103. Keep the Adventure Alive - Managing Arthritis | Dr. Alyssa Kuhn

2024-01-16

Think arthritis means the end of an active life? Think again! In this episode, Dr. Andrew Fix is joined by Dr. Alyssa Kuhn, a physical therapist specializing in osteoarthritis. Dr. Kuhn, founder of Keep the Adventure Alive, sheds light on common misconceptions about arthritis and shares valuable insights into its effective management. Dr. Kuhn's expertise in osteoarthritis stems from her observations in home care physical therapy, where she noticed a widespread belief that surgery was the only solution for arthritis. She emphasizes that arthritis, specifically...

Dr. Kuhn's expertise in osteoarthritis stems from her observations in home care physical therapy, where she noticed a widespread belief that surgery was the only solution for arthritis. She emphasizes that arthritis, specifically osteoarthritis, is more than just joint pain and stiffness and that diagnosis should consider more than just x-rays or MRIs.

The episode explores the significant impact of language on the mindset and treatment outcomes for people with arthritis. Dr. Kuhn encourages individuals to seek out accurate information and take an active role in managing their condition.

Dr. Fix and Dr. Kuhn delve into the importance of lifestyle factors in controlling arthritis. They discuss the effectiveness of targeted exercises, including single-leg strength and power training, and the benefits of varied exercise routines for the body's adaptation and health. The conversation also covers the roles of nutrition, sleep, and mindset in arthritis management. Dr. Kuhn advises focusing on whole, natural foods and limiting processed sugars, and highlights the importance of being well-informed about arthritis for making empowered health decisions.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to understand arthritis better and learn practical ways to manage and prevent the condition. It emphasizes a holistic approach, blending movement, nutrition, sleep, and a positive mindset, to not only manage arthritis but also promote overall health and well-being.

Quotes:

• “You can absolutely prevent the progression of the condition, which is another myth that a lot of people don't understand. This idea of bone on bone is one of those things that can send people down a black hole of symptoms. And it can send people down a black hole of thoughts. Like, okay, it basically insinuates there's nothing you can do. And a lot of times, unfortunately, healthcare providers, healthcare professionals are further cementing this idea.” (12:18 | Dr. Alyssa Kuhn)

• “Your body needs to move in different ways. You have to incorporate moving sideways, moving backwards, moving in different directions to challenge muscles differently. Your joints need support on all sides.” (34:05 | Dr. Alyssa Kuhn)

• “If you're not making progress with pain relief, it's looking at four basic things. There are more but these are probably four of the main ones. Food is one of them and what you're regularly eating. Movement is another and we've talked about that extensively. Sleep is the third one. And really just your overall mindset, we can kind of encompass that with the stress or anxiety that you're experiencing. It really just comes down to your thoughts and just your mental headspace.” (41:51 | Dr. Alyssa Kuhn)

Links

Connect with Dr. Alyssa Kuhn:

Website: https://keeptheadventurealive.com/jumpstart

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adventurealive/

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