Arthritis: Learn about the symptoms & treatment options
Are you experiencing reduced movement?
Read on to learn more about arthritis and your treatment options.
As we go through life, our body undergoes the natural process of ageing however this can result in conditions such as arthritis. Book to see an Osteopath to talk about different treatment options.
“Arthritis will give me pain now for the rest of my life – there is nothing I can do about it. ”
Incorrect! For people affected by Osteoarthritis or Rheumatoid Arthritis, there are many things you can do to live well with those conditions. The evidence shows that many people over 40 years old, who have been diagnosed with Osteoarthritis, can live healthy lives without pain (1). There is hope for people living with arthritis and the first step is to educate yourself about what it is and how it is affecting your body.
Important Facts about Arthritis
Arthritis often comes with different symptoms such as stiffness, pain within the joints, swelling around the joints or growth of bone spurs on the edges of the joint
Arthritis can cause redness, heat, fatigue, reduced movement at a joint, skin issues or feeling unwell
Different types of arthritis have different symptoms that can vary depending on individual circumstances however, If you haven’t been diagnosed and you are experiencing the symptoms mentioned above it may be worth seeking an assessment
The most common types of arthritis are Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis and Gout
Rarer types are Psoriatic Arthritis, Ankylosing Spondyloarthritis, Reactive Arthritis, Scleroderma or Spondyloarthritis. In general, if you have any of these disorders, your doctor is supporting your condition and/or it has been diagnosed
There are no cure for any of the mentioned arthritis disorders
Ok, if there is no cure can you at least overcome arthritis symptoms? The short answer is, with commitment and motivation, YES!
Pain is a complex mechanism and is not triggered the same way for everyone due to the many factors involved. When pain has been present for a long time, your nervous system can become hypersensitive (over-aware) and therefore you are more likely to feel pain more often. There are a few ways to overcome it and having a physical examination by an Osteopath may help you to have a better understanding of the situation. From there you can begin to learn which type of arthritis is affecting you and which treatment is right for you.
Mana Health Clinic has a holistic approach to your health
How can our Osteopath assist you with arthritis?
As a primary health care practitioner, Osteopaths can educate you on the causes of arthritis and why you are experiencing pain. A general understanding can help you to comprehend your issue and allow you to develop strategies to overcome your pain.
Stiffness, reduced range of motion and swelling are symptoms associated with arthritis. Manual therapies used by both Osteopaths and Physiotherapist can help to decrease your pain and stiffness, and improve physical function on the short-term (3-7). Hands-on treatment (manual therapies) won’t ‘fix’ your problem or remove your symptoms straight away, however, with a tailored exercise program you can begin to address your symptoms over time. Some studies have shown that by combining manual therapy, education and exercise programs patients have achieved good outcomes in general (3,8,9).
To improve your health journey, it takes time and support to understand the problem, learn how to live with it and to adopt strategies that reduce your arthritis symptoms.
An Osteopath may provide you with a management plan that combines multiple approaches (lifestyle management, nutritional advice, exercise and more) that is specific for you for you and your health journey.