Arthritis affects many of our patients, and across the UK 10 million people struggle with this condition. With Arthritis Care Week coming up Tom Ward, osteopath from our Epsom clinic, explains what arthritis is and how osteopathy for arthritis can help manage the pain and stiffness of this condition. Tom says. “I see a lot of people from all backgrounds with arthritis. A diagnosis doesn’t mean you have to live with worsening pain. Osteopathy for arthritis can help you manage your symptoms and find relief from pain.”
What is arthritis?
There are actually several different types of arthritis, but the most common types are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Osteoarthritis is the medical term for a degenerative condition that includes inflammation from ‘wear and tear’ to the joints. The covering of cartilage over the bones is worn down, causing pain on movement and some erosion of bone tissue in the joints. It is most often experienced in the over 50s and affects more women than men.
The most commonly affected joints are in the spine, hips, knees, feet and hands. The symptoms include:
- Pain and stiffness around the joints
- Limited range of movement
- Changes in posture, walking, grip strength
- Muscle spasm
- Bony regrowth
- Swelling
Rheumatoid arthritis is an auto-immune disease, causing chronic inflammation of the joints throughout the body. The synovial membranes within the joint are attacked by the body’s own white cells (antibodies), causing redness and swelling. This results in degeneration of the bone tissue. Systemic (body-wide) symptoms such as fever can also arise with this condition.
Why choose osteopathy for arthritis?
Although an osteopath cannot cure arthritis, treatment can support pain relief and increase the range of movement of the arthritic joints. We also offer advice on exercise and lifestyle to help manage the symptoms. Treatment may include soft-tissue massage, gentle traction, stretching and mobilisation of the joints.
Improving circulation
A fundamental principle of osteopathy is that ‘circulation is king’. By boosting circulation we bring fresh supplies of oxygenated, nutrient-rich blood to the area around the painful joint. This will reduce inflammation and support the bone and muscle tissue to work effectively.
Mobilise the arthritic joint
Stiff and immobile joints strain the surrounding musculoskeletal structures, causing more pain. Osteopathic treatment can mobilise the arthritic joint within a patient’s pain-free ranges to maintain or increase their range of motion. Joint articulation techniques aim to support the ligaments around the joint to move more effectively, while soft tissue massage helps to alleviate pain and stiffness that has built up around the joint.
Biomechanics
Your osteopath will assess the biomechanics above and below the painful joint. Osteopathic techniques will support the movement of these joints and their associated muscles, relieving the strain on the painful joint. Any postural or structural imbalances that throw excess weight on the joint can also be corrected.
Tailored advice
Your osteopath can provide tailored advice on therapeutic exercise and lifestyle changes that will ease the symptoms of arthritis. It’s important to stay active and mobile to keep the muscles around the joint toned and strong. This will support the joint to bear weight and remain flexible. Certain foods may cause a flare-up of inflammation in the body – osteopaths can offer advice on what foods to avoid.
Versus Arthritis offers some generic exercises on their website that some people may find helpful.
Get in touch
For an assessment of your joint health and symptoms, and a personalised treatment plan to help you manage the pain and distress of arthritis, call Tom in our Epsom clinic today.
