Arthritis & Joint Pain

Arthritis

Arthritis is not one disease alone, but an umbrella term for more than 100 conditions that affect the joints of the body.  Different types of arthritis can affect all ages from juveniles to the elderly.

Sadly, there is no cure for arthritis however osteopathic treatment may help 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.  

Osteopaths use techniques including massage, stretching and joint articulation to gently increase mobility within a joint, reduce inflammation and help to reduce pain.  Continuing with their wholisitic philosophy, Osteopaths will also look to improve the body’s overall mobility in order to try and reduce pressure on the compromised joints.

Common symptoms of arthritis in a joint can include:

  • Pain
  • Stiffness
  • Swelling/inflammation
  • Reduced range of movement
  • Redness

To assist a patient on improving their overall joint health, your Osteopath may advise you on:

  • Ergonomics of your work pace/lifestyle to help prevent further aggravation of symptoms
  • Improving posture
  • Reducing stress
  • Advising stretches and exercises to keep you moving (e.g. walking in water)
  • Staying hydrated and understanding your inflammation triggers (e.g. foods)

Joint Pain

Osteopathic treatment may be able to help with common joint complaints.

Shoulder:

  • Rotator cuff injury: injury to the small muscles and tendons that surround the shoulder and are responsible for the stability of the joint.
  • Frozen Shoulder: constant severe limitation of the range of motion of the shoulder due to scarring around the shoulder joint, also known as adhesive capsulitis.

Elbow:

  • Golfers elbow: pain is centred around the inside of the elbow and is especially associated with gripping.
  • Tennis elbow: can be associated with neck problems or overloading with DIY or carrying heavy loads

Hand/wrist:

  • Carpal tunnel: pain and pins and needles in the wrist and into the hand and fingers can be distressing but often responds to Osteopathy if caught early

Knee:

  • Aching knees
  • Osgood Schlatters disease
  • Locking knees
  • Post surgery rehabilitation for PCL and ACL injuries
  • Instability

Ankle:

  • Sprained ankle: a ligament injury that causes a lot of pain and stiffness that can persist for months. With treatment you will be back to activity faster and can also prevent re-injury
  • Achilles tendonitis: inflammation and thickening of the Achilles tendon and shortening and stiffness in the calf

Foot:

  • Plantar fasciitis
  • Toe and foot pain
  • Dropped metatarsal / dropped arch

Postural Problems

Poor posture can cause problems including:

  • back pain
  • headaches
  • spinal problems
  • muscle fatigue and strain
  • joint degeneration and increased disc problems
  • ligament laxity/stretch
  • rounded shoulders
  • poor circulation.

Osteopaths may improve your posture by:

  • improving muscular flexibility in your body
  • improving range of motion in the joints of the spine and extremities
  • providing instruction and advice on ‘good’ posture
  • advising on ergonomics during your working day and at home
  • providing exercises to strengthen postural muscles.