Arthritis Doctors Maryland
Rheumatoid Arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes swelling and pain in the joints. Typically, if there is swelling in one joint, it will be found in the same joint on the other side of your body. Paralleled inflammation in the body is a way for doctors to distinguish individuals suffering from rheumatoid arthritis.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
When the lining of the joints becomes inflamed it can cause painful swelling and long-lasting symptoms. This thin lining is called synovium. This inflammation can be a result of your immune system mistakenly attacking the healthy cells in your body. Eventually, this chronic inflammation can lead to permanent damage on the joints. This inflammation in the joints is referred to as Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA).
How It Effects The Body
Rheumatoid Arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes swelling and pain in the joints. Typically, if there is swelling in one joint, it will be found in the same joint on the other side of your body. Paralleled inflammation in the body is a way for doctors to distinguish individuals suffering from rheumatoid arthritis.
If you believe you are suffering from Rheumatoid Arthritis, or would like to discuss the therapies we offer, Dr. Jyothi Rao can evaluate your symptoms and create a treatment plan tailored for you.
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What does Shakthi Mean?
Shakthi (Shuk-thee) means Strength, Empowerment, and Agent of Change.
Frequently Asked Questions
We value the importance of the relationship between the doctor and the patient. That is why Dr. Jyothi Rao has taken the time to answer some of the most commonly asked questions at Shakthi Health & Wellness. View our FAQ page here.
What To Expect
Arthritis Specialists
Meet Our Doctors
Our team is composed of board certified medical doctors who are highly knowledgeable in the diagnosis and treatment of arthritis. Our Direct Primary Care model provides patients with in depth consults with each appointment without the restrictions of time limits and jumping through insurance hoops.
Jyothi Rao
MD, ABAAHP, FAARFM
Dr. Jyothi Rao has been practicing medicine for over 20 years. She received her Doctorate of Medicine (MD) from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey and completed her internship and residency at the prestigious New England Medical Center (Tufts) in Boston. Before opening Shakthi Health & Wellness Center, Dr. Rao practiced medicine in New York and Maryland.
Sudhir Rao
MD, ABAAHP
Dr. Sudhir Rao obtained his Medical Doctorate from St. George's University School of Medicine, and is the founder of Pain and Spine Specialists. Despite Dr. Rao's years of training focusing on traditional medicine, he developed a strong interest in Functional and Integrative Medicine to treat chronic illness with alternative methods after a personal experience with limitations in traditional medicine.
Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis?
- Joint pain
- Joint swelling
- Fatigue
- Joint stiffness
- Loss of joint mobility
While the symptoms of RA may vary from person to person, there are common bodily locations they may first appear. Early pain symptoms of RA manifest in the hands, moving towards the knuckles, wrists and elbows. However, RA can appear anywhere on your body including, toes, hips, and your ankles.
What Causes Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Because Rheumatoid Arthritis is an inflammation autoimmune disorder, one needs to understand what autoimmune disorders do to the body in order to receive effective treatment. When your body’s natural defensives start attacking the healthy cells and tissue, you are suffering from an autoimmune disorder. Your immune system mistakenly attacks your own body, wreaking havoc on the healthy tissue.
When your immune system begins acting abnormally (either with low activity or overactivity) healthy tissue can be damaged. This abnormality in the immune system causes the autoimmune disorder.
Because doctors don’t fully understand what causes autoimmune disorders, that means the direct cause of rheumatoid arthritis is not fully understood either. Other potential risk factors that enhance an individual's chances of developing RA are age (typically between 40-60), hereditary history, obesity, and harmful environments.
How Do You Treat Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Recognizing the symptoms is critical for effective care. Treatment for rheumatoid arthritis is most effective when detected and diagnosed early. After evaluation from your physician, and depending on the severity of your symptoms, you may be referred to a specialty doctor, a rheumatologist.
A rheumatologist is a physician with specialty training in the diagnoses and treatment of arthritis, and diseases in the joints, muscles, and bones. This allows the individual to begin treatment promptly and prevent further deterioration to their joints.
Treatment can vary from person to person. For most suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, a combination of treatments is required to manage symptoms and improve an individual’s quality of life. Common treatments include combinations of pharmacological approaches and home remedies. These include:
- Medications (NSAIDs, steroids, DMARDs)
- Physical therapy
- Surgery
- Healthy weight management
- Light exercise
- Acupuncture
- Massage therapy
- Cognitive therapy (to help you emotionally cope with your symptoms)
If left untreated, rheumatoid arthritis can spread to other regions of the body, wreaking havoc. It is important to begin treatment under the care of a medical professional who is skilled in identifying your symptoms correctly and providing effective treatment.
If you believe you are suffering from Rheumatoid Arthritis, or would like to discuss the therapies we offer, CALL Shakthi Health and Wellness Center today! With an Integrative Medicine approach, Dr. Jyothi Rao will evaluate your symptoms and create a treatment plan tailored for you. Speak with our dedicated staff to schedule your consultation and begin optimizing your body’s vitality. Call (301) 703-5067 and speak to our concierge staff today!
About Us
We believe in practicing medicine that focuses on whole body health. As integrative medicine doctors we focus our on root cause of your condition with comprehensive treatments that actually heal the body rather than just masking the symptoms of your illness.
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Patient Testimonials
Patient Testimonials
I started by seeing Dr. Sudhir Rao for my Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD) Syndrome. I had an accident in July 2010 that caused nerve damage in my ankle. After treatments and surgery, it spread up the entire left side of my body. The only way to describe how you feel is by saying you’re a human pinball machine ? you just never know where the pain is going to be that minute. I had asked about acupuncture because someone had told me that it worked for them. I was at the point of trying anything to lessen the pain because it was getting worse every day.
- Susan Doyle
I am actually a relatively healthy 50-year-old woman. I try to eat well and exercise, but I (like many) felt the creep of age in the form a subtle pounds and decreasing energy. Dr. Rao helped point me in the direction of the correct detox program for me (Core Restore!) as well as the supplements I needed to boost my metabolism and increase my energy! I still need to eat what works for me and avoid the things that don't, and I still have to exercise every day, but my clothes fit better and I have more energy!!
- Shakthi Patients
I came to see Dr. Rao with symptoms of chronic fatigue, abdominal pains, depression, and weight gain. I had seen a couple other doctors and they had found that I had very high inflammation levels and over 15 food allergies/sensitivities. They wanted me to just take prescription drugs, but I wanted more than a quick fix. I wanted my health and my life back! When I scheduled the appointment, I was surprised how by helpful Kelly was on the phone. I didn’t know the details of my insurance coverage and Kelly offered to call my insurance for me. I’ve never had anyone at a doctor’s office do that before.
- Anna Smoot
After visiting the Shakthi website and reading other patient testimonials, I was curious about the wide variety of treatments that were available. I have a very slow metabolism, was fatigued, had insomnia, back pain, and just didn’t feel as well as I wanted to in general. I had more allergic reactions and respiratory issues in the preceding months before coming to see Dr. Jyothi Rao. I had completed three courses of prednisone while under the treatment of my traditional doctor and was fed up with that cycle and was looking for another path.
- Debbie Helman
I was given the gift of Dr. Rao's primary care for Christmas in 2016. I didn?t take advantage of it until March of 2017. My mindset at the time was negative. I had heard about changing eating habits and I felt that I liked the foods I was eating and I was nearly 70, so why change now? After meeting with Dr. Rao and hearing her suggestions, I said I would take it one small step at a time and see what happens.
- Linda J.
I was in the worst shape of my life with depression and anxiety. I had given up. Shakthi provided me with a manageable plan that included supplements, diet, and an exercise program that has transformed my body and given me a new outlook on life. Perhaps the most surprising outcome was learning how to be healthy and have a good relationship with my body. I am now more productive, energetic, and focused. The fog that had been clouding my thoughts has lifted.
- Shakthi Patient
What To Expect
How Treatment Works
Our doctors and staff take time to get invested in your health and well-being. We've taken a step back from mainstream medicine and are challenging the norm. Everyone's healthcare needs are different. You are different. We believe patients shouldn't settle. Our practice is not a revolving door. We listen, and most importantly, we hear you.
Appointments
Appointments are conducted on an as-needed basis. Patients can expect appointments to be more thorough and focused on their needs. As direct primary care doctors, we see a limited number of patients which means each of our patients receives dedicated care without the concern of being “rushed” our of an appointment.
Diagnostic Testing
We offer patients scientifically backed health assessments to better understand the root causes of their health conditions. We evaluate any disruptions to your health and body to develop effective wellness plans to optimize your vitality. To learn more about the specific tests we offer visit this page here.
Costs Involved
Patients receive personalized and tailored care in exchange for a flat fee. Overall cost will be discussed during your initial consultation. Each subsequent appointment will not need to be individually paid for. All patients receive unlimited access to their physicians which leads to better overall health and wellness.
