Hello, Class!  Today we are forgoing our usual discussion of Physical Therapy topics, and honoring Independence Day with a bit of American History (thanks to Wikipedia). 

"During the American Revolution, the legal separation of the American colonies from Great Britain occurred on July 2, 1776, when the Second Continental Congress voted to approve a resolution of independence, Congress turned its attention to the Declaration of Independence, a statement explaining this decision, with Thomas Jefferson as its principal author.  Congress debated and revised the Declaration, finally approving it on July 4.  A day earlier, John Adams had written to his wife Abigail:

"The second day of July, 1776 will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America.  I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival.  It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty.  It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more."

Adams' prediction was off by two days.  From the outset, Americans celebrated Independence on July 4. In a remarkable series of coincidences, both John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, two founding fathers of the United States and the only two men who signed the Declaration of Independence and later became presidents, died on the same day:  July 4, 1826, which was the United States' 50th anniversary."

God Bless America,

Karen

Summer is upon us and movement is what it is all about in order to stay healthy.  Walking, running, swimming, and biking are all great activities to stay active in the warmer weather.  Unfortunately, knee joint pain due to arthritis can keep people from moving and staying as active as they should.

Unfortunately, knee joint pain due to arthritis can keep people from moving and staying as active as they should.

Whether your joint pain is caused by a breakdown of cartilage or the result of an autoimmune disease, chances are you have begun restricting your activity level to avoid making matters worse.  However, research has shown that exercise, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes all have the potential to keep you active, reduce joint pain, and, in some cases, even slow the progression of the condition.

For those with joint pain, functional strength training is better for joints than conventional weight lifting, according to a study by the American Council on Exercise (ACE).  Functional strength training consist of strength, endurance, and balance exercises that are designed to help ease everyday movements like walking or carrying groceries.

Physical therapy can bring pain relief, and may be an alternative to surgical intervention for some patients with OA of the knee.  A study in the September 2008 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine found that, among patients with moderate-to-severe osteoarthritis of the knee, those who underwent arthroscopic surgery experienced no additional benefit over patients who received only physical and medical therapy.

Maintaining a healthy weight and keeping the muscles in the hips, legs, and feet strong and balanced can help decrease the progression of OA.  Every pound you gain is the equivalent of four pounds across your knees.  Losing just a little bit of weight, even just 5 or 10 pounds, can make a huge difference in reducing pain in the knees.  If you are having pain in your knees, give us a call at Alliance Physical Therapy for a complete individualized evaluation and treatment plan.

Yours in health,

Val