There are many types of arthritis the most common being osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid arthritis. Osteopathy
can help to alleviate the symptoms associated with arthritis, by improving joint mobility and by reducing
inflammation and pain, using gentle osteopathic techniques.
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint condition and
is often referred to as `wear and tear`. It is usually
localised to a specific site such as hips, knees or the spine. Its classic features are of pain, stiffness
and restricted movement.
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.
Treatment - osteopathic treatment is aimed at improving mobility and reducing inflammation by using gentle,
manual osteopathic techniques on joints, muscles and ligaments. Osteopathy can help to ease pain, reduce
swelling and improve mobility and range of movement. Osteopathy focuses on eliminating symptoms through early
diagnosis, effective management and improving lifestyle to prevent further degeneration.
Osteopathic treatment involves gentle manual osteopathic techniques, such as massage and gentle stretching,
mobility, and traction techniques. Your osteopath will also give you advice and prescribe exercises to help
improve joint function and to reduce muscle spasm. An osteopath can also assist in rehabilitation after
surgery, such as hip or knee replacement and also for management of the condition at any stage.