Arthritis, osteoarthritis, or wear and tear as it is more commonly known, is the most common form of arthritis affecting over 50% of people over the age of 65 with the knees, hips, neck, back, feet and hands being most affected. Patients may experience increasingly stiffer and restricted joints, especially in the mornings as well as pain and swelling.
How can osteopathy help?
Osteopathy can’t cure arthritis but can often alleviate the pain and restriction of movement that is associated with it. With the use of gentle manipulative and massage techniques an osteopath will carefully move and stretch the arthritic joint and the surrounding tissue to help ease discomfort and improve the mobility of the affected joint.
Sometimes an osteopath may work on general mobility of the other joints and muscles in the body to help the overall mechanics and function of the body and to lessen the load placed on the affected area by arthritis.
Osteopaths may also give advice on exercises, diet, posture and changes to lifestyle. X-rays, scans or other tests may be required and your osteopath may refer you to your GP for any additional investigations and treatment.
Arthritis doesn’t have to mean the end of things you enjoy doing. Speak to us for more info and to see how we can help you.
