Movement is medicine. It’s a simple but powerful concept that can transform your life. While we often turn to surgery or pain pills to address pain, studies have shown that exercises and stretches can be more effective in treating pain than traditional medical approaches. In our article, Movement is Medicine: Knee Pain, we will explore the short-term fixes to knee pain and contrast them with more effective, long-term solutions in proper exercise and stretching.
Surgery, Injections, and Pain Pills
Surgery is often viewed as a quick fix for pain. However, studies have shown that surgery may not always be necessary. In fact, a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that physical therapy was just as effective as surgery for treating meniscal tears in the knee. The study also found that physical therapy was less expensive and had fewer complications than surgery.
Another study published in the Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy found that physical therapy was more effective than corticosteroid injections for treating knee osteoarthritis. The study found that physical therapy improved pain and function in patients with knee osteoarthritis, while corticosteroid injections had no effect on pain or function.
Benefits of Exercise and Stretching
According to the American College of Sports Medicine, regular exercise can reduce chronic pain by up to 50%. This is because exercise strengthens the muscles and joints, improving flexibility and reducing stiffness. Exercise also releases endorphins, which are natural painkillers produced by the body. Exercise also increases blood flow to the affected area, which can help reduce inflammation and promote healing. In contrast, pain pills can only mask the symptoms of pain without addressing the underlying cause.
Stretching is another powerful tool for reducing pain. When muscles are tight, they can pull on joints, causing pain and discomfort. Stretching helps to lengthen muscles, reducing tension and improving flexibility. This can help to alleviate pain and reduce the risk of future injuries.
If you’re struggling with knee pain, it’s important to seek out the right treatment. While surgery and pain pills may be necessary in some cases, exercises and stretches can be just as effective, if not more so. To learn more about identifying knee pain, join our FREE Online Knee Pain Workshop on March 7th from 5:30pm to 6:30pm. Sign up now at the link here: resultsrehab.com/workshops/.
