How Osteopathy Can Help Manage Arthritis
Did you know that 1 in 6 Australians suffer from some form of Arthritis? With a condition this common, it’s surprising how little many of us really know about it. Anyone can develop Arthritis, and the symptoms can have a difficult effect on their daily lives. With no cure, it’s vital to understand how Arthritis symptoms can be treated to ease the physical toll. For some people, seeking help from an Osteopath might be a great way to learn how to manage their Arthritis.
With World Arthritis Day on October 12th, we’re taking a look at Arthritis and how Osteopathy can help.
This blog will give an overview of Arthritis and its most common symptoms, as well as how Osteopathy can help manage the pain and discomfort associated. To find out if meeting with an Osteopath could be beneficial for your health, contact our team at 13th Beach Health Services today.
What is Arthritis?
There are two common forms of Arthritis – degenerative and inflammatory.
Degenerative Arthritis, known also as ‘osteoarthritis’, is the most common type. It develops over time, as a result of the general ‘wear and tear’ of everyday life. Degenerative Arthritis is typically experienced throughout the joints, with swelling and stiffness in places such as the neck, fingers, hips, knees, and lower back. A common misconception is that people suffering from this condition will only experience the pain in their old age – rather, factors such as posture, fitness, and injury can trigger symptoms from early ages.
Inflammatory Arthritis is a far less common form of Arthritis, but the symptoms are often much more severe. This condition affects people from a very young age and causes pain throughout the whole body, taking a huge toll on everyday life and physical ability.
Whilst Arthritis can be genetic, there are many factors that typically cause the condition to develop. Small habits or incidents in your daily life can play a huge role in sparking symptoms. Being conscious of posture, safe lifting techniques, and getting enough exercise can make a world of difference in preventing Arthritis.
Symptoms of Arthritis
Arthritis can look different to everyone experiencing it. Here are some of the symptoms associated with the condition:
- Sore joints
- Stiffness
- Swelling
- Lack of mobility
- Neck pain
- Lower back pain
- Hip pain
- Knee pain
How can Osteopathy Help?
Though there’s no cure for Arthritis, there are treatments available to help manage symptoms. Osteopathy is a great example!
Osteopathy is a form of therapy that focuses on the body as a whole, treating the muscular and skeletal systems of the body. This treatment works as a natural counter to many of the most common Arthritis symptoms – reducing pain, improving mobility, and decreasing swelling. An Osteopath will work with joints, muscles, and ligaments, using techniques and stretches to improve a patient’s overall health and wellbeing. Often this will include appointments with an Osteopath, but also prescription of at-home exercises and stretches to help symptom management become something entirely in your control.
All in all, Osteopathy can work wonders to manage the pain associated with Arthritis, helping patients to find the natural ways they can be helping their body manage symptoms.
Book an Assessment to Find Out if Osteopathy is Right for You
As World Arthritis Day approaches, it’s important that we raise awareness about this condition and the ways it can be treated. If you’re suffering from symptoms of Arthritis, Osteopathy may be a viable way to manage your pain and discomfort. 13th Beach Health Services is ready to guide and help you on your health journey, so get in contact or book an appointment today if you think Osteopathy might be the best choice for you and your body!
References
1 in 6 Australians: https://arthritisaustralia.com.au/what-is-arthritis/fastfacts/