(2 minute read)

The start of a New Year always sees an increase in the number of patients looking for arthritis treatment in BS6, and as a Bristol osteopath, I am well-placed to help.

What is arthritis?

Arthritis is a common condition that causes joint pain, swelling, stiffness and limited movement. It can be found throughout the body and can affect hands and wrists, knees, hips, feet and ankles, shoulders and the spine.

Over 10 million people in the UK have arthritis. This equates to one in six people living with pain, fatigue, immobility and reduced dexterity it can cause.

Are there different types of arthritis?

The most common type of arthritis is Osteo-Arthritis (OA) which is wear and tear within the joints.

When the cartilage that lines the joint surface gets worn it causes inflammation, loss of movement, and pain.

OA can lead to significant amounts of pain and in some cases total disability.

Another less common type of arthritis amongst my BS6 patients is Rheumatoid Arthritis.

This is an inflammatory condition whereby the body attacks its own tissue (known as an auto-immune disorder) that requires a specialist, rheumatologist, to help manage.

What can be done to ease arthritis?

Arthritis is not curable, but I can help or ease with osteopathic treatment at my Bristol clinic.

I can help improve movement quality and blood flow to affected joints and seek to off-load arthritic joints by improving function in nearby areas.

By utilising gentle osteopathic treatments I can improve the health of joints and muscular tissue, help alleviate arthritis conditions, and ease the symptoms of arthritis for my patients.

Using osteopathic treatments and exercises to improve muscle function, joints can be stabilised which can further ease the symptoms of arthritis.

Exercise is vital. By staying active and healthy, the progression of arthritis can slowed, however, care must be taken not to overload damaged joints.

Drinking plenty of water also helps. Joints function better when they are well-hydrated.

Severe arthritis in knee and hip joints may eventually require surgical intervention to replace the joint. This can, however, provide a massive increase in life quality.

Replacement knee or hip surgery is considered by medical professionals as a last resort but is a really positive step when needed.

To make a booking for an osteopathic consultation at my clinic in Henleaze, please visit here.