Understanding Arthritis: A Guide to Management and How Osteopathy Can Help
Arthritis is a common condition that affects millions of Australians, causing pain, stiffness, and inflammation in the joints. While often thought of as a single disease, "arthritis" is an umbrella term for over 100 different conditions that affect the joints and surrounding tissues.
Living with arthritis can be challenging, but understanding the condition and knowing your management options is the first step toward maintaining an active and fulfilling life. Osteopathy offers a holistic, drug-free approach to managing arthritis symptoms by focusing on improving joint function, reducing pain, and enhancing overall mobility.
Key Facts About Arthritis
Widespread Impact: Arthritis is a major cause of chronic pain and disability in Australia. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, it affects 1 in 7 Australians.
Not Just an 'Old Person's' Disease: While more common in older adults, arthritis can affect people of all ages, including children. Generally people who have undergone surgery are more prone to developing arthritis.
A Leading Cause of Chronic Pain: It is one of the most prevalent causes of long-term pain and work-related limitations.
Common Types and Causes of Arthritis
Understanding the type of arthritis is crucial for effective management. The two most common forms are:
Osteoarthritis (OA)
What it is: Often called "wear and tear" arthritis, OA is a degenerative condition where the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of your bones wears down over time.
Common Causes & Risk Factors: Age, previous joint injury, overuse, genetics, and obesity, which increases load-bearing stress on joints like the hips and knees.
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
What it is: An autoimmune disease where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of the joints (the synovium), causing painful inflammation and potential joint deformity.
Common Causes & Risk Factors: The exact cause is unknown, but it is believed to involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors. It is more common in women.
Other types include psoriatic arthritis, gout, and ankylosing spondylitis.
How Can Osteopathy Help with Arthritis?
It is important to understand that osteopathy cannot cure arthritis. However, it can play a valuable and supportive role in managing the condition, alleviating pain, and improving your quality of life. Osteopathic treatment is gentle and tailored to your individual needs and comfort levels.
During your initial consultation, we will:
Take a detailed history to understand your specific type of arthritis, your symptoms, and how they impact your daily activities.
Perform a physical examination assessing your posture, gait, joint mobility, and muscle strength to identify areas of restriction and compensation.
What Does Osteopathic Treatment Involve?
Our goal is to help you move better and feel better. Treatment may include:
Improving Joint Mobility: Gentle, rhythmic articulation techniques can help maintain and improve the range of motion in affected joints and the surrounding spinal joints, without causing pain.
Reducing Muscle Tension and Pain: Arthritic joints often lead to protective muscle guarding and tension. Soft tissue massage, stretching, and myofascial release can help relax these muscles, reduce stiffness, and alleviate pain.
Enhancing Circulation: Gentle techniques aim to improve blood flow to the affected areas, which can support the body's natural healing processes and reduce inflammation.
Addressing Compensatory Patterns: We look at your body as a whole. If you have a sore knee or hip, other parts of your body (like your back or other leg) will compensate, which can lead to secondary pain. We work to keep your entire musculoskeletal system balanced.
Providing Personalised Advice: You will receive guidance on specific, low-impact exercises (like swimming or cycling), pain management strategies, and ergonomic advice to help you manage your condition day-to-day.
When to Seek Medical Help
A definitive diagnosis for arthritis must come from a medical doctor. It is essential to consult your GP for diagnosis and a comprehensive management plan, which may include medication or specialist referral. Please seek guidance from your GP if you experience:
Persistent joint pain, swelling, or stiffness that is new or worsening.
Joints that are red, warm, or tender to the touch.
Symptoms that significantly interfere with your daily life and sleep.
Signs of infection, such as fever, alongside joint symptoms.
Osteopathic care works alongside your GP's medical management, providing complementary support.
Take a Proactive Approach to Your Joint Health
While arthritis is a chronic condition, it doesn't have to define your life. Osteopathy can be an integral part of your management team, helping you to maintain mobility, manage discomfort, and stay active.
Click here to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced osteopaths. Let us work with you to develop a personalised plan to support your joint health and wellbeing.
References
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). (2020). Arthritis. [Link: https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/chronic-musculoskeletal-conditions/arthritis]
Arthritis Australia. (2023). What is Arthritis? [Link: https://arthritisaustralia.com.au/what-is-arthritis/]
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). (2022). Osteoarthritis: care and management. [Link: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg177]
Disclaimer: This blog post provides general information only and is not intended as a substitute for professional health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a registered health practitioner, such as your General Practitioner (GP) or rheumatologist, for diagnosis and treatment of health conditions. Osteopathy is a complementary healthcare approach and does not replace medical management for autoimmune or systemic forms of arthritis. The information provided is based on the best available evidence at the time of publication. Individual results from osteopathic treatment may vary based on the individual’s specific condition and response to care.