Learn to ‘Take Charge’ of Arthritis, says Jersey Physical Therapy

EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ – While it’s true that arthritis sufferers can find relief through movement and exercise, those living with the disorder may naturally assume such a treatment would be painful. This isn’t the case, says Sean Moore, PT, MPT, of Jersey Physical Therapy.

“The whole ‘no pain, no gain’ theory just doesn’t exist,” Moore said. “By exercising in pain, you can cause inflammation and you can cause harm. In contrast, creating mobility will minimize arthritis symptoms. A physical therapist will strive to encourage mobility while creating a pain-free environment – one that doesn’t cause or expand pain.”

According to Moore, physical therapy is effective in treating most types of arthritis. Through the facilitation of fluid joint movement as well as the improvement muscle strength and flexibility, arthritis pain and joint stiffness can be reduced. The key, he adds, is following an individualized treatment plan that consists of pain-free movements and exercises designed to expand over time as inflammation subsides.

Movement, Moore says, offers nourishment to the joints, areas where degenerative changes to cartilage is occurring.

“The joints have a natural ‘pumping system’ that works to remove wasteful byproducts within the joint that can do it harm,” said Moore. “Facilitating fluid movement through the joint offers nourishment by stimulating this system.”

Improving muscle strength is also effective in treating arthritis, he says. With stronger muscles come better joint stability and less joint stress, which together reduces arthritis pain.

To spread the word regarding the effectiveness of physical therapy in treating and preventing arthritis symptoms, Moore and two of his colleagues, Sean Coll, PT, DPT, and Michael Atzert, PTA, BS, will host a free, hour-long seminar at Jersey Physical Therapy’s Milltown/East Brunswick office (180 Tices Lane, East Brunswick) on Monday, Nov. 18, at 7 p.m.

Titled “Take Charge:  A Self-Guide to Living with Arthritis,” Moore says he his colleagues will cover arthritis prevention and treatment options, as well as discuss exercises that can help people manage arthritis pain and inflammation long term. The free seminar is open to the public.

About Jersey Physical Therapy

Jersey Physical Therapy was founded in 2002 in Kendall Park by South Brunswick natives Marc Rubenstein, PT, DPT, OCS, and Geoffrey Hunt, BS, PT, OCS. The clinic expanded in 2006 with partner Sean Moore, PT, MPT, and the opening of a second office in Milltown/East Brunswick. Both practices, along with the new third location in Plainsboro, strive to deliver the highest quality in physical therapy services with a focus on evidence-based, one-on-one therapy. To learn more about their Be Positive campaign, visit: www.jerseypt.com/events/bepositivein2013.

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