Osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative joint disease, is the most common chronic condition of the joints, affecting more than 32.5 million adults in the United States alone. Osteoarthritis occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of your bones wears down over time, leading to pain, swelling, and reduced mobility. For many individuals, this condition can be incredibly debilitating.
As we move forward in the 21st century, the treatment of osteoarthritis is undergoing a revolution. Gone are the days when a diagnosis of osteoarthritis would automatically signal a slide into a sedentary lifestyle or a reliance on painkillers — the focus has shifted to regeneration, reduction of inflammation, and preservation of movement. In this post, you will discover some cutting-edge therapies and time-tested methods that are changing the game for osteoarthritis patients.
Exercise as Medicine
Many people might shy away from the notion of ‘exercise’ when they’re in pain, but it’s a crucial aspect of managing osteoarthritis. Exercise can help slow the progression of the disease, improve joint function, reduce pain, and enhance overall health. You might wonder, “What type of exercise is best for osteoarthritis?” The answer isn’t a one-size-fits-all prescription. The key lies in finding the perfect balance between activities that strengthen the muscles around the joint to provide added support and exercises that promote flexibility and joint mobility.
Strength Training: These exercises focus on working the muscles that support and protect the joints. Low-impact activities such as water aerobics, swimming, or stationary cycling can effectively build up muscle mass with minimal risk of injury.
Flexibility and Range of Motion: Tai chi and yoga are gentle practices that can enhance your flexibility, balance, and coordination. As these activities focus on fluid movements, they are beneficial for joint health and can be tailored to various degrees of physical ability.
Precision in Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy is a cornerstone of osteoarthritis treatment, but the approach has evolved. Today, physiotherapy is about precision and individualized treatment plans that address the specific needs and limitations of the patient. A skilled physiotherapist will conduct a thorough assessment of your condition, mobility, and strength. From there, they will develop a care plan that may include a combination of exercises, manual therapy, education on modifications for daily activities, and perhaps the use of supportive devices like braces or canes.
Manual Therapy: Techniques such as joint mobilization and manipulation are performed by physiotherapists to reduce pain and stiffness. When combined with exercises, it can significantly improve function.
Education and Modification: Learning to modify activities to reduce stress on the joints can be powerful. Your physiotherapist can guide you in the best ways to sit, stand, bend, lift, and carry out various tasks to preserve joint health.
Chiropractic Care for Osteoarthritis
Chiropractic care has been a part of osteoarthritis treatment for decades, focusing on the relationship between the body’s structure—mainly the spine—and its function. Chiropractic adjustments can improve joint function and reduce pain in patients with osteoarthritis.
Spinal Manipulation: By adjusting the spine, chiropractors can not only alleviate the pain in the spine itself but also in other joints affected by osteoarthritis. These adjustments are typically gentle and are designed to restore proper alignment and movement.
Nutrition and Supplements: Chiropractors may also counsel on the importance of a healthy diet and may recommend supplements to reduce inflammation and support joint health.
Living with osteoarthritis doesn’t mean resigning oneself to a life of limitations. With the right combination of treatments tailored to your needs, it is possible to manage the disease and maintain an active, fulfilling life. Whether you opt for conventional physiotherapy, embrace innovative regenerative medicine or a holistic approach that includes chiropractic care and self-driven strategies, the key is to take charge of your treatment plan with the guidance of healthcare professionals.
If you have any questions or would like to explore further, please book a free, no-charge online appointment with either myself, Dr. Seth Siegfried, HBK, DC, or another Kitchener chiropractor at CARESPACE. We are happy to listen and are here to help!
