Your osteopath is qualified to help with arthritic pain. Although the word “arthritic” simply means “inflamed joint”, arthritis can be completely devoid of inflammation.
Osteoarthritic Pain
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the “wear and tear” form of arthritis- although now we refer to it as “wear, tear, and repair”. This gives a nod to the fact that the affected cartilage is still living tissue, and given the right environment, it can begin to heal. The pain discourages you from moving through the joint’s full range- which actually makes the condition worse. We can help you to move better, thus allowing nutrients to reach the cartilage and waste products to flow away.
OA often affects the hips, knees, hands, and joints of the spine. It may also affect joints that have been previously injured, especially if rehabilitation was insufficient. Osteopathy looks at the person as a whole, and preventative care is a key part of our work. We are qualified to help with minor sports injuries, including providing a rehab plan.
Rheumatoid Arthritis Pain
In contrast to OA, Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an infammatory, autoimmune condition. It tends to begin in a younger population, with the first symptoms developing from 30 onwards. This form of arthritis tends to affect small joints first, such as those in the hands, feet, and neck. The body attacks a layer of the joint, and over time, the joint can be deformed by the repair process. These deformities can be especially obvious in the hands. The illustration above shows ulnar deviation and a swan neck deformity- two changes associated with RA.
Other Forms of Arthritis
In the same family as RA, there are a number of autoimmune conditions that cause joint pain. Psoriatic Arthritis affects about 10% of people who suffer from psoriasis. Juvenile arthritis affects adolescents. AxSpa and Ankylosing Spondylitis can be misdiagnosed as simple back pain for years until the subtle features of inflammatory back pain are picked up by someone.
Your osteopath is well-versed in the signs and symptoms that set these causes of arthritic pain apart from the more common diagnoses. We take a thorough case history, which will raise flags if any part of your presentation sounds unusual. We can then investigate these points with orthopaedic tests to arrive at a diagnosis.
Osteopathy for Arthritic Pain
As outlined above, each form of arthritis has a different pathological process behind it. Your osteopath will work to identify the form affecting you, if you don’t already have a diagnosis. Some types of arthritis can only be diagnosed by a rheumatologist, so we can refer back to your GP for further testing if required. Once you have your diagnosis, we can work alongside any existing treatment plan your doctors have given you.
Treatment is hands on, and typically accompanied with exercises and advice for things you can continue to do at home. Your treatment plan will be tailored to you, comprising massage, stretching, and mobilising joints. If appropriate, it may also be beneficial to manipulate or “click” joints, but only if you’re comfortable and your case suits it. If not, we have plenty of other techniques at our disposal.
Call 07584 570348 to make an appointment for your back pain in and around Bristol
