Arthritis and Osteopathy
Rheumatoid arthritis is described as an
autoimmune condition in which the body's immune system attacks the
body's own tissue. Rheumatoid arthritis usually affects the entire
body with the most often affected joints being the ankles, feet,
hands, knees and wrists.
Arthritis is an inflammation of any joint. There are two types of
arthritis: osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Osteoarthritis is often described as a wear and tear of the
joints caused by age, repetitive actions, and obesity and also
altered postural and biomechanics (movements of the body) such as a
past trauma, growth of the body, and a traumatic experience such as
birth, or a vehicle accident.
Rheumatoid arthritis is described as an autoimmune condition in
which the body's immune system attacks the body's own tissue.
Rheumatoid arthritis usually affects the entire body with the most
often affected joints being the ankles, feet, hands, knees and
wrists. The joints can be warm, tender and swollen. Typically there
is a discoloration of the skin over the joint that looks purplish.
Joint deformities of the hands and feet as the disease progresses
are quite common.
The symptoms of arthritis center on the joints due to
inflammation so specific movements and treatment techniques are
used by the osteopathy medicine clinicians to encourage the
movement of fluid around the joints and tissues to help in the
removal of the inflammatory substances from the joints. The
techniques used also reduce the pain of arthritis. Diet and
lifestyle can also help to reduce symptoms of arthritis.
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Identifying structural problems within the body and then supporting the body's natural ability to heal and repair is what osteopathic medicine is all about. Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (D.
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X-rays, blood tests, and MRI scans may be used to help assess
the extent of the arthritic condition. Even though nothing can be
done to undo the damage already done by arthritis osteopathic
treatment can help to reduce the pain, swelling, and improve
mobility and range of motion of each joint involved. Osteopathic
treatment can help with neck pain, low back pain and swelling, hip
pain and lack of mobility, and early morning stiffness.
The treatment's goal is to improve the mobility and to reduce
the swelling by using gentle, manual osteopathic techniques on each
of the affected joints, on muscles, and also on ligaments.
Exercises at home in warm water or salt baths may be suggested as
well as other exercises and lifestyle changes designed to improve
function and reduce pain.
No patient needs to accept the advice that there is nothing that
can be done about the pain and suffering of arthritis. Exercise,
diet changes and lifestyle changes along with osteopathic treatment
can over time reduce the pain, and increase mobility. No patient is
too young or too old to receive osteopathic treatment and care by
those who are dedicated to helping your body to heal itself. No
person should suffer needlessly. It is possible for your body to
heal itself once osteopathic treatment has better aligned the body
and allowed the various body parts to work in harmony to help the
body to better function, and to restore health to the body parts as
well as to heal tissue as the body reduces pain and
inflammation.
Osteopathy Today
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