Arthritic Pain Treatment

Osteopaths spend a vast amount of time helping with pain and suffering caused by arthritis.

Many people mistakenly assume that they must learn to live with their symptoms. In most cases, osteopaths are able to help considerably. Pain relief and lifestyle management improve the quality of life for arthritis sufferers.

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.
Osteoarthritis is degenerative joint condition sometimes called ‘wear and tear’ affecting the spine, hips, knees, feet, and hands.Rheumatoid arthritis is an auto-immune disease causing chronic inflammation of the joints in the overall body.

Symptoms of arthritis

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. Arthritis can cause symptoms of neck, lower back, hip and knee pain as well as joint stiffness and inflammation.

How can Osteopathy help?

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. Exercise in warm water or salt baths may also be recommended.