Physical Therapy – Check with your healthcare provider about
finding a physical therapist to help with various exercises based upon
your diagnosis.
Stress Management Techniques – Regardless of arthritis, 70- to
90-percent of the general population reports being stressed, which can
sure add to pain and ill health issues. So prevention and self-care are
in order. Here are many ways to deal with stress:
Assertiveness Training – For
some reason, especially if others are
older than you, at the mention of arthritis, people can try to minimize
what you’re going through, thinking they are older and you shouldn’t be
complaining about your “aches and pains.” Well, tough. Age has nothing
to do with arthritis or your pain. And others may get caught up in
their own lives too much from time to time to notice, but you are
important. And so is your health and your pain relief. So take charge
and take care of yourself. Learn to say “no” to unhealthy activities
that strain your joints. Slow down and use aids where you to need to
like grips in the stairways, a walking cane or athletic shoes instead
of heeled dress shoes. Your health and pain relief is very important.
Coping Skills Training -
Learn to cope better by improving three
areas: your thinking, behavior and lifestyle. Thought-wise, start
thinking more about the positives instead of negatives. For example,
there are many more treatment options available today for arthritis.
And that’s a very positive ideology to focus on. For help with more,
check our positive thinking inspirational nonfiction from the library.
And be a volunteer for those less fortunate than you are to get a
different perspective on life.
Behavior-wise, get more organized. Allow time to
plan, shop for and prepare your meals and menus. Allow time for
activities, exercises and other self-care necessities. Use a planner or
notebook and pencil to jot down daily goals and things to do so that
they get done. And do allow time for venting and sharing your
frustrations with a close friend. Work in humor whenever possible to
lighten the load and make life more enjoyable. And Plan fun things into
your life; trips, hikes, etc. And lifestyle-wise, shuffle some of these
into your routine:
- Pet Therapy - get a animal companion
- Meditation - take a time out
- Deep Breathing - stand and focus on your feet
pressing the floor, grounding you
- Pace - go at it for awhile back and forth
- Leisure - read a good book, hum, just do nothing…
- Rest – sleep or take a quick nap or just rest
- Nature – Take a hike, stop and smell the roses
- Hydrotherapy: Enjoy a soothing, warm or hot bath
with your favorite bubbles or oil(s) added. Dim the lights, light a
candle, play soft music….
- Music Therapy – Enjoy soothing tunes in your
favorite lounge chair, on the porch, in the bath, resting in bed.
Arthritis
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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 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.
Arthritis Organizations
Home Page
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 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.