Unfortunately, on a daily basis I hear patients tell me similar stories about the way they feel. People find themselves with chronic headaches, neck pain and low back pain. They don’t know what they did to make the pain or symptoms appear…they just want to get rid of it. Pain can cause us to feel irritable, touchy, fatigue, and even depressed. My answer for help is always the same…improve your diet, nutrition and let’s use exercise as therapy.
As the New Year approaches I encourage all of my clients to start to plan for where they want to go as far as health is concerned in the coming year. I know you don’t take health for granted, so lets create a plan, then you can get excited about life and where you are going. Clarify your goals for the New Year – weight loss, increase muscle mass, decrease pain, increase flexibility, feel less irritable, feel more joy. Now is the time to create a destination for your health goals in 2010.
Many of you have been my patients for more than twenty-five years and you know that I have stressed the value of exercise, diet and nutrition for improving our health goals and healthy aging.
The corrective exercise treatment programs I have developed over the years have not only gotten people out of pain, they are keeping men and women looking youthful, allowing active lifestyles, enjoying fitness, and good health.
The bottom line is that how healthy we are as we age is directly related to how much physical activity we get and the nutrition we take in. There are too many people who think it’s too late to turn things around. It’s never too late to change how you live.
What about you? Did you notice your body or fitness level changing this past year? Did that motivate you to make changes in your life?
There are definite other general principles associated with longevity
1. 80% Rule (stop eating when you’re 80% full)
2. Eat more veggies, lean protein (grass fed beef) & avoid processed foods
3. Red Wine – enjoy a little every night, be consistent and always in moderation
4. Know your purpose in life
5. Have spiritual beliefs or religious participation
6. Try to work a little less, take time to rest, and take vacation days
7. Move your body – even gentle exercise will work, but above all be consistent
8. Belong to clubs or groups that help you create a healthy social network
9. Make family a priority
Happy Holidays.
Love,
Jeff
Laser therapy is effective for degenerative osteoarthritis
Stelian J, Gil I, Habot B et al. Improvement of pain and disability in elderly patients with degenerative osteoarthritis of the knee treated with narrow-band light therapy. J Am Geriatr Soc. 1992; 40: 23-26.
In an Israeli study the effect of laser therapy in degenerative osteoarthritis (DOA) of the knee was investigated in a double blind study among 50 patients. One group received infrared (GaAlAs) and one red (HeNe) laser. Only the first group could be blinded, while the latter was open. Patients were treated twice daily, 15 minutes each time, for 10 days. The patients treated themselves after instruction. Total dose for each session was 10.3 J for red and 11.1 for infrared. Continuous mode was used for 7.5 minutes, pulsed for 7.5 minutes, rationale not stated. There was a significant pain reduction in the laser groups as compared to the placebo groups. There was no significant difference between the red and the infrared group. The Disability Index Questionnaire also revealed an improvement in the laser groups. All patients in the placebo group required analgesics within two months after laser therapy while the patients in the laser group were pain free ranging from 2 months to 1 year.
The Effect of Low-Level Laser in Knee Osteoarthritis: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial
Béla Hegedűs, László Viharos, Mihály Gervain, Márta Gálfi. Photomedicine and Laser Surgery. August 2009, 27(4): 577-584. doi:10.1089/pho.2008.2297.
Published in Volume: 27 Issue 4: August 20, 2009 Online Ahead of Print: June 16, 2009
Introduction: Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) is thought to have an analgesic effect as well as a biomodulatory effect on microcirculation. This study was designed to examine the pain-relieving effect of LLLT and possible microcirculatory changes measured by thermography in patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA).
Materials and Methods: Patients with mild or moderate KOA were randomized to receive either LLLT or placebo LLLT. Treatments were delivered twice a week over a period of 4wk with a diode laser (wavelength 830nm, continuous wave, power 50mW) in skin contact at a dose of 6J/point. The placebo control group was treated with an ineffective probe (power 0.5mW) of the same appearance. Before examinations and immediately, 2wk, and 2 mo after completing the therapy, thermography was performed (bilateral comparative thermograph by AGA infrared camera); joint flexion, circumference, and pressure sensitivity were measured; and the visual analogue scale was recorded.
Results: In the group treated with active LLLT, a significant improvement was found in pain (before treatment [BT]: 5.75; 2 mo after treatment : 1.18); circumference (BT: 40.45; AT: 39.86); pressure sensitivity (BT: 2.33; AT: 0.77); and flexion (BT: 105.83; AT: 122.94). In the placebo group, changes in joint flexion and pain were not significant. Thermographic measurements showed at least a 0.5°C increase in temperature—and thus an improvement in circulation compared to the initial values. In the placebo group, these changes did not occur.
Conclusion: Our results show that LLLT reduces pain in KOA and improves microcirculation in the irradiated area.
FDA Cleared for Osteoarthritis of the Hand. The Effects of Low Level Laser Therapy on Osteoarthritis (OA) of the Hand. A Clinical Study
Dr Larry Lytle, DDS, Ph.D. and Dr. Serafettin Ozdogan, MD
Conclusions: Laser can provide temporary relief of pain and stiffness arising from osteoarthritis of the hand.
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