Osteopathy and Arthritis

It is a common misconception that arthritis just affects the elderly, or those with frail joints and bones. Arthritis affects individuals of all ages including children, causing inflammation and pain in the joints, making daily activities difficult.

Even though arthritis is a degenerative condition, it doesn’t mean that nothing can be done to help minimise joint inflammation, prevent damage, and, in some cases, slow the condition. A diagnosis doesn’t mean you have to live with worsening pain. Osteopathy for arthritis can help you manage your symptoms, reduce your pain levels and improve your function.

What is Arthritis?

There are 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 cartilage of the joint. The cartilage is there to protect the surfaces of the bones in the joint. However, if the cartilage is worn or damaged, it leads to bones grinding against one another. This causes pain and limits the joint’s range of motion. It also causes inflammation in the lining of the joint. It is most often experienced in the over 50s and affects more women than men.

The most 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 growths at the joint
• Swelling  

Rheumatoid arthritis is an auto-immune disease, causing chronic inflammation of the joints throughout the body. The protective 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.  

How Does Osteopathy Help?

By using a combination of manual techniques, exercise therapy, and lifestyle modifications, osteopaths can help to improve joint function, increase range of motion, reduce joint inflammation, and alleviate pain caused by arthritis. Osteopathy looks at the body as a whole, with a focus on how the joints, muscles and ligaments work together

Osteopathic manual therapy improves joint mobility and reduces tension in the surrounding muscles and tissues. We use techniques such as soft tissue massage, joint mobilization, and manipulation.

Exercise Therapy

Exercise prescription is an important part of managing arthritis. Your osteopath can provide you with exercises that can help to improve joint mobility, strength, and flexibility. Exercise therapy can also help to reduce inflammation and improve circulation, which can help to alleviate pain and improve overall joint health.

Lifestyle Advice

Your osteopath may also provide you with advice on lifestyle modifications that can help to alleviate symptoms of arthritis. This may include dietary changes, stress reduction techniques, and ergonomic modifications to help reduce joint strain.

Overall, osteopathy can be an effective treatment for arthritis pain and stiffness. By addressing the root causes of the condition and using a holistic approach to treatment, osteopaths can improve your quality of life. 

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