Non-Surgical Treatment for Osteoarthritis

There’s nothing more frustrating than dealing with a back or joint problem that doesn’t go away. And even more disappointing is the pain that keeps you from doing the activities you enjoy the most. Seeking a diagnosis and treatment from health care providers can solve the problem and is a necessary first step. But all too often, especially when it involves osteoarthritis, the answer is challenging.

What is Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis, sometimes called degenerative joint disease or “wear and tear” arthritis. 

OA is a chronic disorder associated with damage to the articular cartilage and surrounding tissues and characterized by pain, stiffness, and loss of function. With OA, the cartilage within a joint begins to break down, and the underlying bone begins to degrade. This degradation usually develops slowly and gets worse over time and can cause pain, stiffness, and swelling – reducing the ability to perform daily tasks, work, or sports activities, including even simple body movements in our daily activities. 

Osteoarthritis commonly affects the hands, spine, and large weight-bearing joints such as hips and knees. A study published in The Lancet (August 21, 2023) reveals that the most common form of arthritis is osteoarthritis, which affects 15% of the global population over 30 years old. According to the World Health Organization, the knee is the most frequently affected joint, followed by the hip and the hand.

What Causes Osteoarthritis?

One might think, “I am just getting older; I should expect arthritis to be inevitable.” Well, the fact is that many variables can contribute to the development of osteoarthritis—especially as we get past 40 years of age—such as a history of injury or overuse, being overweight, and/or lacking physical strength. 

Once a knee, hip, or back problem becomes chronic, the pain and loss of movement in function restrict the ability to participate in meaningful activities, leading to a lower overall sense of well-being. Sometimes, joint replacement surgery for severe cases is the only avenue to regain mobility and reduce pain with daily living activities. 

What Can I Do to Alleviate Osteoarthritis Symptoms without Surgery?

Here are some tips for treating osteoarthritis symptoms without surgery.

Embrace a Healthy Lifestyle

Exercise and healthy eating can build strong muscles and manage weight, which can help reduce symptoms. You may find that trying to do more movement, particularly exercise, is challenging because it is usually uncomfortable or hurts. Nonetheless, it is an essential factor in recovery. If joint instability is present, wear braces or supportive aids to help stabilize the joint when in motion. 

Try Electrical Stimulation

Many of us are familiar with electrical stimulation devices. The origin of electrical stimulation dates back to 1974 when Dr. C. Norman Shealy, an American neurosurgeon, invented TENS units (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) to help block pain signals from reaching the brain.

Researchers have focused on other electrical stimulation devices to help relax and reactivate muscles into normal function. Over the past few decades, they have applied more research to PEMF (pulsed electromagnetic field) therapy. Much has been learned about harnessing this research into a unique breakthrough technology to deliver deep electrical field joint stimulation assisted by heat, penetrating directly into the joint, which reduces inflammation and pain caused by osteoarthritis.

A New Research-Driven Therapeutic Device 

Enter NovoPulse®, an FDA-listed therapeutic device. The company has six issued proprietary patents designed to provide a combination of electrical and thermal stimulation. The device produces a deep electric field that penetrates over 7 centimeters, targeting the body’s joints and spinal disc cartilage.

NovoPulse® is safe, drugless, noninvasive, and easy to use. Just 30 minutes per day delivers effective treatment, and significant relief is typical within the first eight weeks. It can be placed on any area of the body and used in the comfort of your home. It is also a qualified expense under health savings accounts.

Discover more about NovoPulse® at www.novo-pulse.com. Use Discount Code FYI50SAVE10 to enjoy a 10% reader discount, including free shipping.