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Pain Relief Methods

Posted: June 1, 2006

There are ways to help stop arthritis pain for short periods of time. The following methods have worked for many people.

Moist heat supplied by warm towels, hot packs, a bath, or a shower can be used at home for 15 to 20 minutes, three times a day, to relieve symptoms. A health professional can use short waves, microwaves, and ultrasound to deliver deep heat to noninflamed joint areas. Deep heat is not recommended for patients with acutely inflamed joints. Deep heat is often used around the shoulder to relax tight tendons prior to stretching exercises.

Cold supplied by a bag of ice or frozen vegetables wrapped in a towel helps to stop pain and reduce swelling when used for 10 to 15 minutes at a time. It is often used for acutely inflamed joints. People who have Raynaud's phenomenon should not use this method.

Hydrotherapy (water therapy) can decrease pain and stiffness. Exercising in a large pool may be easier because water takes some weight off painful joints. Many community centers have water exercise classes developed for people with arthritis. Some patients also find relief from the heat and movement provided by a whirlpool.

Mobilization therapies include traction (gentle, steady pulling), massage, and manipulation (using the hands to restore normal movement to stiff joints). When done by a trained professional, these methods can help control pain and increase joint motion and muscle and tendon flexibility.

TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) is an additional method that may provide some pain relief, but many patients find that it costs too much money and takes too much time. In TENS, an electrical shock is transmitted through electrodes placed on the skin's surface.

Relaxation therapy also helps reduce pain. Patients can learn to release the tension in their muscles to relieve pain. Physical therapists can teach relaxation techniques. Health spas sometimes have special relaxation courses.

Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese method of pain relief. A medically qualified acupuncturist places needles in certain sites. Researchers believe that the needles (endorphins). Acupressure is similar to acupuncture, but pressure is applied to the acupuncture sites instead of using needles.

Source: National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skins Diseases

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