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What is arthritis?
Broadly, arthritis may be divided into two types
- degenerative and inflammatory.
Degenerative or OSTEOARTHRITIS
is the commonest form, sometimes called 'wear
and tear' and is usually localised to a specific
site such as the hips, knees or spine. Its classic
features of pain, stiffness and restricted mobility
may often be eased and improved with skilled osteopathic
treatment. Inflammatory arthritis such as RHEUMATOID
ARTHRITIS is generally a systemic disease
affecting not just joints but the whole body.
Like osteoarthritis it produces severe pain, stiffness
and often deformity. Osteopathy may be helpful
in addition to medication.
Arthritis
You don't necessarily have to live with any of
these.
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Neck pain |
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Low back pain |
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Hip pain |
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Early morning stiffness |
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Pain |
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Swelling |
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Lack of mobility |
Remember
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Osteopaths treat
patients with arthritis every day. |
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You may not have to put up with
your pain. |
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Osteopaths can advise on good
posture. |
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Osteopaths can help you with
treatment and advise on self help. |
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Osteopaths are highly skilled
practitioners. |
Why osteopathy?
Osteopathic treatment can do a great deal to
reduce pain, ease swelling and improve mobility
and range of joint movement.
There are many popular misconceptions about arthritis.
For example: 'Degenerative change on x-rays means
that nothing can be done. Pain killers or anti-inflammatories
are the only answer'.
In fact, joint wear and tear is normal after
the age of 35 and joint degeneration is not equivalent
to pain. The osteopath may well require x-rays,
blood tests or even MRI scans to assess the extent
of your condition. Treatment is not painful and
often, symptom relief begins immediately.
Treatment
Treatment is aimed at improving mobility and
reducing inflammation by using gentle, manual
osteopathic techniques on joints, muscles and
ligaments.
You will be given positive advice related to
your lifestyle about how you use your body. Age
is no barrier to osteopathy since each patient
is considered individually and treatment is gentle.
You may also be given advice about your diet,
which in some people may be a factor in their
arthritis.
Exercises to do at home may also be prescribed
to improve joint function and to reduce muscle
spasm. Exercise in warm water or salt baths may
also be recommended.
Osteopathy is not a cure-all and there are situations
when surgery may be necessary - such as hip replacement
when you will be referred to a specialist via
your GP. However, osteopathy can help with rehabilitatian
after surgery.
If you have other questions that we have not
answered here, don't hesitate to contact
us!.
Further Information
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