If you suffer from joint stiffness, you’re not alone. Millions of Canadians deal with chronic or temporary joint pain and the debilitating effects it can have. However, you don’t have to settle for discomfort. Manual osteopathy for joint stiffness can relieve tension and pain while increasing mobility, all by holistic and natural means. In this guide, we’ll explore common causes of joint stiffness and review how an osteopathic practitioner can help.
Seeing a Manual Osteopath: Common Causes of Joint Discomfort
There are around 350 in the human body, and each can encounter issues due to wear, injury or disease, affecting your life in countless ways.
Here are five of the most common causes of joint stiffness:
- Aging: As you age, the cartilage that cushions bones and joints breaks down. Without that protective cartilage, the bones rub together to cause pain, stiffness and mobility problems. Osteopathic practitioners and other healthcare providers refer to age-related joint problems as osteoarthritis, a chronic degenerative condition.
- Arthritis: Arthritis is a condition that causes the joints to swell, causing tenderness and stiffness. There are many different types of arthritis, and they can affect the hands, knees, hips, back and more. Manual osteopathy for arthritis aims to improve circulation to provide relief.
- Autoimmune Disorders: Several autoimmune disorders will affect the joints. The most common are rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.
- Injury: Osteopathic manual practitioners often treat patients recovering from physical injuries. Damage to tendons, ligaments and cartilage can severely limit mobility and cause inflammation. Manual osteopathy for injury rehab can help facilitate recovery after injuries that cause meniscus tears, tendonitis and more.
- Illness: Joint pain can also be a byproduct of infection and illness. Bacterial and viral infections, such as the flu, can cause temporary pain as the immune system goes on the offense, causing swelling and irritation in the joints.
What Is Manual Osteopathy?
Manual osteopathy is a form of holistic healthcare focusing on the body’s musculoskeletal, nervous and circulatory systems. Osteopathic manual practitioners offer patient-centric care, developing personalized treatments that address the body’s physical structure to enhance physiological function. While other healthcare providers emphasize treating specific symptoms, Osteopathic manual practitioners look at the bigger picture, treating the underlying cause of discomfort to promote balance and natural healing.
An osteopathic practitioner can treat many issues, including joint discomfort. Treatments vary but often include hands-on manipulation, such as stretching and massage.
The Benefits of Seeking Manual Osteopathy for Joint Stiffness
There are many benefits to seeking manual osteopathy for arthritis or injuries. An Osteopathic manual practitioner can treat joint discomfort in many ways, regardless of its underlying cause. The manual manipulation of joints can significantly reduce tension by improving blood flow and circulation. Massages and stretching can enhance lymphatic drainage around the joint to reduce inflammation and imbalances. With continued care, you can experience noticeable pain relief and a better range of motion. Whether you’re seeking manual osteopathy for injury recovery or need to manage pain caused by chronic conditions, practitioners take a holistic approach to address your distinct needs.
Beyond paint relief and more mobility, Osteopathic manual practitioners can support you on your wellness journey. Manual osteopathy is non-invasive and versatile enough to benefit various conditions and causes. Practitioners also empower you to be proactive about your health, educating you on the issues affecting your body while helping you adopt healthier habits to manage stiffness long-term.
Joint pain doesn’t have to define or limit you. Seeking treatment for joint issues from an Osteopathic manual practitioner can help you live a more comfortable life. With the right care and guidance, you can take steps to find relief and learn how to manage pain moving forward.
