Arthritis

Arthritis can be a very debilitating condition and osteopathy may offer a very welcome relief from painful symptoms. Arthritis is divided into two main types:

1. Rheumatoid Arthritis (or inflammatory arthritis)
2. Osteoarthritis (or degenerative arthritis) Rheumatoid Arthritis is a systemic, inflammatory disease which can affect several of the (usually) smaller joints of the body. Women may be affected greater than men in a 3:1 ratio. The course of the disease is variable with remissions and exacerbations. Rheumatoid Arthritis can be barely discernible with very mild signs and symptoms to progress to a severe and destructive disease. Many patients suffer fatigue, weight loss, weakness, and vague musculoskeletal discomfort. Diseased joints are often warm, swollen, and painful. Pain is usually worse in the morning, that is, after the inactivity of sleeping. Typically, over the years, the disease may wax and wane, and essentially there is an inflammation of the synovial membrane. Using many gentle mobilising techniques, osteopaths can ease the pressure and give relief from the suffering and pain.

Osteoarthritis is essentially a degeneration of the articular cartilage of the joint. This is usually a slowly (but sometimes rapidly) progressive disorder, from middle age to late life, affecting the large weight-bearing joints of the body.

Patients suffer pain, deformity, limited movement, and loss of function. As the disease progresses the ends of the bones are subject to remodelling, giving formation of osteophytes and bone cysts. Often, in Osteoarthritis, the involved joints are enlarged and tender. There is a deep, achy joint pain that is initiated by activity, and is relieved by rest. Again, osteopathy can be used to treat Osteoarthritis by working on the surrounding tissues and joints.

Also, we work distant to the site of pain to relieve the pressure on the weight-bearing joints and to build up the resistance of the body.