What is Arthritis?
Arthritis is a common condition that causes pain and inflammation within one or a number of joints, and no it does not just affect the elderly.
Types of Arthritis
There are several different types of arthritis the most common and best understood being osteoarthritis. This is caused by physical wear and tear of a joint and tends to affect the larger weight bearing joints (lower back, hips and knees). The next most common type of arthritis is rheumatoid arthritis which is a systemic condition causing pain and inflammation in multiple joints often at once and it tends to affect the smaller joints (hands, feet, neck).
Whilst the reasons for getting both types and the affects they have on the joints differs, both are inflammatory in nature; and this is where osteopathy, pilates and diet and nutrition can really help. Whilst we cannot reverse the degeneration that occurs within the joints, the associated pain, inflammation and loss of mobility we certainly can help with.
Mr Smith
Mr Smith is a 65 year old patient of mine who presented to me with osteoarthritis in his hip, he had seen a surgeon who said the condition was worsening and he would need a new hip within the next 2 years.
He was very active and sporty in his youth playing rugby, squash and running. He still enjoys walking and playing golf but was finding both increasingly difficult due to the pain and reduced mobility his hip was causing. Following a course of osteopathic treatment including articulation, mobilisation and soft tissue work we were able to reduce inflammation and therefore his pain levels, release the tightening muscles and with the help of our friends in the pilates studio improve and maintain a good range of motion which has seen Mr Smith back on the golf course and walking his dog regularly and pain free!
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is not so simple to treat, however there are certainly ways in which osteopathy, pilates and nutrition can really help. By nature rheumatoid arthritis manifests in periods of remission and flare up. During a flare joints can become swollen and very painful ad during this phase treatment is focussed on reducing the inflammation and not aggravating it so the type of techniques we use osteopathically with vary. It is here that diet and nutrition can really help with minimising the more pro-inflammatory processed foods and maximising fresh fruit and vegetable intake. Dr Zeeba is the one to see here!
I have seen and treated several patients with rheumatoid arthritis and whilst cases do vary person to person; maintaining good movement and mobility throughout their body through a combination of treatment and exercise has helped to benefit all of them. Whether it be during a flare up or remission where it can help to lengthen the time between flares or reduce the intensity when they do occur.
Written by Lydia Armitage, Osteopath.
Lydia qualified following six years of study at the renowned European School of Osteopathy in Kent.
Lydia enjoys treating all types of patients and has developed interests in treating sports men and women, children and expectant mothers; completing her final year dissertation researching the treatment of low back and pelvic girdle pain during pregnancy. With a true passion for health Lydia believes that the most effective functioning of the body is essential and works with patients to develop an individually tailored treatment plan to facilitate optimum results. She also offers dry needling (western medical acupuncture) as a form of treatment where appropriate.