If you have arthritis, there are several resources to help you live well. Woman’s Center for Wellness offers classes, programs and services that can improve your quality of life with arthritis, from nutrition to exercise to therapy to massage:
1. Arthritis Nutrition: Fighting Inflammation with Your Fork class
According to the Arthritis Foundation, “certain foods have been shown to fight inflammation, strengthen bones and boost the immune system.” These foods have an anti-inflammatory effect that may reduce pain and stiffness. Incorporating these foods into your diet throughout the day can be simple, even during snack time. Join our dietitian for the free “Fighting Inflammation with Your Fork” class. Here’s a sneak peek of a sweet treat that is packed with fiber and antioxidants.
Red Berry Quinoa Salad
1 tsp honey
1 tsp fresh lime or lemon juice
½ cup cooked quinoa
¼ cup raspberries
¼ cup sliced strawberries
1-2 Tbsp slivered almonds or chopped walnuts
Combine honey and juice, then drizzle over cooked quinoa. Add berries to quinoa and lightly toss to combine. Top with slivered almonds.
To register for the Fighting Inflammation With Your Fork class, click here.
2. Arthritis Exercise: Walk With Ease program
If you need relief from arthritis pain or just want to be active, the Arthritis Foundation’s six-week Walk With Ease program can teach you how to safely make physical activity part of your everyday life.
To register for the FREE Arthritis Walk With Ease program at Woman’s Center for Wellness, click here.
3. Arthritis Therapy:
Occupational therapy can teach you how to reduce strain on your joints during daily activities. Occupational therapists can show you how to modify your home and workplace environments to reduce motions that may aggravate arthritis. They also may provide splints for your hands or wrists, and recommend assistive devices to aid in tasks such as driving, bathing, dressing, housekeeping, and certain work activities.
Here’s how occupational therapy helped one of our patients with arthritis:
“I started therapy prior to surgery so I would do better after surgery. The therapists are fabulous. They push you just enough to get through the discomfort. They help you work through frustration and listen to you, because after surgery, it can be frustrating if you’re not back to yourself; it’s a process. They let you know what may be causing pain and how to address it. I get excited and look forward to therapy; I know it sounds crazy, but I feel like they are on my side and want me to succeed!”
4. Arthritis Massage
A massage can provide relief from the side effects of arthritis. Here’s a testimonial from one of our arthritis massage clients:
“I have been receiving the arthritis massage for more than a year at Woman’s Center for Wellness. It has absolutely been the best therapy treatment for me. It has made a difference, especially in my lower back pain. I suffer with many arthritic issues, more specifically the lumbar spine. I have been receiving the massage on monthly basis for the past year and I have noticed great improvement in my lower back pain. From time to time, I have flare-ups with my sciatica. The arthritis massage has helped tremendously in reducing that pain as well. This truly has been a form of pain management and has reduced my need for pain medications. I truly hope this program is continued at Woman’s as it has also made it more affordable and allows me to receive the monthly treatment.”
To schedule an arthritis massage with our trained massage therapists, call 225-924-8388. Physician referral of an arthritis diagnosis is required for medical clearance.