There are many types of arthritis but the most common form is osteoarthritis (OA) and this affects around 8.5 million people in the UK. If you are suffering from osteoarthritis (OA) then this is commonly passed off as “wear and tear” and the symptoms experienced as just “part of getting older”. Any joint can be affected but OA of the hips, lower spine, knees, finger and thumb joints are most common.
There is a lot of misunderstanding about OA with many of those suffering believing there is nothing that can be done to help or that their only option is painkillers. Because OA is a condition that gradually worsens over time it is important to take steps to limit the further progress of OA. Joints are designed to be moved and when you stop using them they will deteriorate further and cause increased symptoms. It is important to reduce your weight to minimise placing too much stress on your joints. Keep as active as you can but avoid high impact activities that place a large amount of stress on the joints. Activities that don’t place too much stress on the joints, like swimming are particularly helpful.
In addition to this manual therapy like Chiropractic healthcare can also be extremely beneficial in relieving the symptoms of arthritis by getting those joints moving properly again. A typical Chiropractic and Therapy treatment will include very careful and gentle joint mobilisation, massage, postural advice, prescribed exercises and most modern Chiropractors will combine this with therapy and massage to get the best results possible. The good news is that there is a lot that can be done to help and old age is not an excuse!
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