Broadly, arthritis may be divided into two types - degenerative and inflammatory.
Degenerative or OSTEOARTHRITIS is the most common form, sometimes called 'wear and tear' and is usually localized to a specific site such as the hips, knees or spine. Its classic features of pain, stiffness and restricted mobility may often be eased and improved with skilled osteopathic treatment.
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. Osteopathy may be helpful in addition to medication.
Treatment of Arthritis
The osteopath may require x-rays, blood tests or even MRI scans to assess the extent of your condition. Treatment is not painful and often, symptom relief begins immediately. Osteopathic treatment can do a great deal to reduce pain, ease swelling and improve mobility and range of joint movement.
How can an Osteopath Help?
Treatment is aimed at improving mobility and reducing inflammation by using gentle, manual osteopathic techniques on joints, muscles and ligaments. You may also be given advice about your diet, which in some people may be a factor in their arthritis
Who do we treat?
Age is no barrier to osteopathy since each patient is considered individually and treatment is gentle.