Arthritis affects 46 million Americans – about one of every four of us. In previous generations, the effects of arthritis were considered simply as part of aging. That meant no one allotted much time or thought to management of the symptoms.

Now we can use methods such as brain imaging to look at the effects of pain and at the effects of cognitive and mindfulness techniques on pain.

Some of the newest research has differentiated physical pain from the mental anguish caused by our response to pain. Simply put, we can focus on the physiology of the pain – how it feels on our bodies, in our bodies. We can also focus on how “old” the pain makes us feel, how scared we are of the pain, how betrayed we feel by our bodies, or how sad we feel to be burdened with the pain, in this case the pain of arthritis.

By focusing merely on the reality of chronic physiological pain, we remove the other layers and allow our awareness to decipher the pain. This is different from “wallowing” in the pain, which is emotional – or enjoying pain, which is also an aberrant response. It is simply focusing on why the pain starts and ends – and the heat, sharpness, throbbing, itching, and stretching of it. In this way, you come to know your pain rather than succumbing to it. Mindfulness techniques are very useful with this manner of dealing with pain.

The opposite way to deal with pain is to distract yourself by engaging in an array of alternative activities that move focus from the pain into a healthy area. Imagine the patient who may have painful arthritis in the knee area, but finds great pleasure in knitting and forgets about the pain. This utilizes another ability of the brain to focus. (Yes, so much of our lives are based on ability to focus.) By focusing on the yarn and the repetitive knotting that is knitting, the focus is removed from the knee pain, bringing a respite from the irritation, the inflammation, the sensation.

The bottom line is choosing to focus on the pain while removing yourself from the emotional baggage or distracting yourself from pain by focusing on other activities using body parts that are not compromised.

Helpful choices: Experiment and teach yourself about focusing. And as always in our world check out the Internet – see mindfulness.com for some good beginning ideas.

Ann M. Pardo, MA, LPC

When arthritis inflames within or around a joint, the result is an intense experience of pain, heat, redness, swelling and loss of function.  With an expert clinician, we can understand the type of arthritis and its relationship to inflammation.  Regrettably, the results of prescriptions to block the inflammation process may meet with mixed results.  This was my experience when I severely injured my knee when running from first to second base (no, I was not playing baseball but instead a “friendly” game of kickball).  Despite many great options from many physicians and therapists, my life had been humbled with the talk of me taking a desk job or being placed on disability.

Although I had honored the opportunities to prevent illness with a balanced lifestyle, I was about to learn of its power to offer health and healing as I shared time with many different experts in the field of Integrative Medicine. They complemented the healing opportunities offered by my team of world class physicians and in some cases much beyond.  Thus, on my path to health and healing, I am blessed to have been guided by experts in the fields of:

• Physical Therapy
• Chiropractoric Medicine
• Neuromuscular Therapy
• McKenzie Therapy
• Herbals
• Hydration
• Anti-Inflammatory Diet
• Probiotics
• Food Sensitivities
• Supplements
• Acupuncture
• Healing Touch
• Sleep
• Core Strengthening
• Aquatic Therapy
• Interval Training
• Comprehensive Strength Training
• Massage and Body Treatments
• Tai Chi
• Qi Gong
• Yoga
• Dancing
• Expressive Arts
• Meditation
• Breathing Exercises
• Spirituality

Having been immersed in such an experience of Integrative Medicine, I have learned of opportunities to be incorporated on a daily basis as well as the great tools in times of illness and injury.  As a physician and as a patient, my life has changed as a result of arthritis and integrative medicine—and for the better… The opportunity to practice medicine at Canyon Ranch and be part of focused health weeks such as Thriving with Arthritis Week is truly special.  I hope that you can seek the spectrum of options and the hope that they offer.

Cheers to your health,

Param Dedhia

As a medical doctor, I truly love being an internal medicine physician for it has often been called the foundation for which modern medicine has been built.  Yet I also know from experiences as a clinician and as a patient that the benefits of therapy and treatments can vary from individual to individual.  One of my favorite quotes to share on medical rounds was Abraham Maslov’s words of wisdom:

“If your tool is hammer then you tend to see every problem as a nail.”

Thus, the journey of health and healing requires that we have a tool belt with additional options and opportunities.  We call this ‘tool belt’ an integrative medicine approach.  Today, integrative medicine blends classically trained M.D. physicians with nutritionists, chefs, exercise physiologists, fitness instructors, behavioral psychologists, chiropractors, neuromuscular therapists, Chinese medicine practitioners, acupuncturists, energy medicine practitioners, massage therapists, nature guides, and expert instructors of dance, yoga, qi gong, & tai chi.

As a integrative medicine physician and patient, it is simply special to be part of a robust and engaging experience while being honored as a truly unique and whole person in the realms of mind, body and spirit.  The ability to address the challenges of both sickness and illness while always promoting the joy of wellness, health and prevention allows for a special journey.  Wishing you the opportunity to wear a tool belt of health and healing.

Cheers to your health,

Param Dedhia