Arthritis is a common condition that causes pain or inflammation in the joints. More than 10 million people in the UK have arthritis, and it can affect people of all ages. Fortunately, there are things you can do to ease the symptoms, including physical therapy. Here’s everything you need to know.
The Different Types Of Physical Therapy For Arthritis
When you have arthritis, there is a common misconception that physical therapy and exercise should be avoided. In fact, they can be extremely beneficial – but make sure that you discuss it with your doctor before starting anything new.
Exercise strengthens the muscles, supporting affected joints and helping to relieve pain. Likewise, physical therapy reduces pain and stiffness, helping you to perform your daily activities more easily.
Physical therapy encompasses many different fields, and some of those which will help with your symptoms include:
Osteopathy
Osteopathy involves stretching, massaging, moving (also known as articulation) and manipulating joints. This reduces pain, improves movement and encourages blood flow. The treatment is gentle and usually completely painless (although you might feel a little sore after your first session).
Osteopathy will help with arthritis symptoms by:
- Increasing the range of movement in joints
- Relieving the chronic pain through a non-invasive treatment
- Decreasing the stress on the joints
- Relieving tension in the body
This physical therapy is extremely relaxing, and helps to relieve tension in muscles which have tightened due to the chronic pain from arthritis.
Musculoskeletal Therapy
Arthritis is a musculoskeletal disorder which affects the joints, and musculoskeletal therapists (or MSK therapists) help people suffering with these disorders using exercise, movement and manual based interventions.
MSK therapy might include:
- Manipulation and mobilisation
- Low Level Laser Therapy
- Exercise programmes
A treatment plan helps to improve the quality of life for people suffering from arthritis, by relieving pain and restoring function.
Both osteopathy and musculoskeletal therapy can help you to increase your exercise capacity, strengthening your muscles and allowing you to do more of the things you could before you developed arthritis, and improving your quality of life. One of the symptoms you may experience as a result of arthritis is low mood, which often develops due to frustration at not being able to do the things you used to. Osteopathy and musculoskeletal therapy help by providing an endorphin boost and allowing you to get out and about again.
Choosing A Suitable Physical Therapy For Your Arthritis
At Northwich Foot Clinic, we have a skilled osteopath and MSK therapist. If you aren’t sure which therapy would be best for you, our team will be happy to talk through all of your options. Just call us on 01606 45077 and we will discuss what we have available and what will be best for you.
Our team works together, so we can easily incorporate both osteopathy and MSK therapy into your bespoke treatment plan.
Our clinic is based in the heart of Northwich, and is easily accessible from across Cheshire and beyond.
