Susan's Journey: Finding Lasting Relief from Joint Pain with COPT's Holistic Care
Susan’s Journey: Finding Lasting Relief from Joint Pain with COPT’s Holistic Care
Joint discomfort can make even the simplest daily activities a challenge. This case study follows a 54-year-old patient, Susan, who struggled with chronic joint pain for years until she turned to Comprehensive Orthopedic Physical Therapy (COPT) in Somerset, NJ for help. With a customized treatment plan that combined physical therapy, targeted stretches, and acupuncture, Susan was able to regain her mobility and reduce her pain significantly. Here, we share her journey, timeframe, treatment plan, and the approach used to help her live pain-free once again.
The Initial Evaluation
When Susan first came to COPT, her main complaints were persistent joint stiffness and pain in her knees and lower back. The pain had slowly intensified over the past five years, significantly affecting her ability to exercise and enjoy outdoor activities. After a thorough evaluation, the COPT team identified decreased flexibility, muscle imbalances, and joint inflammation as the main contributing factors to her discomfort.
Timeframe and Treatment Goals
The team at COPT set an initial timeframe of 12 weeks for Susan’s comprehensive treatment program, with the goals of reducing pain, improving joint flexibility, and restoring her ability to perform daily activities without discomfort. Her treatment plan was designed to address both the physical and holistic aspects of her joint pain.
Treatment Plan and Approach
1. Physical Therapy and Stretches
Physical therapy played a key role in Susan’s treatment plan. Susan attended two sessions per week with her physical therapist, focusing on exercises to strengthen the muscles surrounding her joints and improve overall stability. These sessions included:
- Strengthening Exercises: Specific exercises targeted her quadriceps, hamstrings, and core muscles to provide better support for her knees and lower back.
- Range-of-Motion Stretches: Susan was guided through a series of stretches designed to improve joint mobility and reduce stiffness. Stretches such as hamstring stretches, knee-to-chest stretches, and cat-cow movements were prescribed for her to do daily at home.
2. Acupuncture
Acupuncture sessions were also incorporated into Susan’s treatment to address inflammation and pain from a holistic standpoint. Once a week, Susan received acupuncture targeting specific points related to her knee and lower back discomfort. Acupuncture helped release endorphins—her body’s natural painkillers—and improved her overall relaxation, which further reduced her pain levels.
Patient Participation and Progress
Susan was committed to her treatment plan, consistently attending all of her scheduled sessions and diligently practicing her prescribed exercises at home. Her dedication played a major role in the positive outcome of her therapy.
After the first four weeks, Susan began to notice a decrease in her joint pain and stiffness. By week eight, she was able to walk for longer periods without discomfort and even resumed light jogging—something she hadn’t been able to do for years. By the end of the 12-week program, Susan experienced an 80% reduction in joint pain and reported a significant improvement in her overall mobility and quality of life.
Conclusion: A Holistic Approach to Pain Relief
Susan’s journey at Comprehensive Orthopedic Physical Therapy in Somerset, NJ shows how an integrated approach can yield impressive results. By combining physical therapy, targeted stretches, and acupuncture, COPT was able to address the root causes of Susan’s joint discomfort and provide her with the tools she needed for long-term relief.
