Tag: osteoarthritis

Arthritis-Hypnosis Connection

Arthritis-Hypnosis Connection
Paul Gustafson RN, BSN, CH

Did you know that we all have the ability to enhance self-healing, increase comfort and improve nutrition, exercise, communication and flexibility? This article explains clinical hypnosis and how it can bring relief to clients suffering from arthritis. Hypnosis is easy to learn, you can do it on your own and it empowers you to take an active role in your healthy well-being.
The subconscious mind has many jobs. It quietly and effectively regulates our bodily functions and stores all of our values, beliefs and memories. It also balances our blood pressure, heart rate and co-ordinates each step we take everyday of our life. The negative effects of arthritis extend into many areas of a clients life, as does the positive resolve and relief of hypnosis. Hypnotherapy is the simple process of accessing and directing the subconscious mind to support certain positive changes. It is the language of the mind, it access the most powerful level of awareness and down loads new applications of freedom and relief.
Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis. It causes a deterioration of the protective lining of cartilage in our joints. This deterioration occurs due to a breakdown of the chondrocytes that form cartilage. Osteoarthritis affects men and women equally. Most people over 30 years of age have some features of early osteoarthritis. The degree of limitation depends on the location of the inflammation. The major areas of concern are hips, knees and spine. The development of osteoarthritis may be related to trauma, aging or heredity.
The symptoms of stress play a big role in exacerbating the situation. Communication with family and friends plays a key role in managing stress and hypnosis makes this a lot easier. Suggestions offered to a client during a hypnosis session encourage them to share whats on their mind enabling them to offload concern and frustration, giving them more time doing things they enjoy.
It takes energy to deal with any physical or emotional burden. Hypnosis creates ideal sedation allowing for sound sleep. We all follow the path of our most dominant thoughts and if the last thoughts a client has at bedtime involve deep restful sleep, they are in a much better position to recharge their body and mind for tomorrows challenges.
For those suffering with arthritis its often difficult just keeping up with the fast pace of day-to-day life. Hypnosis helps individuals adjust to a more appropriate pace and also to release the frustrations and anxiety associated with any limitation. Clients who routinely relax with hypnosis are more centered, balanced and less affected by things they can not control.
Increasing muscle tone reduces stress to affected joints, which increases mobility and comfort. Low impact activities like swimming; walking and range of motion exercises are commonly recommended to clients with arthritis. With hypnosis its easier to integrate new regimes and to establish positive subconscious connections between healthy activity and improved mobility, comfort and freedom.
The more protection in your joints, the more comfort and mobility you create. Since the subconscious controls the multitude of our bodily function, hypnosis can direct it to increase the production of chondrocytes, which increases the growth of healthy new cartilage. Pain is often the biggest issue with arthritis. Some pain, however, is necessary; it acts as a warning system telling us that something isnt right. The responsible approach with hypnosis is to only reduce unnecessary pain, leaving intact the bodys ability to signal us and protect us from further complications.
Hypnosis can also be used to regulate the flow and distribution of endorphins, which are the feel good chemicals the body uses to create comfort and relaxation. Using hypnosis to regulate endorphin production plays a big role in putting the client in control. Hypnosis can also alter the perception of where the pain is located. By redirecting sensitivity away from key areas such as hips, knees and vertebrae to a less critical part of the anatomy like a finger tip, the client has much more control.
The same approach can be used to attach a different quality to pain. A sharp pain can be perceived as dull; burning pain can be perceived as cool. Involving other senses is one of the distinct advantages hypnosis offers in managing the symptoms of arthritis. Another technique involves using one color to represent pain and another to represent comfort, and then blending the two offering instant relief.
Lastly, by attaching a number value to pain creates the option of change. By imagining a yardstick during hypnosis a client can pick the number that best reflects their current level of pain, and then they are directed to different numbers which changes their perceived level of discomfort.
With hypnosis arthritis sufferers gain a distinct advantage in managing and even reversing the limitations of arthritis. Hypnosis is simple, empowering and extremely effective. A few sessions with a hypnotherapist gets you started and with a little practice you begin to effect healthy positive changes in your life. We all have remarkable self-healing abilities and hypnosis is an excellent way to jumpstart a return to a healthier more active life.

About The Author

Paul Gustafson RN, BSN, CH runs HealthyHypnosis.com of Burlington, Massachusetts. His 11 years of acute cardiac and hospice experience offer a solid foundation supporting his clinical approach to hypnotherapy. Visit HealthyHypnosis.com or call toll free at 888-290-3972.
[email protected]

Arthritis exercise

Arthritis exercise
Robert Kokoska

Thinking about exercise and arthritis? It is not uncommon for
people to show their horror at this thought. For many years it
was believed that arthritis and exercise doesn’t go hand in
hand. However a recent study has revealed that exercise can in
fact help people with arthritis. Additionally exercise is
becoming a vital tool in managing arthritis.

Regular exercise helps in improving the flexibility of the
joints, decreasing pain and rigidity in the joints. It also
helps in improving the general muscular structure of the body.
Besides it brings extra benefits as well which includes, better
overall fitness, more self-esteem and lower levels of
depression.

This article aims to deal with several exercise approaches that
can be used by arthritis patients to get pain relief and manage
arthritis more effectively.

Range of motion exercises involves trying to
move the joints in all possible directions. It is more of a
gentle exercise. It needs to be carried out on a regular basis
in order to decrease the rigidity of the joints and avoid
deformities. This exercise becomes more important for arthritis
patients who tend to avoid much joint movement due to high
inflammatory pain.

It is believed by some people that normal day activities like
dressing, bathing, housework are a substitute for ROM exercises;
however this is not the case.

Strengthening exercises are used in everyday
life to improve the muscular structure of the body, which allows
the body to withstand pain more easily. Similar arthritis
patients can use this exercise to help build strong muscles,
which will lead to more stable joints and less pain. This type
of exercise comes in two packages, which includes isotonic and
isometric.

Isometric exercises are used in conditions where the joint
motion is impaired. It involves tightening the muscles without
moving the joints.

Isotonic on the other hand, involves tightening the muscles in
coordination with joint movements.

Endurance exercises involve bringing the heart
beat level of your heart to an optimal level for a short period
of time. This optimal level of heart performance is acquired on
the basis of the patient’s age and physical condition using
computer. It helps in improving the cardiovascular fitness. In
order to increase the effectiveness of these exercises, these
shall be undertaken around 3 times a week. Carrying out theses
exercises helps patients achieve better physical strength and
improve mental attitude.

There are several exercises that be can undertaken by an
arthritis patient. Walking is an ideal choice. It helps in
building strength and improves mobility of the joints. It is
also helpful for maintaining bone health.

Similarly running can bring about pain relief to arthritis
patients. Research has shown that running on soft surfaces
doesn’t cause osteoarthritis. This is a good option for people
suffering from less extreme version of arthritis.

Yoga has long been an ultimate exercise for arthritis patients.
Yoga can help bring relief to joints, decrease pain and relax
muscles. It is also a good range-of-motion exercise as it
includes controlled movements, maintaining pressures, and deep
breathing relaxation. However this exercise must be carefully
used if the condition is getting worse rapidly and try not to
put pressure on the inflamed joints.

Cycling can be used as a low level exercise option. This
exercise can be carried in either position; freestanding or
stationary. Additionally, cycling equipment can be fixed and
altered according to the condition of the patient, in order to
make the experience easier and less physically imposing.

The aforementioned exercises give an insight into possible ways
of improving the health of patients suffering from arthritis. In
order to effectives of each technique it is essential to be
consistent. The exercise shall be started on a low note and then
build up gradually in order to allow the body to adjust to the
outside pressure.

Also it is important to keep in mind, that each exercise shall
be carried within its own limit. Excess exercise during
flare-ups can worsen symptoms. However before the exercise is
undertaken, it is important to contact your nearest doctor and
seek professional advice as each case of arthritis shall be
dealt on an individual basis. This can be help in seeking a more
effective approach to this condition.

About the author:
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Arthritis Drugs – Is the Cure Worse Than the Disease?

Arthritis Drugs – Is the Cure Worse Than the Disease?
Wendy Owen

Copyright 2005 Wendy Owen

Research is always ongoing into new and better medications for
arthritis which is a very good thing. But where is all this
leading us?

Of course we need effective pain medication for arthritis to
enable sufferers to live normal lives. But are all these
expensive medications controlling the disease or simply masking
the symptoms?

Here’s a “quick and dirty” lowdown on what’s currently available
both “over the counter” (OTC) and on prescription only.

For mild cases of arthritis –

Some milder cases of arthritis never make it into the doctor’s
surgery. Indeed the sufferer might not even be aware that they
are suffering from arthritis at all. They may be feeling a few
“aches and pains” which they put down to old age or even the
cold damp weather.

That may be all well and good, but even OTC medications can be
dangerous if taken over a long period of time. The concept of
“more is better” can also happen if the pain gradually becomes
worse. This can lead to serious side effects.

OTC medications include aspirin and ibuprofen. These medications
can cause intestinal bleeding and kidney damage in large doses.
Aspirin also destroys vitamin C in the body leading to lower
immunity.

For More Advanced Arthritis-

By this stage most people have consulted their doctor.
Prescription medication at this stage normally consists of the
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDS. These do target
the pain and inflammation of arthritis symptoms but have a range
of side effects including stomach upset, abdominal pain, and
ulcers.

People with high blood pressure, those with kidney problems and
especially people who have heart problems are especially at risk
with NSAIDS.

Enter the COX-2 inhibitors. These have been designed for people
whose stomach problems cannot tolerate the above. Unfortunately
the risks remain for chest pain, heart attack and stroke victims.

For Advanced Arthritis-

For those suffering extreme pain and swelling the medical
profession brings out the heavy artillery – Corticosteroids.
These drugs contain man made cortisone and can be injected
directly into the affected joints or taken orally.

Long term use of these can produce sleep problems, weight gain,
osteoporosis and loss of immunity. Also available to those for
whom nothing else seems to work are Biologic Response Modifiers
(Biologics). Biologics are derived from live sources, plants and
animals and are not manufactured chemically. They are mainly
used for sufferers of Rheumatoid Arthritis and are given
intravenously or by injection. They can’t be taken in tablet
form.

Biologics suppress the immune system which leaves people prone
to infections. They are also very expensive and can’t be stored
without freezing.

Also available mainly to Rheumatoid Arthritis sufferers are
Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDS) These work by
stopping the immune system from attacking the joints. DMARDS may
take up to three months to reduce symptoms but they do help to
stop joint damage even though they can’t repair any previous
damage.

Although these drugs are a boon to many, they work mainly at
masking the symptoms of arthritis and can’t reverse the damage
already caused. Most people thinks this is impossible, it isn’t!

Natural treatments for arthritis do exist and can significantly
stop some cases of arthritis, relieve pain and inflammation and
in some cases, reverse joint damage.

Definitely worth a try!

About the author:
Find out about the healthy way to treat osteoarthritis,
rheumatoid arthritis, gout and fibromylagia. Visit:
http://www.natural-arthritis-medication.com and sign up for our
6 part course. Wendy Owen is a health researcher and author.

Arthritis Diet – Relieve Your Pain

Arthritis Diet – Relieve Your Pain
Hans Hasselfors

People who suffer from arthritis are always looking for ways to
relieve their pain. One way to ease or even prevent it is
through an arthritis diet. There are some arthritis diets that
some people will swear by, but have never been proven to make a
difference. There are some diets that make a definite difference
according to health experts.

First we’ll take a look at some arthritis diets where there’s
little or no evidence that they actually make a difference. One
of the most common arthritis diets is to eliminate potatoes,
tomatoes, eggplants, and most peppers. While the diet won’t do
any harm, it hasn’t been proven to affect arthritis at all.
Another arthritis diet seeks to reduce the acids in one’s body
eliminating sugar, coffee, red meat, most grains, nuts, and
citrus fruits. It’s intended to be followed for just one month.
People may feel better because they lose weight which reduces
the stress on their joints, but again there is no evidence to
support this. It also excludes many sources of vitamin C which
is essential in fighting arthritis. Drinking green tea has been
shown to reduce the effects of rheumatoid arthritis in mice, but
there are no conclusive results on human studies yet. Shark
cartilage is supposed to relieve arthritis. Animal and lab
studies show promise, but there are no human studies to support
this yet.

Not let’s take a look at some arthritis diets that have been
shown to work. Switching fats can reduce inflammation. Eating
fats found in red meat and poultry have actually been shown to
increase inflammation. Switching to cold water fish can help
reduce the inflammation. Using corn, safflower, and sunflower
oils also helps. Another arthritis diet is the ASU
(avocado-soybean unsaponifiable). It has been shown to relieve
osteoarthritis, stimulate cartilage repair, and lessen a
patient’s need to NSAIDs to control pain. Ginger has been shown
to ease pain and inflammation as well as protect the stomach
from gastrointestinal effects from taking NSAIDs. Glucosamine is
a supplement that relieves pain in some patients with
osteoarthritis. It helps the body rebuild cartilage, but can
take up to two months to see the effects. If you are allergic to
shellfish, check with your doctor before taking this as it is
derived from crab, lobster, or shrimp shells. Before taking any
supplements talk with your doctor as some can interfere with or
worsen side effects from your medications.

Of course the best arthritis diet is a good old-fashioned well
balanced diet. Eat 5 to 9 servings of fruits and vegetables, and
go easy on fats and cholesterol. A heart healthy diet is
especially important to patients with rheumatoid arthritis as
studies have shown a link between this disease and heart
failure. Vitamin C is good for repairing body tissue. Vitamin D
helps absorb calcium, build bone mass, and prevents bone loss.
Calcium helps strengthen your bones. If you are on medication,
ask your doctor if he/she recommends taking vitamins. Some
medications can create vitamin or mineral deficiencies. When
choosing your arthritis diet, be sure to talk with your
physician as different types of arthritis have different needs.

DISCLAIMER: This information is not presented by a medical
practitioner and is for educational and informational purposes
only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for
professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always
seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care
provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical
condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay
in seeking it because of something you have read. Since natural
and/or dietary supplements are not FDA approved they must be
accompanied by a two-part disclaimer on the product label: that
the statement has not been evaluated by FDA and that the product
is not intended to “diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any
disease.”

About the author:
About the Author: Hans Hasselfors is the founder of SubmitYourNewArticle.c
om. Visit our article directory for varied articles about arth
ritis pain.