Our joints are made of several components, including cartilage which is a type of soft bone that helps act as a cushion. This cushion prevents the ends of bones from contacting each other directly and provides a smooth surface that helps ensure the joint can move freely and smoothly.
However, these cushions can wear down over time and this can cause problems. For example, bones in joints can come directly into contact with each other, causing pain and limiting movement. This is a condition known as osteoarthritis and it is the most common type of arthritis experienced by people.
The nature of the condition means that it’s most likely to affect older people. After all, it takes time for the bodily tissues to wear down in this way. However, there are other potential contributing factors, such as obesity which puts more strain on the joints. The condition mostly affects load-bearing joints such as knees and hips, while it is also more common in women than men.
Regardless of the cause, osteoarthritis can be debilitating for many people and can have a considerable negative impact on their quality of life. The unpleasant symptoms of this condition will compel people to look for treatments, one of which is Osteopathy.
What is Osteopathy?
Osteopathy is a non-invasive, drug-free alternative medical treatment that can help with a wide range of problems with our bones, including osteoarthritis. An Osteopath’s goal is mostly to help the body heal itself by helping the immune system make repairs to the joints. And considering how effective the body can be at repairing itself, it makes to sense empower the immune system as much as possible.
An osteopath will massage and manipulate the affected area, promoting the flow of blood and lymph fluids to the affected tissues. This helps ensure the area is supplied with what it needs to make repairs, while also allowing waste to be removed. With a healthy flow of fluids and relaxed muscles, the body is in a better position to start healing itself.
Of course, osteopathy can’t cure osteoarthritis, but it can at least help to make the patient’s life more comfortable, while also helping them maintain independence through mobility. Our patients are likely to see the following results after treatment.
Reduced Pain
Osteoarthritis can be a very painful condition, enough to leave people effectively immobilized in some cases. This pain is often caused by bones rubbing directly against each other due to the lack of a cartilage shock absorber between the two.
With help from osteopathy, the body can repair the affected joints to prevent situations like bones rubbing against each other, thus reducing pain. Osteopathy can also help reduce swelling which is another key contributor to pain among osteoarthritis patients. Many people have found that osteopathy can be just as, if not more effective than medication at helping to reduce pain.
Increased Mobility
It’s not just the pain that makes osteoarthritis an unpleasant condition. It’s also the lack of mobility that many patients will experience. The condition can make it all but impossible for the patient to walk, for example, potentially leaving them unable to work or even leave the home in some cases. With help from osteopathy, the joints can be restored to the point where the patient can begin to recover their mobility. As such, osteopathy has the potential to improve the lives of millions of people.
Reduced Swelling
A common symptom of osteoarthritis is that the joint can become very swollen. This swelling can directly cause pain for the patient, as well as decrease their mobility. Patients will often use a variety of methods to help reduce the swelling, including applying cold or heat, but any effect that such treatments have are usually limited. However, osteopathy can help to reduce inflammation in the first place, helping to reduce pain and improve mobility. And even if osteopathy can’t eradicate pain in the joint altogether, it can at least help make it more bearable.
Increased Strength
Another problem associated with osteoarthritis is decreased muscle strength, partly because the patient becomes less active so they use their muscles less often. Weak muscles can themselves lead to other complications, as well as making it harder for the patient to be mobile, potentially causing a vicious circle. Osteopathy can help improve strength by ensuring the muscles receive a good flow of nutrients, while increased mobility can also help increase muscle strength.
Relaxed Muscles
By massaging the affected area, an osteopath will help to relax the muscles, helping make the patient feel more comfortable. Relaxed muscles can also help to reduce pain and can help make the patient more mobile. As such, osteopathy can offer short term relief from your symptoms, while also helping to improve your quality of life in the long term.
Summary
Even our latest technologies and medicine have trouble treating osteopathy effectively. And while some medications will help some people, they won’t work for everybody. As such, countless people will continue looking for other treatments, one of which is osteopathy.
One of the best things about osteopathy is that it can be used alongside other treatments, such as using anti-inflammatory medication. The two can also combine well together, helping to make for better results.
Regardless, if you are suffering from osteoarthritis and want relief, please feel free to get in touch at any time. The team at OSTCO will be more than happy to help and answer any questions you might have.
