Osteopathy and Arthritis

• Listen to extract from radio interview

What is arthritis?

Broadly arthritis may be divided into two types - degenerative arthritis and inflammatory arthritis.

Degenerative or Osteoarthritis is the commonest form, sometimes called ‘wear and tear’ and is usually localised to a specific site such as hips, knees or spine. Its classic features are 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.

You don’t necessarily have to live with any of these:

• Neck pain
  
• Low back pain
  
• Hip pain
  
• Early morning stiffness
  
• Pain
  
• Swelling
  
• Lack of mobility

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 rehabilitation after surgery.

	more osteopathy... Osteopathy The Perrin Technique  Cranial Osteopathy Osteopathy and Pregnancy Osteopathy for Mothers & Babies Osteopathy and Driving Osteopathy and Work Strain Osteopathy and Arthritis How is Osteopathy organised and regulated? Dianne Parker's story Finlay Jones' story

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