Arthritis
This is perhaps one of the most commonly used words by patients with any joint pain. More often than not it is used without a clear understanding of what it is. Arthritis refers to inflammation of a joint.
What Is Arthritis?
The types of arthritis include: osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, ankylosing spondylitis, scleroderma and systemic lupus erythematosus. The most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.There are two main types, osteo and rheumatoid:
Osteoarthritis is often explained as “wear and tear” to the joint, which is true to a certain extent. But what has brought on this “wear and tear” and why only that joint? Well, it can be put down to occupation (i.e. the body being used repetitively in the same way) as well as obesity (more pressure on the joint surfaces), however, sometimes it is due to altered postural and biomechanics (movement of the body). This can be caused by a past trauma, growth patterns and even as far back as the most traumatic experience in any ones life – the birthing process. Symptoms include tenderness and stiffness, which are somewhat relieved after a period of movement. Osteoarthritis is degenerative joint condition sometimes called ‘wear and tear’ affecting the spine, hips, knees, feet, and hands.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a more complex, it is an autoimmune condition, i.e. one in which the body’s immune system attacks the body’s own tissue. It usually affects the whole body, particularly the membranes of the joints. The joints typically affected are the hands and feet, wrists, ankles and knees. These tend to be warm, tender and swollen, and the skin over the joint will take on a ruddy purplish hue. Joint deformities occur in the hands and feet, as the disease progresses.
David as an Osteopath is highly skilled in helping patients with the effects of conditions appropriately. As the symptoms are produced largely by the inflammation around the joint, specific movements and treatment techniques can be extremely effective. By encouraging the movement of fluid around the joints and tissues, this helps to remove the inflammatory substances. In the elderly, minimal treatment can often have profound effect in reducing the pain.
David as an Osteopath will also address diet and lifestyle in order to help control the symptoms experienced.
Arthritis may be hereditary but is generally caused by poor posture, heavy manual work and previous injury.
Osteopathy is an effective way to manage arthritis and the associated symptoms:
Neck Pain
Low back pain
Hip/Knee Pain
Early morning stiffness
Joint Pain
Swelling and Inflamation
Referred muscle pain
Lack of mobility
Why Osteopathy?
- There is no cure for arthritis however osteopathic treatment can do a great deal to reduce pain, ease swelling and improve mobility and range of joint movement.
- Management focuses on eliminating symptoms through early diagnosis and improving lifestyle to prevent further degeneration.
- Osteopathic treatment involves gentle manual osteopathic techniques on joints, muscles and ligaments. This may involve gentle stretching, mobility, and traction techniques.
- Exercises to do at home may also be prescribed to improve joint function and to reduce muscle spasm.
- Provide immediate relief from symptoms
- Reduce pain and swelling
- Promote range of joint movement
- Improve mobility
- Assist in rehabilitation after surgery such as hip replacement
- Educate on how you can improve your quality of life through diet and nutritional support, posture, and exercise.