Osteopaths spend a large amount of their time dealing with the pain and suffering caused by arthritis.  Many people mistakenly assume that arthritis is untreatable and that they must learn to live with their symptoms.  In many cases, osteopathy can help considerably, reducing pain, easing swelling and improving mobility and range of joint movement.

Symptoms associated with arthritis are:

• Aching pain and stiffness

• Early morning stiffness

• Swelling of a joint

• Lack of mobility

Joint wear and tear is normal after the age of 35 and joint degeneration is not equivalent to pain. Treatment aims at improving circulation around the joint, improving mobility, reducing inflammation, and slowing the rate of deterioration in the joint by using gentle, articulation of joints and soft tissue stretching of surrounding muscles and ligaments.  Treatment eases old strains held within the body enabling joints to work in a more balanced fashion and with greater ease.  Advice can be given regarding your lifestyle, and exercises to be done at home may also be prescribed to improve joint function and reduce muscle spasm.  Treatment is not painful and often, symptom relief begins almost immediately.

If replacement surgery is finally needed, the body tissues are generally in better health and the recovery is swifter.  Treatment following surgery can also speed up recovery.