Managing Chronic Pain – Orthopedic Solutions and Lifestyle Changes
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Chronic pain can be a heavy burden, affecting not only your physical well-being but your overall quality of life. In this blog post, we’ll explore evidence-based orthopedic interventions and lifestyle adjustments that can make a significant difference in managing chronic pain. The goal here is to empower you with knowledge and offer solutions that can help you lead a more pain controlled and fulfilling life.
Orthopedic Interventions:
Physical Therapy: One of the cornerstones of orthopedic care, physical therapy (PT) focuses on strengthening muscles, improving joint mobility, and reducing pain frequency and intensity. It’s a collaborative approach where a skilled therapist tailors exercises to your specific needs. PT requires a clinician’s prescription in my cases.
Minimally Invasive Procedures: While rarely necessary, orthopedic surgeons can perform minimally invasive surgeries, such as arthroscopy, to treat various joint conditions. These procedures often lead to quicker recovery and less pain compared to traditional “open” surgeries.
Joint Injections: Corticosteroid and other supplemental injections can provide significant relief for conditions like osteoarthritis, bursitis, tendonitis and the like. They help reduce inflammation and alleviate pain, allowing you to regain mobility and can often be used in conjunction with other treatments to speed the recovery timeline.
Orthotic Devices: Custom orthotic devices, like shoe inserts, splints, or braces, can correct alignment issues and relieve pain, particularly in conditions like plantar fasciitis, ligament instability, or knee osteoarthritis.
Lifestyle Adjustments:
Exercise and Weight Management: Regular low-impact exercises, like swimming, weight training, rowing, or cycling, can strengthen muscles and reduce the pressure on joints. Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial, as excess pounds can exacerbate pain in weight-bearing joints due to joint load, ligament stress, and muscle fatigue.
Nutrition: A well-balanced diet can have a significant impact on inflammation and pain. Incorporate anti-inflammatory foods such as fatty fish, turmeric, and fresh fruits and vegetables into your meals. For more information, consider looking up the “Anti-inflammatory Lifestyle” online or asking us directly for more information or a referral to a nutrition specialist at MCH.
Stress Management: Chronic pain can be emotionally taxing. Practices like mindfulness meditation, art, and yoga can help manage stress and improve your pain tolerance as does improving one’s sleep, quitting nicotine, and alleviating other stress inducing aspects of ones’ life.
Quality Sleep: A good night’s sleep is essential for pain management. Ensure your sleep environment is comfortable, cool, dark, and free from blue light screens. We recommend you establish a consistent sleep schedule to improve your overall well-being.
Community Support: Reach out to local support groups and community organizations. Sharing your experiences and learning from others who face similar challenges can be incredibly empowering.
It’s important to remember that every individual’s experience with chronic pain is unique, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Orthopedic interventions and lifestyle adjustments can complement each other, so working with your healthcare team to create a personalized plan is essential.
In closing, managing chronic pain is a journey that requires collaboration, and honesty with yourself and your healthcare providers. It’s about finding what works best for you and your unique circumstances. In the supportive community of those who understand chronic pain, you can gain the knowledge and strength needed to take control of your life. Monadnock Orthopaedic Associates is here to help.
Stay strong and remember, there is hope for a brighter, less painful tomorrow.
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Harrington, MD, FAAPMR Part of the Health & Wellness Seminars at Monadnock Community Hospital (MCH) Dr. Harrington has been this community’s Physiatrist and Musculoskeletal Specialist at Monadnock Orthopaedic Associates for the past two decades. He will review common shoulder pains we all experience, some options for self-care, and reasons to seek medical consultation. This workshop is directed toward anyone with interest in or personal experience with shoulder pain, whether from wear-and-tear, an old injury, athletics, or aging. Interactive discussion is welcome. Dr. Harrington’s practice as a board-certified Musculoskeletal Physician is grounded in thorough diagnostic evaluation and treatment with 20 years of experience. He seeks to define a problem and then offers options and choices to guide patients toward a course of treatment all parties can agree on, leading to the best possible outcome. Recognizing that not every first choice leads to success, he establishes plans with patients that help bring about their goals. Learn more about Dr Shawn P Harrington Learn more about Monadnock Orthopaedic AssociatesAt Monadnock Community Hospital, we are dedicated to enhancing the health and well-being of our community. This seminar is just one way we strive to elevate the health of our community by providing accessible, high-quality care.
Learn more about the Health and Wellness Seminars at MCH Watch more videos of our seminars Background audio: Ten Minutes of Ambient Piano Relaxation by Music_For_Videosfrom Pixabay [post_title] => Video: Common Shoulder Problems and At-Home Solutions Seminar with Dr. Shawn P. Harrington 2023 [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => common-shoulder-problems-and-at-home-solutions [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2024-06-14 12:31:51 [post_modified_gmt] => 2024-06-14 16:31:51 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://monadnockcommunityhospital.com/health-and-wellness-seminars-video-231012-copy/ [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [9] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 36551 [post_author] => 9192204 [post_date] => 2023-09-22 16:31:51 [post_date_gmt] => 2023-09-22 20:31:51 [post_content] => While the seminar is over, you can still benefit from its insights by watching the video recording. More Seminar Videos: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL0ze5z6m9KvNt4o6jyCHbf6NpCRpylhmq
This seminar is sold out!Welcome to Monadnock Community Hospital’s free Health and Wellness Seminars, where we're dedicated to empowering our community with knowledge and fostering a life of wellness. Our seminars are designed to bridge the gap between medical expertise and everyday understanding, offering valuable insights into various wellness topics. Led by experienced healthcare professionals, wellness experts, and educators, these seminars are an opportunity for you to take proactive steps toward a healthier lifestyle.
It's crucial to take an active role in your health journey. Our speakers encoue questions, discussions, and shared experiences, fostering connections among like-minded individuals who are all dedicated to prioritizing their well-being. Whether you're aiming to improve physical health, manage stress effectively, or enhance your overall quality of life, these seminars provide the necessary tools and support.
Common Shoulder Problems and Simple At-Home Solutions Seminar: Thursday, October 12, 5:30 – 6:30 PM
Dr. Harrington has been this community’s Physiatrist and Musculoskeletal Specialist at Monadnock Orthopaedic Associates for the past two decades. He will review common shoulder pains we all experience, some options for self-care, and reasons to seek medical consultation. This workshop is directed toward anyone with interest in or personal experience with shoulder pain, whether from wear-and-tear, an old injury, athletics, or aging. Interactive discussion is welcome. Dr. Harrington’s practice as a board-certified Musculoskeletal Physician is grounded in thorough diagnostic evaluation and treatment with 20 years of experience. He seeks to define a problem and then offers options and choices to guide patients toward a course of treatment all parties can agree on, leading to the best possible outcome. Recognizing that not every first choice leads to success, he establishes plans with patients that help bring about their goals.This seminar is sold out!To join the seminar, Click Here to Register or give us a call at (603) 924-4699 x1110.We encourage you to save the date and stay tuned for updates on our lineup of speakers and session topics. Let's work together to unlock the power of healthy living and empower ourselves for a future of wellness.Remember, your journey towards wellness begins with a single step, and these seminars are your opportunity to take that step toward a healthier, happier life.Stay well,[post_title] => Join Us for the Common Shoulder Problems and Simple At-Home Solutions Seminar [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => health-and-wellness-seminars-231012 [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2024-05-15 11:00:25 [post_modified_gmt] => 2024-05-15 15:00:25 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://monadnockcommunityhospital.com/health-and-wellness-seminars-join-us-for-the-free-taking-care-of-your-spine-seminar-in-september-with-ryan-griffiths-at-monadnock-community-hospital-copy/ [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) ) [posts_limit] => -1 [post_type] => post [taxonomy] => tag [terms] => harrington [section_id] => post-grid-3 )
Monadnock Orthopaedic Associates
Monadnock Community Hospital
Bond Wellness Center Suite 200
458 Old Street Road
Peterborough, NH 03458
Phone: 603-924-2144
Fax: 603-924-3993