When you’re diagnosed with arthritis, it’s easy to feel like you’ve been handed a life sentence of pain management, with joint replacement surgery as the inevitable final chapter. That narrative is officially outdated. Medical science has made incredible progress, shifting the focus from just masking symptoms to actively promoting healing within the body. We now have a much deeper understanding of how to work with your body’s natural repair systems. This article will walk you through the most exciting and effective non-surgical arthritis treatment options available today, including cutting-edge regenerative medicine, targeted physical therapies, and supportive lifestyle strategies that empower you to build a stronger, more resilient body.
Key Takeaways
- Combine treatments for better results: The most effective way to manage arthritis is by layering different therapies. Pairing advanced regenerative medicine with hands-on physical therapy and supportive lifestyle changes creates a more powerful and comprehensive approach to pain relief.
- Address the root cause, not just the symptoms: Instead of only masking pain, focus on treatments that reduce inflammation, restore healthy joint function, and help your body repair damaged tissue. This strategy offers a path to more sustainable, long-term relief.
- Create a personalized and flexible plan: Your arthritis journey is unique, and your treatment plan should be too. Work with your healthcare team to build a strategy tailored to your specific needs and goals, and remember to track your progress and adjust the plan as you go.
First, What Is Arthritis?
Before we talk about treatment, let’s get clear on what we’re dealing with. "Arthritis" isn't a single condition; it's an umbrella term for joint pain or disease, and there are more than 100 different types. It’s also far more common than you might think. While we often associate it with aging, the reality is that two-thirds of people with arthritis are under 65. It also tends to affect women more often than men across all age groups.
The common thread among all types of arthritis is joint inflammation, which leads to pain, stiffness, and swelling. However, the cause of that inflammation is what separates one type from another. Understanding the specific kind of arthritis you have is the most important first step toward creating a treatment plan that actually works for you. Let’s break down the most common forms.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most prevalent type of arthritis, often called the "wear and tear" kind. Think of the cartilage in your joints as a smooth, protective cushion that allows your bones to glide over each other. With OA, this cartilage gradually breaks down over time. As it deteriorates, the bones can start to rub directly against each other. This friction is what causes the hallmark symptoms of OA: deep, aching pain, stiffness (especially in the morning), and a noticeable decrease in your range of motion. It most commonly affects weight-bearing joints like the knees, hips, and spine.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Unlike the mechanical wear and tear of OA, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder. This means the body's own immune system gets confused and mistakenly attacks the lining of the joints, called the synovium. This attack triggers widespread inflammation, leading to pain, swelling, and warmth in the joints. If left unmanaged, this chronic inflammation can damage the cartilage and bone, causing joint deformity. Because it's a systemic disease, RA can also affect other parts of the body, like the skin, eyes, and heart. Traditional treatments often focus on slowing the disease's progression.
Other Common Types
While OA and RA get most of the attention, they are just two of more than 100 conditions that fall under the arthritis umbrella. Other forms include gout, which is caused by a buildup of uric acid crystals in a joint, and psoriatic arthritis, an autoimmune condition that affects people with psoriasis. Since the symptoms can sometimes overlap, getting an accurate diagnosis is critical for effective treatment. Advanced tools like digital x-rays can help your doctor see exactly what’s happening inside your joints and identify the specific cause of your pain.
Find Relief Without Surgery: Your Treatment Options
Living with arthritis doesn't automatically mean surgery is in your future. There are many effective ways to manage pain, reduce inflammation, and improve your joint function without going under the knife. The right approach often involves a combination of treatments tailored to your specific needs, creating a plan that fits your lifestyle and goals. From simple at-home care to advanced medical therapies, you have plenty of options to explore. Let's walk through some of the most common and effective non-surgical paths to finding relief and getting back to the activities you love.
Medications for Pain and Inflammation
When a flare-up strikes, your first line of defense might be over-the-counter (OTC) medications. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen and naproxen are often recommended because they target both pain and swelling. For more intense, localized pain, your doctor might suggest corticosteroid injections. These powerful anti-inflammatories are delivered directly into the affected joint to provide relief that can last for weeks or even months. While effective, it's important to use these treatments as directed. You can learn more about pain meds to understand what might work best for you.
Physical Therapy and Exercise
Movement is medicine, especially when it comes to arthritis. It might seem counterintuitive to exercise a painful joint, but the right kind of movement can make a world of difference. Physical therapy is designed to ease stiffness, strengthen the muscles that support your joints, and improve your overall flexibility and mobility. A physical therapist can create a personalized plan for you. Gentle, low-impact activities like walking, swimming, or cycling are also fantastic for managing symptoms. The goal is to keep your joints moving smoothly without adding extra stress, which is a core principle of our sports injury care.
Injection-Based Therapies
Beyond the corticosteroid shots mentioned earlier, other injection-based therapies can provide significant relief. One common option, particularly for knee arthritis, is viscosupplementation. This involves injecting hyaluronic acid—a gel-like substance that mimics your body’s natural joint fluid—directly into the joint capsule. This acts as a lubricant and shock absorber, helping the bones glide more smoothly and reducing pain. These injections offer a targeted way to address symptoms directly at the source, providing a bridge between basic care and more advanced treatments.
Regenerative Medicine
For those looking for a modern approach that works with the body's own healing processes, regenerative medicine is a game-changer. Instead of just masking symptoms, these treatments aim to repair and regenerate damaged tissue. At Preferred Regen ATL, we offer precision-guided therapies designed to help your body heal from within. Options like Exosome IV Therapy deliver cellular messengers that support healing and reduce inflammation systemically. This field of regenerative medicine offers a powerful, non-surgical path toward long-term relief and restored function.
How These Treatments Actually Reduce Pain
It’s easy to think of pain relief as just turning down the volume on discomfort, but effective non-surgical treatments do so much more. Instead of simply masking symptoms with temporary fixes, they work by targeting the underlying causes of your arthritis pain. This approach is about creating real, lasting change so you can get back to living your life more comfortably and with greater freedom. It’s not about a single magic bullet, but a strategic combination of therapies that support your body’s natural ability to heal and function properly.
These treatments generally focus on three key goals: lowering the chronic inflammation that causes persistent pain and swelling, restoring healthy joint function and mobility that you may have lost over time, and actually repairing the damaged tissue that’s at the root of the problem. By addressing arthritis from these different angles, a comprehensive treatment plan can provide meaningful, long-term relief. It’s a holistic view of healing that considers the entire system, not just the sore joint. Let’s break down how each of these powerful approaches works to get you feeling better.
Lowering Inflammation
Inflammation is your body’s natural response to injury, but when it becomes chronic, it’s a major source of the pain, swelling, and stiffness you feel with arthritis. Many non-surgical treatments are designed to calm this inflammatory response. For example, certain therapies work systemically to get things under control. Exosome IV Therapy delivers regenerative cellular messengers throughout your body to help reduce inflammation at its source. By dialing down this constant state of alert, these treatments can significantly decrease pain and swelling in your joints, giving your body a chance to find balance and feel better.
Restoring Joint Function
When your joints hurt, you stop moving them as much, which leads to stiffness and weaker muscles. It’s a frustrating cycle. Restoring function is all about breaking that cycle. Therapies that focus on movement and mobility help ease joint stiffness and improve your range of motion. Through guided exercises and hands-on techniques like stretch therapy, you can strengthen the muscles that support your joints and increase your overall flexibility. This not only reduces pain but also makes it easier to perform daily activities, helping you regain confidence in your body’s ability to move freely.
Repairing and Regenerating Tissue
This is where treatment gets really exciting. Instead of just managing symptoms, some of the most advanced therapies are designed to help your body heal itself. At its core, regenerative medicine is all about repair and renewal. Using your body’s own powerful healing components, treatments like stem cell therapy can help repair damaged cartilage and other tissues. These cutting-edge, non-surgical options are designed to help your body regenerate, addressing the structural problems within the joint. This approach aims for lasting relief by helping to rebuild healthier, stronger tissue from the inside out.
A Closer Look at Advanced Regenerative Medicine
If you’re looking for treatments that go beyond simply managing symptoms, advanced regenerative medicine might be the right path for you. This approach focuses on harnessing your body's own powerful healing abilities to repair and regenerate damaged tissues, like the cartilage that wears away in arthritic joints. Instead of just masking the pain, these therapies aim to address the root cause of the discomfort by promoting actual healing from within.
At Preferred Regen ATL, we specialize in these cutting-edge, non-surgical options. Think of it as giving your body the specific tools it needs to fix itself. By using substances like growth factors and specialized cells sourced directly from your own body or other safe sources, we can help reduce inflammation, restore function, and get you back to feeling more like yourself. These treatments are designed to be minimally invasive, offering a promising alternative for those who want to avoid surgery and the lengthy recovery that often comes with it. Exploring regenerative medicine can open up a new world of possibilities for managing your arthritis pain and improving your quality of life.
PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) Injections
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy is a straightforward treatment that uses the healing power of your own blood or a donor biologic. These platelets are rich in growth factors that signal your body to start the repair process.
This concentrated plasma is then injected directly into the affected joint. This helps with healing and reduces inflammation right at the source of your pain. It’s a popular option because it’s a natural approach that uses your body’s own resources to encourage tissue repair and provide relief from arthritis symptoms.
Stem Cell Therapy
Stem cell therapy is another powerful regenerative treatment that helps your body repair itself. Stem cells are unique because they can develop into many different types of cells, including the cartilage cells that are damaged by arthritis. When introduced to an injured area, they can help regenerate tissue and reduce the inflammation that causes so much pain and stiffness.
At Preferred Regen ATL, we offer precision-guided stem cell therapy — a cutting-edge, non-surgical option designed to help your body repair and regenerate. By using advanced imaging to guide the injections, we ensure the stem cells are delivered exactly where they’re needed most, giving you the best possible chance for effective and lasting relief.
Exosome IV Therapy
Exosome IV Therapy takes a systemic approach to healing. Exosomes are tiny messengers released by cells that carry important signals, like proteins and genetic information, to other cells. They play a key role in cell-to-cell communication, helping to coordinate tissue repair and calm inflammation throughout the body.
This therapy delivers these regenerative cellular messengers intravenously, allowing them to travel through your bloodstream to areas of damage and inflammation. Exosome IV Therapy is an excellent option for supporting widespread healing, reducing systemic inflammation associated with certain types of arthritis, and promoting overall wellness from the inside out. It’s a gentle yet effective way to encourage your body’s natural recovery processes.
Peptide Therapy
Peptide therapy is a highly targeted treatment that uses specific chains of amino acids, called peptides, to direct cell function. Think of peptides as tiny keys that unlock specific actions within your body. They act as signaling molecules, telling your cells what to do—whether that’s reducing inflammation, repairing tissue, or even improving metabolic function.
At Preferred Regen ATL, we offer Peptide Therapy injections to support healing, enhance performance, and promote overall wellness. For arthritis, we can use specific peptides that are known to decrease inflammation and encourage the rebuilding of cartilage and connective tissues. This personalized approach allows us to tailor the treatment directly to your body’s needs, helping you manage pain and improve joint function.
Improve Mobility with Physical and Manual Therapies
While advanced treatments work on a cellular level to repair tissue, physical and manual therapies are your hands-on partners in reclaiming your mobility. These approaches focus on the mechanics of your body—the muscles, joints, and connective tissues—to reduce pain, restore function, and improve your range of motion. Think of it as a two-part strategy: regenerative medicine helps rebuild the foundation from the inside out, while physical therapies teach your body how to use that stronger foundation correctly and efficiently.
Many people find that addressing only the biological side of arthritis isn't enough. Even as tissues heal, your body may still hold onto patterns of movement that developed to compensate for the pain. You might favor one leg, hold tension in your shoulders, or avoid certain motions altogether. This is where manual therapies shine. They help correct these imbalances, release chronic tension, and retrain your body for healthier movement. By combining these methods, you get a comprehensive plan that addresses arthritis from every angle. It’s about helping you not just feel better, but move better, so you can get back to your daily life with greater confidence and freedom.
Therapeutic Exercise Programs
When your joints hurt, the last thing you might want to do is move. But the right kind of movement is exactly what your body needs. A therapeutic exercise program is designed to ease joint stiffness and pain by strengthening the muscles that support your joints. Stronger muscles act like a natural brace, taking pressure off the affected area. These guided exercises also improve your flexibility and overall fitness, which can slow down joint damage over time. It’s not about pushing through pain, but about working with a professional to find a routine that helps your body heal and regain strength safely.
Hands-On Manual Therapy
Sometimes, your body needs a little direct intervention to get things moving again. Hands-on manual therapy involves techniques where a practitioner uses their hands to manipulate joints and soft tissues. This can help break up adhesions, reduce muscle tension, and improve the way your joints move. By directly addressing the physical restrictions caused by arthritis, manual therapy can provide immediate relief from pain and stiffness. It’s a targeted approach that complements other treatments by ensuring your body’s structure is properly aligned and functioning, which is a core part of our approach to regenerative medicine.
Non-Surgical Spinal and Knee Decompression
If you’re dealing with arthritis in your spine or knees, the constant pressure on those joints can feel relentless. Non-surgical decompression is a gentle, non-invasive therapy designed to relieve that pressure. Using a specialized table, this treatment carefully stretches the spine or knee joint, creating negative pressure that allows discs and cartilage to receive more oxygen and nutrients. This process promotes natural healing, reduces pain, and can significantly improve your mobility without requiring surgery. It’s an effective way to give your joints the space they need to heal and function better.
Stretch Therapy and Bodywork
Flexibility is a cornerstone of healthy joints. When the muscles around a joint are tight, they pull on it, causing extra stress and pain. Stretch therapy and other forms of therapeutic bodywork focus on releasing that tension and lengthening the surrounding muscles. This not only feels great but also improves your overall range of motion and reduces your risk of injury. By incorporating targeted stretching into your treatment plan, you can maintain the health of your joints, decrease stiffness, and ensure your body moves the way it’s supposed to—smoothly and without pain.
Support Your Treatment with Simple Lifestyle Changes
The advanced therapies and hands-on care you receive in our clinic are powerful tools for managing arthritis, but what you do every day matters just as much. Think of your lifestyle choices as the foundation that helps your treatments work even better. By making a few simple, consistent changes at home, you can actively reduce inflammation, ease pressure on your joints, and support your body’s natural healing processes. These habits empower you to take control of your health and can make a significant difference in your long-term results and overall quality of life.
This is about turning passive recovery into an active partnership with your body, where you’re making choices every day that contribute to your well-being. For example, the food you eat can directly impact your body's inflammation levels, while managing your weight can physically reduce the load on your aching joints. Similarly, getting enough sleep gives your body the time it needs to repair tissue, and modifying your daily activities prevents you from undoing the progress you've made. This approach not only enhances the effectiveness of your treatments but also improves your overall quality of life, giving you more pain-free days and the freedom to do what you love.
Adopt an Anti-Inflammatory Diet
What you eat can either fuel inflammation or help fight it. An anti-inflammatory diet is less about restriction and more about loading your plate with vibrant, nutrient-dense foods. Focus on incorporating things like berries, leafy greens (spinach and kale are fantastic), fatty fish rich in omega-3s like salmon, and healthy fats from nuts and avocados. These foods help calm your body’s inflammatory response from the inside out. Reducing processed foods, sugary drinks, and refined carbs can also have a huge impact on your pain levels and joint stiffness. Think of it as giving your body the best possible building blocks to support the healing prompted by your regenerative medicine treatments.
Manage Your Weight
Carrying even a little extra weight can place a surprising amount of stress on your joints, especially your hips and knees. In fact, every extra pound you carry puts about four pounds of additional pressure on your knees. The good news is that even a modest weight loss can lead to a significant reduction in pain and a major improvement in mobility. This doesn't mean you need to go on a drastic diet. Making small, sustainable changes to your eating habits and activity levels can add up over time. If you need support, our team can help you create a plan that works for you, sometimes incorporating services like our medical weight loss injections to help you reach your goals safely.
Improve Sleep and Reduce Stress
Stress and poor sleep are a tough combination for anyone with arthritis. When you're stressed, your body releases hormones that can increase inflammation, making your symptoms worse. A lack of quality sleep robs your body of its prime time for tissue repair. Creating a simple, relaxing bedtime routine can make a world of difference. Try turning off screens an hour before bed, doing some gentle stretches, or practicing a few minutes of deep breathing. Finding healthy ways to manage daily stress—whether it's a walk outside, listening to music, or talking with a friend—can lower your pain levels and improve your overall sense of well-being.
Modify Activities to Protect Your Joints
Staying active is crucial for managing arthritis, but it’s important to move in ways that protect your joints, not punish them. This isn’t about giving up the activities you love, but rather finding smarter ways to do them. If you’re a runner, consider swapping a few runs for swimming or cycling, which are much easier on the joints. If you love to garden, use tools with thicker, padded handles to reduce strain on your hands. These small adjustments allow you to stay active while minimizing wear and tear. This approach works hand-in-hand with treatments like stretch therapy, helping you maintain the flexibility and mobility you’re working so hard to gain.
Explore Complementary Therapies
Beyond your primary treatments, several complementary therapies can offer significant relief and support your overall wellness plan. Think of these as powerful allies in your fight against arthritis pain and stiffness. They work alongside your main strategy to reduce symptoms, improve your range of motion, and help you feel more comfortable in your body. Integrating these approaches can create a more holistic and effective plan for managing your arthritis long-term.
Massage Therapy and Cupping
If you're dealing with the muscle tension and stiffness that often come with arthritis, massage therapy can be a game-changer. A skilled therapist can help relax tight muscles around your affected joints, which not only feels good but also improves circulation and can reduce pain. Similarly, cupping is a technique that uses suction to lift tissue, encouraging blood flow and releasing restrictions. Both methods are excellent for managing symptoms and are part of a comprehensive approach to therapeutic body work. They promote relaxation and can make a real difference in your daily comfort levels.
Heat and Cold Therapy
Sometimes the simplest solutions are the most effective, and that’s certainly true for heat and cold therapy. These are easy, at-home methods you can use to manage arthritis symptoms day-to-day. Applying heat, like with a heating pad or warm bath, helps relax muscles and increase blood flow, which is great for easing chronic stiffness. On the other hand, using a cold pack can reduce inflammation and numb the area, providing relief from sharp, acute pain. Learning to alternate between heat and cold therapy gives you a practical tool to manage flare-ups as they happen.
The Graston Technique
The Graston Technique is a specialized form of manual therapy that can be particularly helpful for arthritis. It uses unique stainless steel instruments designed to detect and treat soft tissue restrictions and scar tissue. For someone with arthritis, this targeted approach can help break down adhesions around the joints that limit movement and cause pain. By addressing these underlying tissue issues, the Graston Technique can improve your mobility and function. It’s a focused treatment that gets right to the source of soft tissue problems contributing to your discomfort.
Acupuncture and Other Methods
Acupuncture is another non-invasive option that has helped many people find relief from arthritis pain. This traditional practice involves inserting very thin needles into specific points on the body. The goal is to stimulate the body's natural painkillers and improve energy flow. Many studies and patient stories suggest it can be an effective tool for pain management and improving joint function. If you're looking for a different approach to add to your toolkit, acupuncture is worth considering as part of a well-rounded treatment plan.
Create Your Personalized Treatment Plan
Finding the right approach to managing arthritis is all about you. There’s no single magic bullet, which is why creating a personalized treatment plan is the most effective way to get lasting relief and improve your quality of life. Think of it as building your own unique roadmap to feeling better, one that considers your specific type of arthritis, your symptoms, your lifestyle, and your personal health goals.
This isn't a journey you have to take alone. The best plans are built through a partnership between you and your healthcare providers. By combining professional medical guidance with your own insights into what your body needs, you can develop a comprehensive strategy that addresses your pain from multiple angles. This might involve a mix of advanced medical treatments, physical therapies, and simple lifestyle adjustments. The key is to find the combination that works for your body and fits seamlessly into your life, allowing you to regain control and get back to the activities you love.
Work with Your Healthcare Team
Your relationship with your healthcare team is the foundation of your treatment plan. A successful strategy starts with a thorough evaluation to understand exactly what’s happening in your joints. This often includes a physical exam and may involve diagnostic tools like digital x-rays to get a clear picture of your joint health.
From there, it becomes a collaborative process. Be open about your goals, your daily challenges, and what you hope to achieve. Your provider can then help you tailor a treatment plan that aligns with your needs. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and share feedback. You are the expert on your own body, and your input is essential for creating a plan that truly works for you.
Combine Different Treatment Methods
The most effective arthritis management plans often use a multi-faceted approach. Instead of relying on a single treatment, combining different methods can create a powerful synergistic effect, enhancing your overall results. For example, you might find that innovative regenerative medicine therapies that help repair tissue work even better when paired with hands-on treatments that improve flexibility and strength.
Think of it as building a toolkit. You might use injections to reduce inflammation, stretch therapy to restore mobility, and dietary changes to support your body’s healing processes. By layering different strategies, you can address pain, improve function, and support your long-term joint health all at once. This comprehensive approach gives you more tools to manage your symptoms and live more comfortably.
Track Your Progress and Adjust as Needed
Managing a chronic condition like arthritis is a dynamic process, not a one-time fix. Your needs can change over time, so it’s important to view your treatment plan as a living document that can be adjusted as you go. Keeping a simple journal to track your pain levels, mobility, and how you feel after certain activities or treatments can provide valuable insights.
Regular check-ins with your healthcare provider are crucial. These appointments are the perfect time to discuss what’s working, what isn’t, and any new challenges you’re facing. Remember, some days will be better than others, and that’s completely normal. The goal is to stay engaged, listen to your body, and be willing to fine-tune your approach to ensure you’re always on the best path toward feeling your best.
When Is It Time to Consider Surgery?
While our focus is on powerful non-surgical solutions, it’s also important to be realistic about the journey with arthritis. For some, there may come a time when surgery becomes the most effective option for restoring quality of life. Thinking about surgery isn’t a sign of failure; it’s simply another step you can take to get back to feeling your best. The decision is deeply personal and depends entirely on your unique situation, your pain levels, and your goals.
The first step is always getting a clear picture of what’s happening inside the joint. A thorough evaluation, which might include digital x-rays or other imaging, gives your medical team the information they need to guide you. While advanced therapies can work wonders, the ultimate goal is to find the path that offers you the most lasting relief and function. For some, that path may eventually lead to a surgical consultation.
Signs Your Current Plan Isn't Enough
The clearest sign it might be time to talk about surgery is when your pain is no longer just an annoyance—it's a barrier. According to the Arthritis Foundation, "The best time to think about surgery is when your daily pain stops you from doing the things you want and need to do." If arthritis consistently keeps you from your job, hobbies, or simple daily activities, your current plan may not be enough. While waiting to have surgery usually doesn't cause more harm to the joint, there are exceptions. If you notice your arthritis is worsening very quickly or the shape of your joint is changing, it’s time to have a serious conversation with your doctor.
Key Factors in the Decision
Making the call to have surgery is a big step, and several factors come into play. For some people, even after exploring many non-surgical osteoarthritis treatments, surgery becomes the best choice for a better quality of life. While waiting is often safe, it can become risky if your condition is declining rapidly or if other health issues arise. Continuing with treatments that aren’t providing relief can delay a necessary surgery and, in some cases, may even introduce new problems. Ultimately, this is a decision you’ll make with your healthcare team after carefully weighing the potential benefits against the risks for your specific situation.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know which non-surgical treatment is right for my arthritis? Finding the right treatment starts with a clear diagnosis. Since "arthritis" covers so many different conditions, the first step is working with a healthcare professional to understand the specific cause of your joint pain, which often involves a physical exam and diagnostic imaging. From there, the best plan for you will depend on your symptoms, your lifestyle, and your personal goals. The most effective strategies often combine different approaches, so a personalized plan is key to getting the best results.
Are advanced treatments like PRP and stem cell therapy actually safe? Yes, these treatments have a strong safety profile, largely because they harness your body's own healing abilities. PRP therapy, for example, uses a concentration of platelets from your own blood, which virtually eliminates the risk of an allergic reaction. Other regenerative therapies, like stem cell and exosome treatments, are sourced and processed under strict safety protocols. The goal of these therapies is to work with your body in the most natural way possible to promote healing.
How long will it be before I feel better? The timeline for relief really varies from person to person and depends on the treatment you choose. Some therapies, like manual therapy or a corticosteroid injection, can provide noticeable relief fairly quickly. Regenerative treatments, however, work differently. They are designed to help your body repair tissue on a cellular level, which is a gradual process. You might start to feel improvements within a few weeks, but the full benefits can continue to develop over several months as your body heals.
Can I still exercise with arthritis, or will it make things worse? Not only can you exercise, but you absolutely should. Movement is one of the best things you can do for arthritic joints, but the key is choosing the right kind of activity. High-impact exercises can be jarring, so it's better to focus on low-impact options like swimming, cycling, or walking. Working with a professional to develop a therapeutic exercise program can also help you strengthen the muscles that support your joints, which reduces pain and improves stability without causing further damage.
What's the main difference between regenerative medicine and something like a cortisone shot? The biggest difference is the goal of the treatment. A cortisone shot is a powerful anti-inflammatory that works by shutting down the inflammatory response in the joint to provide temporary pain relief. It's very effective for managing symptoms. Regenerative medicine, on the other hand, aims to address the underlying cause of the pain by helping your body repair and regenerate the damaged tissue. Instead of just masking the problem, it's a long-term strategy focused on healing from the inside out.
