Natural Pain Relief for Arthritis
Arthritis is a common chronic pain condition. According to the Arthritis Foundation, 1.3 million Americans currently live with rheumatoid arthritis while 27 million Americans live with osteoarthritis. A lot of research has shown exercise programs are effective for reducing arthritis pain; however, not much attention has been given to the component of education in maintaining exercise after the intervention ends. A new review indicates education as well as exercise is important for improving one’s mental and physical health naturally.
Arthritis
There are several types of arthritis. However, the review of the studies included in the meta-analysis included individuals who has osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and knee arthritis. According to Wikipedia, arthritis is the leading cause of disability among individuals over 55 years old in America.
Arthritis involves damage to the joints. The most common type of arthritis is osteoarthritis, which can be caused by injury to the joint, age, or joint infection. Treatment for arthritis includes the use of non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs and exercise.
Education and Exercise for Arthritis
Researchers at the University of Missouri reviewed 28 studies involving a total of 4,111 participants who underwent an exercise intervention program in order to increase their activity levels. It is important to note that only studies that followed participants after the end of the exercise intervention to determine their physical activity were included in the meta-analysis.
Participants who participated in exercise programs reported feeling less pain and improved physical function than those who did not participate in such programs. Participants who participated in exercise programs also reported better mental health and increases in muscle strength. Finally, education helped participants keep their activity levels up after the intervention was over.
The researchers indicate several forms of education were beneficial in keeping individuals’ activity levels up after the end of an exercise program, including one-on-one discussions with care providers, goal-setting, problem-solving, group interventions, providing participants with feedback concerning their performance, and providing self-monitoring advice to participants. The authors
Marion Minor, professor in the University of Missouri’s Department of Physical Therapy in the School of Health Professionals emphasizes care professionals’ need to educate arthritis patients: “Health care providers have a responsibility to educate patients and help them maintain effective physical activity habits. It is important that people diagnosed with arthritis have someone to look to for education and help with managing their symptoms. This is a public health priority, and health care providers need to teach people to take control of their own health and improve their lives.”
This review definitely indicates education should be an aspect of exercise programs and interventions for individuals with arthritis.
Source:
Medical News Today: Arthritis Patients Benefit from Exercise Programs, Education
Wikipedia: Arthritis
Arthritis Foundation: Home
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