Can osteopathy help arthritis?
Arthritic changes are very common. Most people over the age of 50 will have signs of arthritic changes in their neck. 50% of people over 60 years of age will have arthritic changes in their lower back.
We now consider arthritis is normal ageing. Just as you get older on the outside, you get older on the inside. Having used your body for many years there are going to be signs of that use internally.
Not everyone gets pain with arthritic changes but some people have pain that really affects their daily life – aches and pains, difficulty with movement, bending and lifting.
Osteopathy can help with arthritic pain. Some people may have pain because their muscles are deconditioned. Strengthening exercises can really help to relieve arthritic pain. As with any pain, arthritic pain will be worse if you are going through a stressful period, tired and not sleeping well, and if your general well-being is not good.
Osteopathy can help with hands-on treatment to increase comfort around the affected area and provide exercise and well-being advice.