Osteopath for Arthritis Treatment
- MPR Health
- December 5, 2022
Arthritis, a common condition affecting individuals of all ages, leads to joint inflammation and pain, hindering daily activities. Osteopaths employ manual therapy, movement guidance, and lifestyle advice to address Arthritis.
This article shows the potential of osteopathy in alleviating arthritis symptoms, encompassing ten approaches to enhance the quality of life, including pain relief, increased mobility, and inflammation reduction.
Table of Contents
Osteopathy for Arthritis
Osteopathy, a holistic approach to treating Arthritis, focuses on addressing the root causes of joint pain and stiffness caused by energy flow restrictions within the body. Practitioners employ hands-on techniques to address spine, neck, and limb issues, fostering improved movement without discomfort. Massage therapy and exercise are also integrated for home symptom management.
For effective, natural arthritis treatment, osteopathy offers a promising avenue.
What is Arthritis?
Arthritis, affecting 3.9 million Australians, is characterised by joint inflammation. Causes range from trauma to age-related degeneration. Osteopathy, a holistic manual therapy, can be applied to various arthritis types, enhancing mobility and reducing pain.
There are several types of arthritis, including:
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Gout
- Psoriatic arthritis
- Reactive Arthritis
- Thumb arthritis
- Ankylosing spondylitis
- Juvenile idiopathic arthritis
- Septic arthritis
Each of these types is unique and requires a different treatment plan. Osteopathy is a holistic type of manual medicine that can be used to treat many types of arthritis. It works by using the movement of the spine and joints, helping to improve mobility and lessen pain.
What causes Arthritis?
Injury, obesity, and aging contribute to Arthritis, with wear and tear over time being a common trigger. Manual therapies employed by osteopaths enhance joint mobility, reducing inflammation and pain while promoting circulation to damaged tissues.
Recognising Arthritis Symptoms
Arthritis, causing pain and limiting mobility, presents various signs, including joint discomfort, fatigue, and changes in movement. Osteopathy offers approaches to address these symptoms.
Prevalence of Arthritis in Australia
Arthritis, affecting 1 in 6 Australians, is a prevalent chronic condition. Aging demographics amplify its impact, underscoring the importance of effective management. According to recent statistics by Arthritis NSW, the number of individuals affected by Arthritis is projected to rise due to an aging population.
Osteopathy's Role in Arthritis Management
Osteopaths are pivotal in managing Arthritis, restoring joint mobility often compromised in arthritic patients. Exercise recommendations, blood flow improvement, and inflammation reduction are among osteopathy’s benefits.
In recent years, research has highlighted the significant impact of exercise on arthritis management. Studies have shown that tailored exercise routines, guided by osteopaths, can improve joint function, reduce pain, and enhance overall quality of life for arthritis patients.
10 Osteopathic Approaches to Alleviate Arthritis
1. Joint Mobility
Osteopathic treatment can help improve joint mobility, essential for maintaining a range of motion. Stiff and immobile joints can pressure the surrounding structures, causing pain. Osteopathy can also help reduce inflammation and swelling, which affect joint mobility.
2. Joint Articulation
Articulation of the joints is an essential technique osteopaths use to treat Arthritis. Ligaments hold the joints together. They are bands of tissue that link bones and help stabilise the body. Issues with the ligaments can influence Arthritis. Joint articulation passively moves the joint through motion to decrease friction.
3. Soft Tissue Massage
A soft tissue massage is a form of bodywork to alleviate muscle tension. It can help relieve pain and stiffness, enhance range of motion, and decrease fatigue. Many people with arthritis experience muscle tightness throughout their bodies. Chronic inflammation affects joints, nearby muscles, ligaments, tendons, and nerves. This can lead to increased tension, which can restrict movement (meaning less activity).
4. Stretching and Releasing
Stretching and releasing the soft tissues can help with Arthritis by reducing pain and stiffness in joints, increasing the range of motion in affected joints, and improving muscle function.
5. Myofascial Release
Myofascial release is a hands-on therapy that relieves pain, stiffness, and muscle tension. An osteopath or physical therapist performs it.
6. Exercises recommendations for arthritic joint
If you have Arthritis, an osteopath can teach you how to control and use your joints. The first step is understanding how your body moves when it’s healthy. If a joint has become stiff or weak, it needs extra support while exercising. Exercise helps the muscles around your joints work more efficiently. Additionally, it strengthens your bones. This reduces pain and improves mobility. Some research has shown that exercise can even slow down the progression of Arthritis in some people!
7. Tailored treatment plan
Your treatment plan will be tailored specifically to your needs. This is because it’s designed just for you! An osteopath considers any symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle factors affecting your Arthritis. The treatment schedule varies with the severity and type of Arthritis affecting you. In some cases, regular adjustments & exercise alone may relieve pain and improve mobility. However, other patients might require additional therapies to alleviate their symptoms.
8. Helps you regain normal posture.
An osteopath can help you regain “normal” or at least a better posture for your injury. As you age, your spine actually becomes more curved in a process called hyperkyphosis. Over time, you may notice that your shoulders are hunching and that it’s difficult to hold them in a relaxed position. This process is normal. We note that adjustments to these postures regularly can influence people’s arthritic pain. If this is the case for you, an Osteopath can address aches & pains by working with muscles around your neck and back area, improving function.
9. Helps you make better choices about exercise and food.
When you have Arthritis, your joints can become inflamed and painful. In addition to treating the pain, an osteopath will help you make better choices about exercise and food. The best way to exercise when you have Arthritis is in water because it alleviates joint stress and builds muscle strength. If that’s not possible for you, choose low-impact activities such as walking or cycling on a stationary bike as a starting point. An osteopath can also prescribe exercises geared explicitly toward relieving arthritis pain.
10. An osteopath will help you manage the symptoms of arthritis
You will learn to manage your symptoms using osteopathic techniques. These can help you with pain, stiffness, and swelling in your joints and surrounding tissues. Osteopathy also supports mobility, which means it can reduce fatigue and improve sleep quality. In addition, the osteopathic approach can help relieve stress and anxiety, which are often linked to chronic pain. This is because it improves your body’s ability to respond to stressors by reducing inflammation.
Osteopathy's Wide Scope
Osteopathy, a holistic medical approach, considers the whole person when implementing a treatment plan. This means osteopathy can help with all joints, including the spine, pelvis, neck, and shoulders. It can also be used for any type of Arthritis – from rheumatoid Arthritis to osteoarthritis.
Data Findings: Arthritis Prevalence
Arthritis, affecting 1 in 6 Australians, is a common health concern. The aging population amplifies its impact. According to recent data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, Arthritis ranks as the 3rd most prevalent health condition in Australia, following mental and behavioural conditions and back problems. This rising prevalence underscores the importance of effective management strategies.
Data Insights: Exercise and Arthritis Management
Recent research studies underscore the vital role of exercise in arthritis management. Engaging in tailored exercise routines guided by osteopaths can improve joint function, reduce pain, and enhance the overall quality of life for arthritis patients. A study published in the Journal of Rheumatology demonstrated that regular exercise significantly reduces pain and improves physical function in individuals with knee osteoarthritis.
How to find an Osteopath near me
If you’re looking for an osteopath to help with your Arthritis, MPR Health Clinic has many non-surgical treatments available. We pride ourselves on our friendly approach to treating patients and can provide you with the best care possible.
For more information on how we can assist you, please visit our website or call us at (02) 8054 7166 so we can arrange an appointment with one of our osteopaths in Sydney and the North Shore area!
Conclusion
There are many ways an osteopath can help with arthritis, whether you are taking medication or not. A holistic approach to treatment is key to reducing the symptoms of arthritis and improving your quality of life. Osteopathy treats the whole person and aims at the underlying causes of disease rather than just treating symptoms. If you have arthritis, we encourage you to contact us today. We are here to help!
Frequently Asked Reader Questions about Osteopathy for Arthritis Treatment
What is osteopathy’s role in treating arthritis?
Osteopathy offers a holistic approach to arthritis treatment, focusing on the root causes of joint pain. Practitioners use manual therapy, exercise recommendations, and lifestyle advice to enhance mobility, reduce pain, and minimize inflammation.
How prevalent is arthritis in Australia?
Arthritis affects 1 in 6 Australians and is the 3rd most prevalent health condition in the country. The aging population is expected to further increase its prevalence.
Can osteopathy treat all types of arthritis?
Yes, osteopathy can be applied to various types of arthritis, including rheumatoid and osteoarthritis, by tailoring the treatment plan to individual needs.
What are some osteopathic approaches for arthritis management?
Techniques include joint mobility improvement, joint articulation, soft tissue massage, myofascial release, and tailored exercise routines, among others.
Is exercise beneficial for arthritis patients?
Yes, research shows that tailored exercise routines can improve joint function, reduce pain, and enhance overall quality of life for arthritis patients.
How does osteopathy address the symptoms of arthritis?
Osteopathy can help alleviate arthritis symptoms like pain, stiffness, and swelling by improving joint mobility, reducing inflammation, and enhancing blood flow to damaged tissues.
What are the common causes of arthritis?
Causes can range from injury and obesity to aging, with wear and tear being a common trigger.
How can I find an osteopath near me for arthritis treatment?
If you’re in Sydney or the North Shore area, you can contact MPR Health Clinic at (02) 8054 7166 for a tailored, non-surgical treatment approach.
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Our North Shore Osteopaths are here to help you with your pain so you can get back to living your best life without worrying about pain.
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MPR Health Service Areas
If you want to find a registered Osteopath in the North Shore and Sydney, then you’ve found one. MPR Health provides osteopathy services to the following suburbs: