joints hurt worse.

  • Exercise can help strengthen muscles, which helps to support joints.
  • Low-impact activities such as swimming, cycling or rowing are the gentlest on your joints.
  • High-impact activities (where your feet hit the ground), such as running, basketball and tennis, put extra stress on the joints and can make your condition worse.

Always check with our doctor before you start a new activity. Together you can choose an exercise prescription that is right for you.

What about supplements?

Many supplements are being sold that claim to “support healthy joints” or “rebuild cartilage.” Some of the more popular supplements include:

  • Glucosamine and chondroitin
  • MSM (methylsulfonylmethane)
  • Ginger
  • Hyaluronic acid
  • Vitamin C
  • Vitamin D
  • Collagen and gelatin

Some research has shown that glucosamine may decrease pain and increase mobility in some people with arthritis. More studies are needed, though. Also, more research is needed to prove the safety and effectiveness of these other supplements.
A reduction in symptoms, though, has been proven in those who make lifestyle changes or use other modes of treatment, such as anti-inflammatories.

Try physical therapy

Physical therapy can help improve muscle strength and the motion at stiff joints in some osteoarthritis sufferers. Note, though, that if therapy does not make you feel better after three to six weeks, then it likely will not work at all.

Other types of support

Check with your doctor to see if any of the following would help you:

  • Braces for any severely affected joints
  • Special utensils to help make chores and daily life easier

So, don’t let osteoarthritis keep you down. And remember, a modest weight loss and increase in activity are natural prescriptions for warding off a host of other chronic diseases as well.
View the original Diet and exercise can help with osteoarthritis article on myOptumHealth.com
By Jane Harrison, R.D., Staff Nutritionist, myOptumHealth
Content provided by myoptumhealth.com

Diet and Exercise Helps Osteoarthritis

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How Seniors Can Reduce Joint Pain
Conditions & Treatments

How Seniors Can Reduce Joint Pain

by Richard Bitner
written by Richard Bitner

Joint stress and pain are problems for many seniors. Roughly one in five seniors suffer from arthritis, and many others report joint pain due to other conditions. Many seniors also report difficulty managing their symptoms. Whether you’re suffering from arthritis, age-related inflammation, or a condition such as fibromyalgia, it can be tough to reduce pain and stress in your joints. But if you’re one of the millions of American seniors who suffers from joint inflammation, there’s good news. There are a number of ways that you can reduce joint stress and manage the pain and inflammation in your joints. How Seniors Can Reduce Joint Pain
Below, the team at Visiting Angels has collected six of the most effective way to limit joint stress and reduce the pain caused by arthritis and other joint issues. How Seniors Can Reduce Joint Pain

Change Footwear

If you suffer from significant pain in your knees, hips, or spine, your condition will be exacerbated by walking or standing. This is especially true if you wear improper footwear. Choosing shoes with soft, cushiony insoles will give you the padding you need to reduce joint stress and pain when walking and standing.

Low-Impact Exercise

While exercise can trigger joint pain, it is one of the most effective ways for preventing further joint deterioration. To reduce pain and inflammation while exercise, consider low-impact activities that will improve the strength of muscles around joints. One of the most popular low-impact exercises is swimming. Your doctor or physical therapist will be able to recommend the best activities for your particular joint issues. Please consult your doctor before beginning any exercise program.

Reduce Weight

These days, the majority of Americans suffer from weight issues. Along with a host of other health concerns, excess weight puts added stress on joints. This can lead to wear and inflammation over time and can be compounded by issues such as arthritis. Studies have shown that reducing your weight by as little as 5% can alleviate joint pain and disability. For a 200 lb. person, a 5% reduction is only 10 lbs. — an achievable goal with dedication and guidance from your physician. Please consult your doctor before beginning any weight loss program.

Quit Smoking

There are already so many good reasons to quit smoking. Reducing joint pain is just one more. Smoking has been linked to increased pain and inflammation in those who suffer from arthritis. It also contributes to reduced bone health, making joint pain worse in those with age-related wear and tear. By quitting, you will make managing and limit joint issues much easier for yourself. Talk to your doctor about smoking cessation programs.

Heat and Cold

Many seniors find that hot and/or cold treatments are an effective way to control and manage their joint pain. While hot packs and cold packs only provide temporary relief, they can be a major help when you’re experiencing acute instances of joint pain or stiffness.

Pain Medication

Anti-inflammatory pain medications such as acetaminophen, aspirin, or ibuprofen can be an effective relief for those with joint pain. Because of the risks associated with pain relievers, it is usually best to try managing pain through other strategies first. It’s important that you take any pain relief or anti-inflammation medications safely. Follow doctors’ orders and always use medications according to the label.
Your home caregiver from Visiting Angels can help you reduce joint stress and pain by providing non-medical assistance with your inflammation management program. If you would like a free care assessment, contact your local Visiting Angels office today. How Seniors Can Reduce Joint Pain

How Seniors Can Reduce Joint Pain

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Knee Osteoarthritis No Excuse to Skip Physical Activity
Conditions & Treatments

Knee Osteoarthritis No Excuse to Skip Physical Activity

by Kimberly Johnson
written by Kimberly Johnson

Although nearly half of all adults over the age of 65 have doctor-diagnosed arthritis[i], there is no reason to limit physical activity, according to research presented in November at the 2016 American College of Rheumatology (ACR) Annual Meeting. What’s troubling is the generally low level of physical activity among older adults – with and without knee osteoarthritis (OA).[ii] For example, of men who are 60-69 years of age, only half without knee OA and 60% with knee OA are walking more than 10 minutes a day. Women of similar age are walking even less: only 35% of women with or without knee OA are walking for 10 minutes or more each day. This study also showed that walking rates declined further as people get older. Knee Osteoarthritis No Excuse to Skip Physical Activity
Committing to a physically active lifestyle provides major health benefits to everyone, and it even improves symptoms for people with knee OA.[iii] For many people living with OA, the fear of pain or a belief that knee OA symptoms will worsen with exercise keep them from getting an adequate amount of physical activity. But those who choose to increase their exercise in spite of OA have research to support them.
A new observational study presented at the ACR meeting found that most people with knee OA were able to walk the 6,000 daily steps they needed to improve their condition and prevent disability. They were also able to perform the sit-to-stand test (repeating the motion five times) in an average of 10.2 seconds. This is meaningful because 10.2 seconds is below the rate that is associated with a fall risk in older adults (12 seconds). The researchers concluded that when OA patients understand how much ability is necessary to be active, they will be open to finding personalized ways to improve their activity levels.[iv] Even replacing 5 minutes of sedentary time with light activity improves outcomes in knee OA patients. [v]
If you have OA, there are simple ways to become more active while working up to a more formal exercise program.

  • Park farther away – Instead of finding the closest parking spot at the movie theatre or grocery store, pick a spot farther away to increase your walking time.
  • Take the stairs – If you only need to go up one or two floors, consider skipping the elevator and taking the stairs. Just make sure to use the rail for support as needed.
  • Find a buddy – Ask your spouse or a friend to commit to walking around your neighborhood or a local mall or track at a nearby high school 3 to 4 times per week. Bundle up if it’s cold and always bring water to stay hydrated.
  • Seek professional support – Local gyms and community centers (such as YMCAs or JCCs) offer personal training and can you develop a step-by-step plan to increase physical activity and improve function with OA.

There are over 50 million Americans with arthritis. To learn more or read the stories of other people managing arthritis, visit CreakyJoints.org. CreakyJoints® is the go-to source for more than 100,000 arthritis patients and their families world-wide who are seeking education, support, advocacy and patient-centered research.
By W. Benjamin Nowell, Ph.D., Director of Patient-Centered Research, CreakyJointsKnee Osteoarthritis No Excuse to Skip Physical Activity Knee Osteoarthritis No Excuse to Skip Physical Activity
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[i] Barbour KE, Helmick CG, Theis KA, Murphy LB, Hootman JM, Brady TJ, et al. Prevalence of Doctor-Diagnosed Arthritis and Arthritis-Attributable Activity Limitation — United States, 2010–2012. Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2013;62(44):869-873. PubMed PMID: 24196662. Accessed via https://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/data_statistics/arthritis-related-stats.htm on January 9, 2017
[ii] Thoma L, Tudor-Locke C, Aguiar E, Master H, Christiansen M, White D. Comparison of Objectively Measured Physical Activity Among People with Symptomatic Knee Osteoarthritis with the General US Population [abstract]. Arthritis Rheumatol. 2016; 68 (suppl 10). http://acrabstracts.org/abstract/comparison-of-objectively-measured-physical-activity-among-people-with-symptomatic-knee-osteoarthritis-with-the-general-us-population/. Accessed January 9, 2017.
[iii] Fransen M, McConnell S, Harmer AR, Van der Esch M, Simic M, Bennell KL. Exercise for osteoarthritis of the knee. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2015, Issue 1. Art. No.: CD004376. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD004376.pub3.https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Martin_Esch/publication/270660857_Exercise_for_osteoarthritis_of_the_knee/links/552e45d00cf22d43716df7b4.pdf
[iv] Master H, Thoma L, Christiansen M, Polakowski E, Schmitt L, White D. Minimum Physical Function Needed to Walk 6000 Steps/Day in People with Knee Osteoarthritis [abstract]. Arthritis Rheumatol. 2016; 68 (suppl 10). http://acrabstracts.org/abstract/minimum-physical-function-needed-to-walk-6000-stepsday-in-people-with-knee-osteoarthritis/. Accessed January 10, 2017.
[v] White D. Protective Effects of Replacing Sedentary Time with Light and Moderate to Vigorous Physical Activity on Functional Limitation in Knee OA [abstract]. Arthritis Rheumatol. 2016; 68 (suppl 10). http://acrabstracts.org/abstract/protective-effects-of-replacing-sedentary-time-with-light-and-moderate-to-vigorous-physical-activity-on-functional-limitation-in-knee-oa/. Accessed January 9, 2017.

Knee Osteoarthritis No Excuse to Skip Physical Activity

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Health Tips

3 Ways to Make Living with Arthritis Easier

by Jeff Dailey
written by Jeff Dailey

3 Ways to Make Living with Arthritis Easier
shutterstock_228022354When all is said and done, living with arthritis isn’t easy. It’s estimated that more than 25 million adults suffer from osteoarthritis, making accomplishing even the simplest daily activities and tasks around the home exhausting. If arthritis is making your day to day life a struggle, there are ways to fight back. 3 Ways to Make Living with Arthritis Easier

Around the Home

Start by making some practical changes around your home.

  • Swap out traditional toggle wall switches with rocker-panel switches. They require far less fine motor control to be turned on and off.
  • For lamps, install a converter that fits into the bulb socket and bypasses the on-off switch, making the lamp touch-sensitive.
  • Replace round doorknobs with lever handles that are easy to to push down with your hand, arm, or elbow.
  • Raise the level of electrical appliances in the kitchen to a comfortable height to help relieve undue pressure on your hips and knees.
  • Use furniture leg extenders to raise couches and chairs to a more comfortable level.
  • Install faucet turners to make turning on faucets in the sink much easier.
  • Since arthritis contributes to falls, place grab bars in the shower, tub, and around the toilet.
  • Put in and elevated toilet seats to lessen the strain created by getting on and off traditional low toilet seats.

Self-Help Devices

Investing in self-help devices can take stress off your joints and make tasks easier and more efficient — especially when you’re tired or your joints are particularly painful. Here are some common devices that make living with arthritis more accessible:

  • Reach extender/gripper
  • Easy grip utensils
  • Automatic jar opener
  • Sock aids
  • Long handled shoe horns
  • Zipper pulls
  • Foam bath mitts
  • Long handled bath brushes
  • Key grips and turners
  • Large button remotes
  • Book, embroidery hoop, and playing card holders

Exercise

When arthritis is painful, you probably won’t feel like exercising. However, being active can reduce and prevent arthritis pain. Regular exercise can also improve your range of movement and joint mobility, increase muscle strength, and reduce stiffness.
As long as you’re doing the right type and level of exercise for your condition, your arthritis won’t get any worse. If you add a healthy, balanced diet to your exercise regimen, you can lose weight and place less strain on your joints. An occupational therapist can help you develop an exercise program that’s right for you.
Liz Greene hails from the beautiful city of trees, Boise, Idaho. She’s a lover of all things geek and is happiest when cuddling with her dogs and catching up on the latest Marvel movies. You can follow her on Twitter @LizVGreene

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