Product Description
According to conventional wisdom, arthritis pain is an inevitable part of aging. Not so, says Dr. Grant Cooper in this practical, accessible guide. For those who do develop osteoarthritic conditions, this book offers a blend of commonsense advice, dietary info, targeted exercise, and tips on useful supplements. According to the author, sufferers can often entirely avoid the use of medication, injection therapy, and surgery — approaches that, when necessary, can be used as an opportunity to return to exercise and nutrition to slow the disease’s progress. The book features easy, illustrated exercises, including aerobics and strength training, that can be done at home, at a gym, or under a trainer’s or physical therapist’s supervision. Nutritional and supplement strategies — including glucosamine and fish oil — are presented in detail, along with suggestions for ways to keep on track. Dr. Cooper not only explores each topic in depth but explains how it fits into an overall holistic treatment program.

CUSTOMER REVIEWS (Average Customer Rating: 4.5 based on 8 reviews)

Dr. Grant Cooper is an excellent writer and a masterful teacher. by Rachel Smith Manrique (Bellingham, WA USA)

4 Stars
June 29, 2008
Dr. Grant Cooper is an excellent writer and a masterful teacher. His book is better at making arthritis understandable than, for example, Arthritis for Dummies. Furthermore, it is shorter and more readable than the "Dummies" title. Dr. Cooper spells out all the key concepts in the first chapters; he goes into detail later. The sections on nutrition, dietary supplements and exercise are particularly strong. Pages 95-107 are devoted to specific exercises, with photos. I wish Dr. Cooper had included some aquatic exercises in this section but I think I understand why he didn't. He stresses that the best exercises are the ones people will actually do. Exercises that can be done at home are certainly the most convenient. Still, I think the next edition of The Arthritis Handbook should be expanded to include specific aquatic exercises, illustrated by line drawings. I recommend The Arthritis Handbook as an excellent "first book" for arthritic patients. You'll learn, for example, why your joints are so stiff upon getting out of bed in the morning, why a good diet and regular exercise are so important and what causes the pain and inflammation in arthritic joints.

Live a pain free, drug free, coexistence with arthritis by Reader Views (Austin, Texas)

5 Stars
May 23, 2008
Reviewed by William Phenn for Reader Views (5/08) A medical doctor that has devoted his life to the study of arthritis, Dr. Cooper became interested in this disease as a child. Seeing his own grandmother suffer the pain and debilitating effects of this crippler was his inspiration. Working at New York's "Beth Israel Medical Center" in the Orthopedics Department, Dr. Grant Cooper specializes in the care of people with spine, sports and musculoskeletal problems. "The Arthritis Handbook" is a five-part, 224-page book that will change the lives of arthritis sufferers everywhere. Dr. Cooper has broken it down to a combination of three vital elements. These three elements are diet, exercise and carefully selected supplements to a healthy diet. Dr. Cooper shows you how you can do much more to ease your pain than just taking pills. He does not advocate discontinuance of such drugs as are prescribed; he just gives the reader alternatives. In Part I, he defines: Osteoarthritis and how it develops in the human body. The role obesity plays in damaging the cushioning properties of cartilage. How the additional weight puts undue pressure on these joints, causing damage to the cushion. Part II deals with nutrition and the benefits of eating a healthy diet. Grant stresses such things as more fruits and vegetables, less red meat and more fish. The depth and concise detail that these topics covered kept me very interested. I enjoyed the way he explained the diet and what each part played toward a healthy body. Part III explained the importance of exercise and the types of exercise one should do to help ease the pain of this disease. He covers this portion of the book with many photographs and an in-depth discussion. So in-depth is his coverage of this important area that he dedicates about a third of the book to it. Stretching, Strength Training, Aerobics, specific knee and hip exercises and lifestyle changes are just some of the topics covered. Part IV describes what Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate are and what part they play in the health of the human body. Part V is the one we all fear, "Medical and Surgical Options." Dr. Cooper gives an insight into medications, injections and surgery. Explaining the benefits and drawbacks of these procedures, he lets the reader know what can be expected. I thoroughly enjoyed this amazing book and recommend it highly to anyone that has this disease and wants to know more, or has a loved one that has this crippling debilitator. "The Arthritis Handbook" is very well written and presented, in-depth examples and explanations, good pictures and quality printing earned this book my highest A+ rating. Buy it, read it and live well by following Dr. Cooper's recommendations.

outstanding comprehensive review by A.J. (New York, NY)

5 Stars
May 05, 2008
Dr. Cooper has provided an extensive comprehensive review that all people may benefit from. Very clearly written easy to understand and easy to refer back to again and again. Would definitely recommend to all people of all ages. The average layperson all the way up to a medical professional may find this book extremely useful.

Encouragement to Take Charge of Osteoarthritis by TC Fields (North Carolina)

4 Stars
January 27, 2008
In the Arthritis Handbook Dr. Cooper presents a take charge approach for individuals suffering with osteoarthritis. His plan focuses on managing the symptoms of osteoarthritis using nutrition, exercise, and dietary supplements, while recommending surgery and medication only when other approaches have failed. I am most impressed that Dr. Cooper recommends complimentary approaches to managing arthritis such as the practice of Tai Chi, which is also endorsed by the Arthritis Foundation. The book is not a typical arthritis help book - it is peppered with personal and cultural references that are as informative as they are amusing. The book also includes a glossary to help readers understand medical terminology and a list of websites for readers to learn more about osteoarthritis. Overall, the best aspect of the book is that it encourages patients to communicate with healthcare professionals, and notes key times when patients should seek professional advice. Despite the fact that the information in the book is sound, the book is somewhat disorganized and at times seems to be addressing two separate audiences. Also, I would have liked to have seen a detailed reference list of the studies described in the book. Ultimately these stylistic shortfalls do not detract from the promising message of the book - osteoarthritis can be managed by lifestyle changes that are described in the book.

Informative, practical, excellent by Dr. K.

5 Stars
January 27, 2008
The Arthritis Handbook is an easy read and very informative. If you have osteoarthritis (wear-and-tear arthritis), you need to read this book. It explains what osteoarthritis is, and how you can take simple steps to treat it. The nutrition and exercise sections are excellent. The pictures make following the exercises very easy. Other treatments, like supplements, medications, injections, and even surgery are discussed in language that I could easily follow. I enjoyed reading this book and think you will, too. I wish I had found this book years ago! But, better late than never.

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