Alternative Drug Free Approach To Joint Pain Relief - Exercise And Physical Therapy

Non-pharmacological approach to joint pain relief comes in many forms. The evidence obtained from a systematic review of all applicable randomized controlled trials proved that exercise and physical therapy can benefit joint pain patients among all the alternatives.

In fact, exercise and physical therapy benefit the aging population more than just for relieving their joint problems. It also provides benefits to address conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, depression, stroke and insomnia. Non-pharmacological joint pain treatment is without doubt the preferred option over any conventional medications and treatments for pain management. This is due to the drug free and all natural's prescription.

Exercise and physical therapy have been studied extensively and the results were found to be very supportive in managing osteoarthritis pain. While the review have shown positive benefit of exercises in addressing osteoarthritis of the hip and knees, there is no concluded information as to which types of exercise were recommendable. On that account, exercising program and frequency will need to be customized to each individual's requirement as well as conditions permit.

On the whole, exercise programs will benefit the individual in maintaining a fit musculoskeletal system. Exercising is beneficial is reducing weight if conduced properly. This is helpful especially since obesity increases the risk factor of osteoarthritis.

Generally speaking, the type of exercises consists of 3 aspects;

1. Mobility - stretching and tai-chi


2. Strengthening - thera-bands, yoga and gyms


3. Fitness - aerobic, swimming, dancing or cycling

Given the fact that inactivity actually cause more harm, what then can exercise achieves for the patients suffering from painful joint? Other than to reduce the weight and pressure off the affected joints, exercising should work to achieve the following goals;

• Strengthening the muscles

• Improve mobility

• Improve general fitness

• Improve cardiovascular performance

• Help in losing weight

• Maintain bone density

• Improve quality of life

• Enhance well-being

• Maintain healthy status

Exercising program should be embarked upon progressively through a period of time. This is especially so for chronic joint pain patients. The need to stick to a routine schedule in order to be successful in administering joint pain is crucial. Preferably this is done in a class or with someone as company. Do not do it alone. Having someone to accompany or supervise is important. That person doesn't have to be the physiotherapist; it can be your partner, children or friends. Encouragement is as important in any non-pharmacological approaches in overcoming osteoarthritis joint pain.