What is Arthritis?

Arthritis can broadly be divided into two types -
Degenerative and Inflammatory

Degenerative or Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, sometimes referred to as "wear and tear", and is often seen and successfully treated by osteopaths. The classic features are joint pain, stiffness and referred muscle pain. Arthritis can result from poor posture, heavy manual work, previous injuries or genetic factors. Through careful osteopathic treatment joint mobility can be improved, muscle stiffness eased, swelling reduced and pain eased. Skilled osteopathic treatment and advice on posture, lifting and appropriate exercises will improve the quality of life of arthritis sufferers.

Inflammatory arthritis such as Rheumatoid arthritis not only produces painful, swollen and stiff joints, but affects the whole body. This type of arthritis is treated with medication but again osteopathic treatment can relieve some musculo-skeletal symptoms.

How can Osteopathy help?

Many arthritis sufferers are told that "nothing can be done, you will have to live with it" and "pain killers or anti-inflammatory drugs are the only treatments". Osteopathy will not reverse the damage already done to the joints but, by reducing pain and swelling and improving mobility, medication can often be reduced and gentle movement exercises will maintain mobility for long periods.

You will be given positive advice related to your lifestyle, ideas on activities and how to use your body. Age is no barrier and gentle exercises tailored and prescribed to your needs will help maintain good, pain-free movement.

When surgery is necessary, for example in hip replacements, osteopathic treatment is excellent at helping with rehabilitation.

If you have any questions please E-mail us at:-
osteos@tiscali.co.uk