Arthritis is a common condition that many of us suffer from. It is part of the normal ageing process and in some cases it can lead to pain, aching and stiffness. The good news is that treatment and exercise can provide effective relief.
Most people will experience some stiffness and pain as they get older. Repetitive use and inactivity are just two things that can contribute to the discomfort associated with osteoarthritis. The pain may be sharp on movement or dull and aching at rest and can affect the hips, knees, neck, back, feet or hands. Fortunately, gentle treatment and a carefully planned rehabilitation programme can relieve your pain.
In some cases, arthritis can be related to an inflammatory condition such as rheumatoid arthritis (this is where the body’s immune system causes an inflammatory reaction within the joint) which may cause stiffness and pain similar to that of osteoarthritis. Your osteopath will be able to spot the tell-tell signs of inflammatory arthritis and refer you for further investigations if necessary. Inflammatory arthritis is rare however and the symptoms can be well managed with the appropriate care.
Osteopathy is a highly successful method of treating pain and functional impairment. After taking a thorough case history and examining your body, your osteopath will create a diagnosis and treatment plan. Osteopaths combine massage therapy, joint manipulation, mobilisations and stretching of your muscles to relieve you from your aches, spasms and feelings of stiffness. Your osteopath will also provide you with specific exercises and give you advice for the best posture to adopt at home, in the office or at night during sleep.
• The extent of wear and tear in a joint will determine how much pain you are in - Wrong! There are lots of people with joint wear and tear that have no pain at all.
• There is nothing that can be done about the pain - Wrong! Hands on treatment, exercise and pain education are effective ways to manage your symptoms.
• It is dangerous to exercise - Wrong! Gentle exercise can be done in a safe way to help improve symptoms of stiffness and pain.
An in-depth exploration of your problem, how it came about, and how it is affecting your life.
A thorough examination to find out what's wrong and what we can do about it.
An expert, hands-on treatment to get your body working again, tailored to your sensitivities.
Top tips to maximise your body's own healing capacity in the shortest time possible.
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