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Each year, more than one million Americans are diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). While there is still much to be learned about this disease, there is quite a bit that is known about it. Today, advancements have been made allowing those who are coping with this condition easier to manage. If you have RA, it runs in your family, or you think you are seeing some signs, take the time to understand more about this disease. Between care from your doctor to working with physical therapy in Denver, you can live a long, happy, healthy, and comfortable life.

Intro to Rheumatoid Arthritis

RA is an autoimmune disease. This means that the body mistakes parts of itself as harmful intruders, creating a reaction to fight them away. Problem is, nothing is wrong at all, yet the body begins to attack itself trying to fight off what it believes to be a problem. There are several different types of autoimmune diseases, such as multiple sclerosis, Type 1 diabetes, Celiac disease, lupus, psoriatic arthritis, and RA. Each of these autoimmune diseases creates a reaction to something that results in a reaction of the immune system. For RA, it is an attack on the joints and can happen anywhere throughout the body. It can also have a negative impact and cause infections of the heart, lungs, skin, eyes, and more.

While common in the elderly, it is also seen in adults in their 30s. It may slowly develop and not completely surface until decades later; each case of RA is different. Because it can build so slow, it may not always be as apparent to a physician that the root of the issue is early onset RA. This is why it is important to share with them if you have a history of RA in your family. Also, it is more prevalent in women than men.

Common Symptoms

One of the most common symptoms those with RA experience are swollen joints and inflammation. They may feel still and hard to move. It can be even more confusing because the pain isn’t always non-stop. They can come and go, leading you to think it’s a fluke or something you accidentally did. In addition, those suffering from this disorder often feel tired, suffer from anemia, lose weight, minor fevers, and more. Since these symptoms are so mixed, it is easy for a person to assume each issue is a separate problem and not all connected to one issue, that issue being RA. When the disease goes untreated for too long, there can actually be extensive damage done to the joints. This is why it is important to act quickly.

Leading Causes

The actual cause of RA has yet still to be discovered by doctors. However, they were able to find a few correlations. The most common is genetic. For those with RA that runs in their family, it automatically increases the chance they may get it. It can also happen due to an environment a person is in each day. Working in environments that are heavily polluted or filled with insecticides have been known to cause RA. Those who are not healthy are also at a higher risk of RA. This is especially true for smokers. In addition, this applies to those that are overweight. So, in some cases where it runs in the family, there may not be much control there. However, if you are a smoker or overweight, it’s never too early to turn things around, especially because RA is one of several different health issues that can negatively impact you.

Treatments and Management Plans

The earlier you and your doctor can start treating your RA, the better. When early, aggressive treatment is implemented, it’s been shown to reduce or even eliminate the swelling. One of the ways this is accomplished is by taking nonsteroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs, otherwise known as NSAIDs. These can include medications such as ibuprofen, naproxen, celecoxib, and more. This will keep the swelling down, allowing you to have a better range of motion and less stiffness. Corticosteroids are also used in minor forms of the disease to calm the inflammation as well. You can explore more about the different types of medicines through reading which drugs ease rheumatoid arthritis pain. In extreme cases where joints have been damaged, replacement surgery may be needed, which will also reduce the amount of pain a person has to experience each day.

What is a Rheumatologist?

Upon learning you have RA, it is important to begin working with a rheumatologist. Rheumatologists are trained professionals that specialize in RA to help their patients live as comfortably as possible. You can get a referral from your doctor, or in many cases, seek one on your own that falls within your insurance plan. The rheumatologist will run a various number of tests to look into the severity of your case and create a medication and recovery plan. The goal is to minimize flare-ups and inflammation that can become so problematic in the long term.

How Physical Therapy Will Help

In addition to working with a rheumatologist, it is also important for those with RA to work with a physical therapist. A physical therapist will help you maintain your range of motion in your joints, which is crucial. As time goes on and your RA progresses, it can be difficult to want to move. A physical therapist will create a plan specific to your condition to keep your body working together and reduce symptoms. Seeing a physical therapist is not overwhelming and difficult. They’ll help you every step of the way to help. Review more about preparing for your Denver physical therapy appointment if you have never been before.

As you are managing your RA, Peak Physical Therapy & Wellness can help. Our trained staff will create a plan custom to you that will ease your RA symptoms. This will help you maintain a healthy range of motion. Contact a Peak PT & Wellness location near you to schedule your first appointment—and stop suffering from this condition alone.

Have you already missed your new year resolution goal to lose weight? Or are you ready to take the next step to achieve your health and fitness goals? Living a healthy lifestyle will help you feel better and be more productive. Often times, many of the foods consumed today make consumers feel sluggish and tired. Not only does this impact your day to day, but also hinders you from getting the proper amount of exercise you need. Add in technology that might lead you to be more sedentary and it can lead to serious health issues down the road. It is important to make changes to your diet now, which is something Parker physical therapy can help with.

Setting Healthy Goals

As you plan your weight loss goals, it is important to not only be realistic but find what you like. Often times, people cook bland foods and eat fewer calories than they should for losing weight. Mix that in with exercise that is not enjoyable, and it is a recipe for failure.

The first step to getting started to lose weight and exercise better is to set a realistic goal. While you might think you should lose a certain amount of weight, aim for a healthy range. Start by using a BMI calculator. BMI, which stands for “body mass index,” is the amount of body fat factoring in weight and height. It compares how much you weigh and looks at how proportionate it is with height. There are calculators for both men and women. The healthy amount for both is 18.5 to 24.9. Aim to lose an amount of weight that will put you in the healthy range.

Finding Plans Right for You

Once you have set a healthy goal for weight loss, choose a method that works for you. It is very important to find a plan that is sustainable long-term. Avoid going on a fad diet that leads you to consume too few calories or is overly restrictive on foods. You may be able to keep up with the fad diet for a few weeks or month, but research has shown those who go on fad diets eventually break. When this happens, it is easy to spiral out of control and gain the weight back—or worse, more. Fad diets are also incredibly unhealthy and can lead to long-term negative side effects.

A healthy plan will have you losing about two pounds per week. It is important to explore plans that will work for you. If one seems too difficult to maintain, try another! Some diet plans to consider include:
 

• Weight Watchers: Using a scientific point system as opposed to calorie counting, the newly launched Freestyle program allows you to consume more than 200 foods that are considered “zero points.” While it is important not to go overboard on the zero points, it gives more flexibility with staying fuller longer. You also receive a bank of points to use whenever you would like and can roll over up to four points per day. Follow the plan online for about $12 per month, take advantage of tracking and meetings for almost $28 per month, or receive tracking and personal coaching for $50 per month.
• MyFitnessPal: MyFitnessPal is a free app that allows you to track your caloric intake. You will put in your weight and a timeframe, and the app will set you up with a number of calories to eat per day. It also will give you an in-depth analysis of how much protein, carbs, fiber, etc. you are taking in and suggestions on amounts to stay under. It also will help you track macronutrients, also known as “macros.” It is a factor of carbs, fats, and protein. Certain weight loss plans will suggest eating less of one and more of another. All can be tracked for free in this app. Upgraded versions of the app are available for additional features.
• Clean eating: Not a fan of tracking? Or looking for ways to enhance a diet plan? Improvements in your diet can lead to weight loss. Clean eating involves eating foods that are not processed or contain anything artificial. This includes sugar, which you will find is in everything.

 

Importance of Exercising

Incorporating exercise into your healthy eating is crucial for health and weight loss. Find an activity that you enjoy and participate in it 150 minutes per week. While you might think you have to run, if running is not your thing, find a sport or activity, such as playing tennis, basketball or volleyball. Swimming is also a great way to exercise to work all parts of your body. In addition, add in strength training at least two times per week. This will help you become stronger and tone. For weight loss, do not treat exercise as a reason to be able to consume more calories. Keep working towards your plan, using exercise top supplement losing weight.  

Incorporating TRX Suspension Training

A great way to strength train is with TRX suspension training. Using your own body weight, suspension training builds strength by using gravity. An advantage of this type of exercise is that you can incorporate cardio in with it too. To get started with TRX training in Denver, visit your local physical therapist. From form to a routine, they will walk you through the ins and outs, so you can become an expert. You can continue working with your therapist or also begin to do the training at home. It requires very little space and equipment, making it a cost-effective way to reach your goals. By incorporating TRX training two to three times per week, you will begin to notice a difference fairly quickly.

To get started with your weight loss and fitness goals, schedule an appointment with Peak Physical Therapy and Wellness. Our team will help you with a customized plan to reach your health and fitness goals, become a better athlete, and even improve or eliminate aches and pains. We have locations all across the area, allowing you to visit the location nearest you. Stop putting off your goals and contact Peak PT & Wellness today.

The prospect of aging is not something anyone really wants to face, but the fact remains, every day we’re getting a little bit older. The things that once came to us with ease now presents a much more difficult hurdle, especially if we haven’t taken the necessary maintenance steps to keep our bodies in peak condition. The truth is, we need to do everything in our power to maintain our health on a daily basis. In order to age as gracefully as possible, there are a number of things we can do to ensure we retain our health and quality of life as we get older. Here are a number of things you can do to feel young as the years pass by from your Denver physical therapist.

Get Off the Couch and Get Moving

As we age, the allure of the couch or a comfortable chair can become increasingly appealing as time moves on. It can be difficult to avoid the urge to rest our bones and bodies by lounging and binge watching our favorite shows and movies. While there certainly is a place for entertainment, rest, and relaxation in our lives, too much time spent sitting in one place can have profoundly negative effects on our health.

Getting off the couch in favor of movement doesn’t need to mean running a marathon or doing some form of extreme physical activity. Often, it can mean simply going for a walk or bike ride as a way to get the blood pumping. The benefits of exercise are plentiful and can positively impact a person’s body as well as the mind, both of which are critical to maintaining as we get older. Staying physically fit is a fantastic way to maintain our health and it’s essential for not falling into a health hole that becomes more and more difficult to get out of as time goes on.

Take An Exercise Class

Motivating yourself to move can be a difficult task, one that lacks accountability mechanisms outside of your own personal willpower. By signing up for an exercise or yoga class, you’ll be much more committed to following through with your given physical activity. Participating in an exercise class can be a fantastic way of keeping yourself on the path to working out. If you have a friend or loved one that is interested in joining you, it can increase the chances that you will follow through, as you will have an accountability buddy to further motivate you.

Depending on your age and current level of physicality, you can look into classes that are age-specific and are catered towards your specific conditions. Many health clubs and gyms have classes which are specifically tailored towards older individuals. Participating in a class where you are surrounded by younger individuals can be intimidating and make it less likely to show up for class. Seek out classes that have a large percentage of your peers enrolled can be a helpful mechanism to keep you dedicated to exercising.

Find Strong Social Outlets

Maintaining relationships and creating positive social networks is incredibly important to keep our mental health in a positive state. Isolation and excessive solitude can be a huge factor in our health declining as we get older. The benefits of having consistent social interaction as we get older become absolutely essential to increasing our longevity. Without any substantive relationships, mental and physical health can rapidly decline, as loneliness can lead to depression and feelings of worthlessness.

Finding an outlet to maintain our social life is incredibly important in the fight to maintain our health as we age. Whether this means joining a social group at a local community center or simply volunteering as a way to socialize, we need to find ways to keep ourselves socially engaged. Self-esteem can decrease massively with age, a factor which can rapidly decrease our overall level of health as we get older. Although discovering and seeking out new social networks can be an intimidating process, the importance of fostering these connections far outweighs the anxiety that can accompany such a process. Remind yourself of the plethora of benefits associated with socializing and realize that any potential risks are far outweighed by the benefits.

Try Doing Yoga

As we age, our bodies become much less flexible and more prone to injury as a result. Yoga has massively increased in popularity in recent years because of the many health benefits that come with a regular yoga practice. Yoga has the ability to improve mobility and flexibility, two things that older individuals certainly need to focus on whenever possible. Yoga also can improve a person’s muscle strength, improve their respiration, and increase their overall energy level. Increasing your energy level is an essential component to remaining young and increases the chances that you’ll be physically active and mobile.

A yoga practice will improve your balance and stability, as various poses focus on improving these factors. Falls are a very common way in which seniors become injured and finding ways to improve balance are critical as we grow older as a result. Increasing your personal strength and mobility as you age is important for improving and reducing recovery time, which can become a major hindrance as we get older.

If you looking to improve your physical health situation and are in need of physical therapy, or have questions about what physical therapy consists of, contact Peak Physical Therapy and Wellness today. We have an extensive team of qualified physical therapists and specialists who care deeply about their clients and go above and beyond the call of duty to provide the highest quality treatment in the industry. If you are looking for a therapist who will carefully assess your individual needs and formulate a treatment plan that is specifically tailored to your needs, Peak Physical Therapy and Wellness is your preferred choice for the physical recovery process.

Did you know more than 23 percent of women experience some type of pelvic pain or disorder in their lifetime? For some, they are undergoing symptoms regularly. What many do not realize is they do not have to fight through the pain. In fact, in many situations, the pain can be reduced, or even eliminated! It is important to know different ways to be a healthier woman, common pelvic issues, and how a specialist in women’s health in Parker will help.

Women’s Health Basics

As a woman ages, it is important to know health basics and make changes to live a healthier lifestyle. Even if certain things were done when they were younger, it is never too late to make changes for the better. Why? Women have a higher risk for certain issues including stress, depression and/or anxiety, heart attacks, osteoporosis, STDs, and much more. In addition, women also deal with pelvic issues.

When it comes to the ideal picture of health, each person is different. What is healthy for you may not be for someone else, which is why it is important to see your primary care physician for annual health examinations.

Ways to Improve Health

There are several steps a woman can take to make her healthier. It is important to focus on health to feel better and be more productive.
 

• Hydrate: Studies say you should at least get 64 ounces of water in per day. The more you can drink though, the better. When a woman isn’t dehydrated, a slew of issues can arise, making it difficult to be productive. These can include headaches, dry mouth, fatigue, and more. Make sure you stay hydrated throughout the day instead of all at once. If you plan to work out, make sure you drink plenty of water before then directly after.
• Exercise: Today—we are a nation busier than ever. As we stay busy in our day-to-day with work and activities, many forget or avoid exercise. Nearly half of all adults do not get the amount of exercise they need. While some should exercise for weight loss, it also helps to promote a healthy lifestyle. If you aren’t sure what you like, find something you look forward to in these workout routines and ideas.
• Curb Bad Eating Habits: When you eat healthier, you will feel better. But your body will also function better, too. Food helps fuel the body to keep you going throughout the day. If you rely on bars, energy drinks, and other artificial supplements, you may be causing yourself more harm. Make sure you fill up on green vegetables, which will help increase the nutrients in your body. For meals, make sure half of your plate includes veggies. You can research ways to dress them up and add flavor, all while giving your body what it needs. Also, don’t be afraid of fats. Healthy fats such as avocados, olive oil, nuts, and more.

By improving your lifestyle, you will notice a large difference in the way you look and feel. Your skin may clear up, digestion issues alleviated, experience weight loss and more. For women that are post-menopausal, there is an increased risk of osteoporosis and other heart or stroke issues. Speak with your physician to come up with an ideal plan that works for you.

Common Issues

As a woman, you are more at-risk for certain issues than men. These include:
 

• Heart disease: Based on Go Red’s heart disease statistics at a glance, one in three women are killed each year due to a heart attack. In fact, they say around 44 million are affected in some way by cardiovascular disease. Some women have small heart attacks without even realizing it. It is important to practice good health habits now to avoid issues down the road.
• Hypothyroidism: It is more likely for a woman to be diagnosed with hypothyroidism than men. Hypothyroidism is common for those over the age of 50, particularly women. This disorder happens when the body is unable to make the proper number of hormones that keep one’s metabolism at a healthy rate.
• Endometriosis: More than six million women suffer from endometriosis, which is when tissue that lines around a woman’s uterus is on the outside. It can be in other areas, not just on the uterus, which can be painful. In addition to pain, a woman may also experience irregular bleeding or spotting, digestion problems, and infertility.

Problems in the Pelvic Area

Women often experience issues in their pelvic floor region that can cause such a mix of painful and uncomfortable symptoms. These symptoms are not just tied to one area in the pelvic region. Pelvic floor issues can also cause lower back pain, as well.

Common pelvic problems a woman may experience are:
 

• Incontinence: Unable to control going to the bathroom
• Pelvic inflammatory disease: When the pelvic area becomes inflamed
• Irritable bowel syndrome: Frequent abdominal pain and issues with bowel movements
• Abdominal pain: A variety of pains that are located anywhere in the abdominal area
• Separation of muscles in the pelvic area
• Hernias: An organ or tissue that goes through tissue, causing pain

Using Physical Therapy

When it comes to pelvic issues, did you know a physical therapist can help? Through a series of exercises, the area can be strengthened. When the muscles in this area are damaged or weak, it leads to all of the issues mentioned above, and more. It can be especially helpful for women who have children, allowing them to use techniques to strengthen the region. Each situation is different but as you explore Parker women’s health, what you need to know about pelvic physical therapy can make such a difference in your life.

As you work to improve your health and pelvic issues, Peak Physical Therapy and Wellness will help. Our team of experts can help you develop a healthy lifestyle and strengthen your pelvic region in a customized plan. This will help you live pain-free from lower back issues, abdominal pain, painful intercourse, and much more. Find the location nearest you and contact Peak PT & Wellness today.

Every physical sport comes with some potential risk of injury. Whether you’re playing softball recreationally, are hitting the slopes to go backcountry skiing, or are playing a game of pickup basketball with friends, there are plenty of ways in which you can deal with a debilitating injury. Each individual activity comes with its own set of unique challenges and hazards, making it all the more essential to take the necessary and appropriate precaution before engaging in the given sport. If you are as active as many people are in the Denver area, here are the most common sports injuries that can require physical therapy.

Ankle Sprain

A sprained ankle occurs when you roll or twist your ankle in an awkward or undesirable fashion. This can happen in any number of physical sports, whether it’s running, playing basketball or volleyball, or simply hiking. A sprained ankle is by far one of the most common injuries that athletes experience, as intense and quick movements increase the chances that someone will inadvertently land on their ankle in an awkward way.

Thankfully, a sprained ankle is something that can usually be treated by an individual without requiring extensive medical treatment. An athlete can rehabilitate themselves using a number of different methods that can assist and speed up the recovery process. Ice packs are always an athlete’s best friend in regards to treating an injury that involves intense swelling, which a sprained ankle will likely include. Engaging in exercises that assist your balance, coordination, and agility will help strengthen your ankle and increase the odds that you will be resilient in the act of physical activities.

Hamstring Strain

A strained hamstring is when the three muscles in the back of the thigh become over-stretched by movements. This can occur during the course of a number of physical activities, whether it’s falling forward while running or kicking the leg sharply while playing soccer. A hamstring strain can be debilitating to an athlete that relies on quick leg movements to give them an advantage in their particular sport.

If you experience a hamstring strain in the course of your given sport, there are a few things you can do to get you back on your feet and on the path to recovery. While the recovery process can be a much slower one than an ankle sprain, it is possible to heal faster if you utilize a set of activities that will be beneficial to your hamstring. Utilize the RICE protocol within the first few days of the injury, which means to rest, ice, compress and elevate your leg. By the end of the first week, you can begin to gently stretch your hamstring. Within approximately two weeks, begin engaging in activities that will strengthen your hamstring muscles. It is important to note that these protocols will be different depending on the severity of your hamstring strain.

Groin Pull

A strain of the groin occurs when you push off in a side-to-side motion that can cause your groin to become strained. It is common for this injury to occur in sports such as soccer, football, and baseball and any sport that involves intense and continuous side-to-side motion. If you experience a strained groin, give your body plenty of rest, ice the injury, and compress the area in order to heal the injury. In more serious cases, you may need to seek professional help from a doctor or physical therapist in order to adequately recover from the injury.

Torn ACL

The anterior cruciate ligament is the part of the body that connects the leg bone to the knee. A torn ACL can be a very serious blow to any athlete and can require extensive recovery. For athletes engaged in an active sport, surgery will almost certainly be part of the recovery process in order to return to the desired level of physical activity. An ACL tear is definitely one of the more severe sports injuries and a sign that you have completely torn your ACL can be heard when it makes the dreaded ‘pop’ sound.

You’ll certainly require extensive physical therapy and rehabilitation in order to make a full recovery, as this injury is not something that can be recovered from on your own. Rehabilitation exercises should encourage a range of movement and should also help to strengthen your quadriceps and hamstrings. The RICE protocol should also be used prior to surgery as a way to reduce swelling and make life more bearable in the meantime.

Tennis Elbow

Tennis elbow, or Epicondylitis, results from a repetitive use of the elbow, which can irritate tendons within the elbow. Of course, this particular type of injury is very common in the sport of Tennis, but can also occur during other sports such as golf or baseball. Commonly, this injury occurs in the outside of the elbow and is more prominent in individuals older than 30 years old.

While an inconvenience and a major irritation, this injury is not something that will typically require extensive rehabilitation or surgery. Instead, it is possible to recover from this injury simply by resting and restricting this particular physical activity. If serious pain continues despite an extending period of rest, you will definitely want to seek professional medical attention in order to determine a more extensive recovery plan.

If you looking to improve your physical health situation and are in need of physical therapy, or have questions about what physical therapy consists of, contact Peak Physical Therapy and Wellness today and we will be happy to assist you with your first steps towards recovery. We have an extensive team of qualified physical therapists and specialists who care deeply about their clients and go above and beyond the call of duty to provide the highest quality treatment in the industry. If you are looking for a therapist who will carefully assess your individual needs and formulate a treatment plan that is specifically tailored to your needs, Peak Physical Therapy and Wellness is your preferred choice for the physical recovery process.