Kokova Magazine

Arthritis can be a very debilitating condition to which osteopathy may offer a very welcome relief from painful symptoms.

Contrary to common misconceptions, osteopathy is not aggressive and does not always involve high velocity thrusts to ease joint restrictions. We asked Osteopath Nicholas Coysh his thoughts on the practise of treating arthritis with osteopathy: -

"Arthritis is pain and inflammation of the joints and many different types exist but they can most commonly be divided into two main types.

Osteoarthritis, which occurs more frequently and is often referred to as joint 'wear and tear'. This can occur due to excessive stress and strain put on an area through poor posture, lifestyle, heavy manual work, sports and past injuries, lack of exercise or unusual development in childhood. The joints gradually degenerate, becoming more painful and stiff in time. It often develops in people who are over 50 years of age but can occur at any age and affects women more than men. The joints that are most commonly affected are those in the hands, spine, knees and hips.

Rheumatoid Arthritis, which produces painful, swollen and stiff joints. This affects the whole body due to a breakdown in the immune system although it is less common but symptoms are usually more severe. It often develops between 40 and 50 years old and women are three times more likely to be affected than men.

Arthritis in the spine can lead to nerve entrapment which can then become irritated at the site of joint inflammation, for example, in the case of sciatica. Another problem is that arthritis in the knees and hips leads to an inability to walk comfortably which can place extra strain on other joints and organs.

Symptoms include:

• Early morning stiffness
• Swelling and Inflammation
• Lack of mobility
• Joint Pain
• Neck Pain
• Lower back pain
• Hip/Knee Pain
• Referred muscle pain
• Pain or stiffness after rest or exercise
• Pain that comes and goes but worsens over time

Other symptoms depend on where and how the spine is affected and what other structures have become involved. They can include 'pins and needles', numbness, plus shooting or sharp pains. Arthritis makes the back muscles work harder, leading to muscle fatigue and aches when used, with the inability to relax properly when at rest because they are trying to protect the spine. Symptoms can therefore be experienced away from the site of the problem."

How Osteopathy Can Help

"A routine osteopathic assessment can detect arthritis and x-rays evidence, blood tests or MRIs can confirm this. Osteopathy does not aim to reverse the damage already done to the joints but to optimise the mobility of arthritic joints as far as possible, reducing joint pain and swelling, improve the muscle strength and efficiency whilst easing tension.

Osteopathic treatment involves gentle manual osteopathic techniques such as soft tissue massage, traction, joint manipulation, stretching, followed by post treatment exercise, posture and lifestyle advice, including dietary and nutritional, to help prevent further degeneration. Consequentially, there is often less reliance on medication so less problems with side effects of the drugs, such as gastritis.

Not all patients are comfortable with high velocity thrusts to ease joint restrictions or suitable for its use but the patient is always informed of the risks and benefits of these techniques, giving them the choice of how they would like the treatment to proceed, if at all.

Self Help programmes are designed to assist with specific stretches and exercises within the pain free range on a regular basis, taking regular breaks during activities can lessen the pain and over time the patient can build up to doing more. Pain killers and anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help, as well as natural treatments such as Glucosamine and Chondroitin. Cold helps swollen joints and heat helps sore muscles."

Nicholas Coysh BSc (Hons) Osteopathic Medicine

Treating in Chipstead, Surrey and Storrington, West Sussex
Phone: 07817934270
Email: ncoysh@gmail.com
Website: www.nicholascoysh-osteopath.co.uk
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