Arthritis is a leading cause of disability in the US. More than 54 million people are currently living with arthritis, a progressive condition that causes joint pain, stiffness, limited mobility and even permanent damage to the joints without treatment. This is why it’s so important to catch arthritis early on. There are treatments and medications that can slow and even stop the progression of joint damage, while an osteopath can provide you with a variety of alternative and therapeutic treatments that can restore mobility and help you better manage your joint pain.
Why an osteopath?
So, why should you consider seeing an osteopath for arthritis treatment? Well, one thing is that osteopathic treatment can be quite effective for managing swelling, pain, and mobility issues. An osteopath is a medical professional that performs non-invasive manual manipulation therapies to improve how the body functions as a whole. Osteopathy is a complementary treatment that along with medications and other treatments you’re undergoing, may be able to provide you with even better relief.
Osteopathy is great because it offers patients a way to manage their arthritis symptoms without turning to medications and may even help people avoid surgery. Since osteopathic doctors focus on how the joints, spine and muscles of the body function they are ideal physicians for addressing any mobility problems and symptoms you are experiencing with arthritis. If you are looking for a drug-free, natural medicine that can help improve your health as a whole, then osteopathic medicine may be for you.
How will an osteopath treat my arthritis?
Even though there is no cure for arthritis there are many ways for an osteopathic physician to help you manage arthritis symptoms to improve your health and quality of life. An osteopathic treatment plan for arthritis will most likely include,
- Lifestyle modifications (e.g. getting regular exercise; staying hydrated)
- Home exercises to improve joint function and to reduce swelling and pain
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Soft tissue massage
- Stretching exercises
- Myofascial release
An osteopath can also work with your current doctors to make sure that you are receiving an all-encompassing treatment plan that will provide you with the most benefit and help you live a healthy, happy life.
If you are looking for non-invasive therapies that can improve your arthritis symptoms without having to rely on long-term pain medications and other invasive treatments, then it’s time to speak with a qualified osteopath about how they can help you manage your arthritis.