Seeking out a doctor who will likely confirm that our joints are aging is not necessarily something that is going to increase our self-esteem. But it may give you an idea of what to expect.

Let's take a look at what you might anticipate when you decide to go for medical treatment.

What To Expect

First visit, new doctor: An orthopedic doctor will inform you of the ups and downs of your pain. He'll remind you, too, that you're not as young as you used to be. (Having a good time, yet?)

Probably, the doc will suggest that you adjust your life-style. He will want some testing just to be sure that 'he's sure' before delivering a diagnosis to you.

Now, you can ask 'Why' but you may not get an answer. Doctors just order the Tests. It's their job! Maybe you'll get the results at a later visit.

Your Examination

Doctor's strategy: Prescription medication to alleviate your pain first. He already knows that you really hurt or you would not be visiting him!

He will, no doubt, lay down the law. Keep that sore joint moving, no matter what it takes. 'Resting' it only adds to your chances of needing more appointments.

Remember, you decided to see the doctor to make things better!

Your Treatment Plan

Here's a doctor's common treatment plan for your pain to get better.

1) Reduce the inflammation in the painful joint. (That medicine he gave you does this.) This'll get you to succeed with step 2.

2) Go to physical therapy to hurt some more so your pained back, knee shoulder, etc. can be whipped back into functioning as well as it can.

Then therapists take the doctor's orders. They design an exercise program to fit your diagnosis. You keep at these tasks for about a month.

Therapists call or fax the physician so he can decide if therapy is helping you or not. And back you go to the doctor to start all over again.

The Moral Of Your Story

You finally realize you are in charge of your pain if you want to get rid of it. The doctor visit, diagnosis, and therapy are just steps in a process.

Conservative action may be all you need to ease that cranky joint problem. A reputable specialist would consider more drastic treatment only if you had

little pain relief.

Recovery, under your control, increases self-esteem rather than diminishing it! A positive attitude keeps you feeling young!