Find relief for your arthritis with a variety of natural and home remedies. There are many scientifically-backed treatments for arthritis, which we’ll take a closer look at in this article. We’ll examine arthritis treatments such as physical therapy, self-treatments like stretching, and natural remedies like Epsom salts, supplements, and acupuncture. Treatment for arthritis doesn’t need to be limited to pain medications and surgery. Please keep reading to learn how to find relief from your arthritis symptoms with safe, effective techniques, and be sure to talk to your doctor before starting.
Physical Therapy for Arthritis
Physical therapy can help you manage your arthritis symptoms and support increased mobility and overall physical functioning. A physical therapist has the expertise to suggest exercises and techniques that can help you move with greater ease and less pain.
YouMari, from BioFunctional Health Solutions (BHS), has created an online self-treatment tool that brings the physical therapist into your home. With a detailed assessment to guide it, YouMari develops a customized stretching, exercise, and self-massage plan to help relieve your arthritis symptoms. You can use YouMari in conjunction with physical therapy or as a more cost-effective alternative.
However you do it, physical therapy is a highly effective way to treat arthritis pain and stiffness and prevent permanent joint damage.
Stretching for Arthritis
Stretching is a proven treatment for arthritis. It helps to lubricate your joints and relax tense muscles. Go slowly, stopping at any sharp pain. It’s ok if you need to build up to the complete recommended sets. These are best done in the morning.
- Rheumatoid arthritis treatment
Here are some stretches for rheumatoid arthritis treatment.
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- Stretch your hands by making a fist and then quickly extend your fingers straight and spread out. Bring your hand into a fist again, and repeat five times on each side.
- Strengthen your upper back and shoulders by going onto your hand and knees on carpet or a thick yoga mat with a blanket. Position your knees under your hips and your wrists under your shoulders. From this position, carefully lift and extend your right arm straight, parallel to the floor, pointing your fingers straight out. Hold for a count of five, and then, with control, place your hand back on the mat. Repeat on each side ten times or build up to ten.
- Psoriatic arthritis treatment
Here are some stretches for psoriatic arthritis treatment.
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- This hamstring stretch will open up and relax the sacroiliac joint at the base of your spine. Lay on your back and bend your knees. Carefully extend one foot towards the ceiling while keeping your knee bent. Bending your knee, wrap an exercise strap or a towel around your foot. Pull on your strap to flex your foot and slowly bend and straighten your leg. Using the strap, pull your leg towards you in a comfortable stretch and hold for 15-30 seconds 3-5 times on each leg.
- Stretch your calves using a step. Letting your heels hang off, stand on the step with the ball of your foot and toes on the step. Make sure you have a good grip on something sturdy, and slowly lower your heels towards the floor. You should feel a good stretch along your calves. Hold the stretch for 15-30 seconds about three times.
Natural Remedies for Arthritis
- Hot and Cold Therapy
Heat and cold are both excellent for arthritis symptoms. Heat is good for “thawing” out stiff joints. Heat brings blood to the area and warms up muscles. This reduces pain and increases the range of motion. Moist heat, like from a bath or shower, penetrates the body better than the dry heat of a heating pad. Or you can use a moist heating pad.
However, when joints are red, hot, and inflamed, the answer is cold therapy, usually through the application of ice. Ice can be massaged on an afflicted area for about five minutes, or you can apply packs wrapped in cloth for 15 minutes up to every hour.
If you’re unsure about what to use for your arthritis treatment, use the one that feels the best.
- Acupuncture
Acupuncture is the therapeutic application of needles to different pressure or acupuncture points on the body that balances the flow of subtle energy in your body. This study suggests that acupuncture may reduce tenderness in joints with arthritis, while this one suggests that acupuncture may decrease knee pain in patients with RA. Acupuncture is a widely used treatment for arthritis and may be worth trying to see how it affects you.
- Epsom salt Baths
Epsom salts contain magnesium and sulfur and can relax tight muscles and relieve joint pain and swelling. They are commonly used for pain by everyone, from bodybuilders to those with arthritis. Hot baths can also be relaxing, which can help ease your stress and help manage your arthritis pain. Magnesium is essential for bone and heart health and is also helpful for reducing and managing stress.
- Massage
Studies suggest that massage has up to a moderate effect on relieving arthritis symptoms. It may be due to the increased circulation and muscular relaxation it provides. Some massage therapists are specially trained in massage for people with arthritis. This may be an option for you, depending on your location. Regular massage may still be helpful, and it is relaxing, which is beneficial for arthritis in general.
- Relaxation or mindfulness practices
Relaxation techniques are now being studied for their effects on rheumatoid arthritis. Another study suggests that meditation may have a dramatic impact on knee pain from osteoarthritis as well as overall joint function. There are many benefits to meditation or other relaxation/mindfulness practices, such as:
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- Generally low cost to free
- Can learn on your own
- Safe
- Improves other areas of your life through stress reduction and increased clarity
- May help sleep
- Nutritional Supplements for Arthritis
After choosing supplements with scientific backing, the most critical factor for successful treatment is choosing a quality supplement. It’s worth it to buy high-quality supplements; lower-quality supplements are less likely to be as effective, making them a waste of money. Looking at reviews online, talking to people with similar conditions, and asking the helpful staff in the supplement aisle are all good ways to find quality brands. Most supplements can be found in capsule, tablet, or liquid form. Liquids will absorb the fastest and can be taken straight or mixed in with water or juice to mitigate the taste. Some of the supplements listed below can also be eaten as foods. Turmeric is popular in Indian cooking, and golden milk is a delicious turmeric-based drink. Ginger can also be used in cooking, juiced in a juicer, drank as a ginger ale (Reeds has the most fresh ginger), or eaten as candies. However, to get good results, you’ll likely need the higher amounts of a product offered in a supplement.
- Curcumin
Multiple studies suggest that curcumin, which is the active compound in turmeric, may be effective at lowering morning time stiffness and joint swelling, particularly with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Research shows that curcumin has multiple mechanisms that bring about its potential anti-inflammatory effects.
- Boswellia
Boswellia is a popular herb for arthritis symptoms and has been studied multiple times. In this study, Boswellia was suggested to offer similar pain relief as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs when combined with curcumin. And study participants using the curcumin/Boswellia combination reported fewer adverse gastrointestinal events.
- Other helpful herbs and supplements with scientific backing are ginger, SAM-e (Best for osteoarthritis treatment), capsaicin, avocado-soybean unsaponifiables (ASU), cats claw, omega-3 essential fatty acids, gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), and cannabidiol (CBD).
Self Treatment for Arthritis with YouMari
Exercise, stretching, and self-massage are all effective ways to find relief from your arthritis symptoms. YouMari is an advanced self-treatment program that offers clinical quality care, which is based on the industry’s most effective provider-applied care models. You’ll be guided through effective techniques for arthritis relief with video demonstrations. There’s also a helpful supply list that will help you purchase any minor equipment. Get started on your way to relief with YouMari today!
