Treatment Goals for People With Arthritis
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When it comes to osteopathic therapy goals for someone with arthritis, the primary objective is to provide pain relief, improve joint flexibility, and enhance overall function and quality of life. Here are some common goals that osteopathy can help achieve:
Pain management: Manual therapy techniques, such as mobilizations and soft tissue massage, can help reduce pain and discomfort associated with arthritis. The goal is to alleviate pain, allowing individuals to engage in daily activities with greater ease.
Improved joint mobility and flexibility: Arthritis often leads to stiffness and limited range of motion in the joints. Manual therapy techniques, including joint mobilizations and stretching exercises, can aim to restore normal joint mobility and flexibility.
Decreased inflammation and swelling: Manual therapy approaches, like lymphatic drainage massage and gentle joint mobilizations, can target reducing inflammation and swelling that often accompany arthritis. This can lead to improved joint function and less discomfort.
Strengthening and stability: Manual therapy can be combined with exercises to enhance muscle strength and joint stability around affected joints. Strengthening the muscles can help provide better support to the joints, relieving stress and potentially reducing pain.
Education and self-management: Manual therapy sessions often involve educating individuals about self-management techniques and strategies they can implement on their own. This may include advice on pain management, joint protection, proper body mechanics, and exercises for home.
Improved overall function and quality of life: The ultimate goal of manual therapy in arthritis management is to help individuals regain and maintain their ability to participate in daily activities, hobbies, and social interactions. By reducing pain, increasing mobility, and improving function, manual therapy can contribute to an overall improvement in quality of life for individuals with arthritis.
Recommended treatment frequency and duration:
Osteopathy Treatment
Initial assessment followed by 30-minute treatments, 1 time a week for 4 weeks to determine if osteopathy is the right fit for you.