Physical Therapy Programs to Help Reduce Inflammation

Inflammation is part of the human body’s natural response to injury, infection or illness and plays a powerful role in a wide variety of common health conditions from simple aches and pains to the slow development of arthritis. Directly associated with symptoms such as swelling, pain, heat and limited mobility, inflammation can affect your quality of life. Fortunately, physical therapy programs can offer an effective way to help patients reduce these symptoms and get moving again.

Causes of Inflammation

Sometimes inflammation can be a good thing, in the case of fighting off infections. But in the case of joint pain, for example, it can become a chronic problem if left untreated.

What causes inflammation? It’s complex with many factors at play such as:

• Stress
• Poor food choices
• Allergens
• Overeating
• Pollution
• Lack of sleep
• Lifestyle choices
• Hormone imbalance
• Obesity
• Family history
• Chronic infections

Over time, these irritants add up and can lead to a vicious cycle of pain, swelling and cartilage degeneration. Ultimately, range of motion is compromised and muscles begin to weaken as a response from the brain to reduce muscle stimulation in effort to protect the affected area.

How Physical Therapy Programs Can Help Inflammation

Several different kinds of physical therapy programs have proven to be effective in reducing inflammation. The patient’s condition, affected area and cause of the inflammatory response will determine the exact treatment plan.

Possible physical therapy programs include:

• Manual Therapy- Hands-on manual therapies such as soft tissue and joint mobilization help to combat inflammation by gaining movement while reducing pain and encouraging blood flow.
• Icing- Ice, which is known for its ability to reduce pain and swelling may promote the effectiveness of supplementary physical therapy programs.
• Exercise- When carefully selected, therapeutic exercise can help to reduce swelling, decrease pain and improve overall function.
• Ultrasound- Ultrasound can help to increase blood flow in a localized area and reduce swelling.

With an in-depth knowledge and understanding of inflammation, the therapists at Twin Boro have the groundwork to not only address pain from inflammation but also treat each of our patients holistically to find the cause of the problem.

Reducing Inflammation in Between Physical Therapy Programs

In between physical therapy appointments, patients will be encouraged to do what they can on their own to control additional pain from inflammation such as:

• Follow an Anti-Inflammatory Diet- What we choose to eat (and drink) can have a dramatic effect on inflammation. For example, balance a diet that features more omega-3 fatty acids and less omega-6 fatty acids, eat plenty of colorful fruits and vegetables and drink water regularly.
• Remove Inflammatory Foods– Foods with trans-fatty acid (found in vegetable shortenings and some processed foods), high fructose corn syrup, saturated fats, polyunsaturated oils (corn, soy, canola, sunflower oils), fried foods… all of these incite inflammation.
• Exercise- When you’re suffering from inflammation, the thought of exercise can be daunting. There’s a fine line between getting enough exercise for healthy, strong joints and exercising too much, which can lead to an increase in pain and inflammation. Talk to your therapist about creating a customized physical therapy exercise program which will most likely include aerobic exercise, resistance training and flexibility for anti-inflammatory benefits.
• Maximize Lifestyle Choices- Be sure to get enough sleep, find a healthy outlet for reducing stress, decrease or quit smoking and do what you can to control your exposure to allergens and pollution.

Finding Relief from Inflammation with Customized Physical Therapy Programs

If you’re suffering with pain from inflammation, talk to your therapist about ways to reduce swelling, stiffness and soreness through a customized physical therapy program. Whether you sprained your ankle or have been dealing with chronic arthritis for years, physical therapy can help.

Visit one of our physical therapy clinics to learn more about our personalized physical therapy programs that can help you keep inflammation in check. With 51 locations throughout New Jersey, we make it easy to find a physical therapy clinic near you. Simply search for your closest location using your zip code.

Why Choose Twin Boro

Voted Readers’ Choice Best of New Jersey in 2013, Twin Boro has provided NJ residents with high quality physical therapy and rehab for over 38 years! It’s our award-winning approach, proven results and reputation that sets us apart. By incorporating the One2Four program into each patient’s program, the latest and most reliable scientific research and techniques is incorporated into effective evidence-based practice, we deliver only the highest standard of care with the unique One2Four approach.

It’s no surprise that Twin Boro Physical Therapy has also been voted the best physical therapy practice in New Jersey by the readers of mycentraljersey.com.