You may have considered visiting a chiropractor if you have ever experienced back pain or a stiff neck. Although chiropractors use spinal adjustments or manipulation to improve comfort and mobility, the benefits may extend beyond just the back and neck. Chiropractic care can help with many issues people face, including arthritis.
What Is Arthritis?
Arthritis is a condition that often affects the joints, resulting in limited range of motion, stiffness and pain. Joint pain, stiffness, swelling and a restricted range of motion are some of the symptoms of arthritis that vary depending on the severity and type of the condition.
Chiropractic care can help manage symptoms and enhance joint function, but it cannot cure arthritis. Chiropractors are qualified to evaluate and treat musculoskeletal problems such as arthritis. To reduce pain and enhance joint function, they employ a range of manual therapies, including soft tissue therapy and spinal manipulation.
Chiropractic care can contribute to improving overall joint health by addressing the underlying causes of arthritis. During the initial consultation, a chiropractor will perform a thorough evaluation to determine the cause and severity of a person’s arthritis. Thereafter, a suitable treatment plan will be developed.
Different Types Of Arthritis A Chiropractor Can Help With
Different types of arthritis can benefit from chiropractic care. Although they cannot cure arthritis, chiropractors can help patients manage their symptoms and enhance their general well-being.
The following are forms of arthritis that chiropractic care can help with…
#1 Psoriatic Arthritis
People who have the chronic skin condition psoriasis are susceptible to developing psoriatic arthritis. Commonly affecting the ankles, knees, wrists, toes and fingers, it results in joint pain, swelling and stiffness. Psoriatic arthritis sufferers can benefit from chiropractic care by having their joints realigned and having their inflammation reduced.
Also, to enhance joint mobility, reduce pain and support general joint health, chiropractors may use methods like spinal adjustments, exercises and massage therapy. To manage the symptoms of psoriatic arthritis, they might also suggest lifestyle changes and nutritional advice.
#2 Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis. It is caused by the degeneration of joint cartilage. Weight-bearing joints like the spine, hips and knees are frequently impacted. Chiropractic care focuses on enhancing joint function and minimizing pain for people with osteoarthritis.
Chiropractors use methods like spinal manipulation, massage therapy and exercise regimens to reduce stiffness, improve joint mobility and build up supporting muscles. Chiropractic care can help people with osteoarthritis maintain an active lifestyle and effectively manage their pain by restoring proper alignment and reducing joint stress.
#3 Rheumatoid Arthritis
Another type of arthritis is rheumatoid. It is an autoimmune condition that primarily affects the ankles, feet, wrists and hands. Chiropractic treatment can be helpful for people with rheumatoid arthritis because it focuses on enhancing joint flexibility and reducing inflammation.
To improve joint function and ease pain, chiropractors may use gentle techniques like mobilization, stretching and low-impact adjustments. Chiropractic care plays a key role in the comprehensive treatment plan for rheumatoid arthritis by promoting joint health and enhancing the body’s natural healing processes.
Chiropractic Care Techniques For Arthritis
Various techniques are used by chiropractors to treat arthritis-related pain and its symptoms. The choice of a particular approach depends on the patient’s unique circumstances, preferences and the chiropractor’s expertise.
Here are several common chiropractic techniques that could be used to reduce pain associated with arthritis…
#1 Mobilization
Mobilization techniques take a gentler approach and involve using slow, repetitive motions to gradually improve joint mobility. These techniques are useful when a person may not be a good candidate for or react favorably to spinal adjustments.
The benefits of mobilization include pain relief, increased joint mobility and improved joint functionality, all of which improve the performance and health of the joint as a whole.
#2 Spinal Adjustments
Spinal manipulations, also known as spinal adjustments, involve the direct application of controlled force to specific spinal regions to reestablish alignment and ideal joint function.
Spinal adjustments have the potential to lessen pain and improve the overall health of the spinal region by increasing joint mobility and removing nerve restrictions.
#3 Soft Tissue Therapies
To successfully treat arthritis pain and reduce muscle tension, chiropractors may employ soft tissue therapy techniques. Massage, myofascial release and trigger point therapy are prominent techniques used.
These soft tissue therapies have the potential to provide several advantages, including muscle relaxation, a decrease in inflammation, improved blood circulation and a reduction in pain in areas affected by arthritis.
#4 Adjunctive Therapies
Chiropractors often improve their interventions by including supplemental therapies in their approach to maximize outcomes for people living with arthritis.
These improvements cover a wide range of methods, such as the use of ultrasound, electrical stimulation, heat or cold therapy and low-level laser therapy. These extra therapeutic methods help to lessen pain, hasten tissue recovery, reduce inflammation and raise comfort levels all around.
#5 Active Exercise & Stretching
For people having arthritis, chiropractors can suggest specialized exercise routines and focused stretches. These exercises are meant to improve joint stability, strengthen the muscles that support joints, increase overall flexibility and develop functional abilities.
Combining active exercises with deliberate stretches has the potential to effectively treat a variety of arthritis symptoms while also slowing the progression of joint degeneration.
#6 Lifestyle Recommendations
Chiropractors can recommend lifestyle changes that support the management of arthritis. This all-inclusive advice might include suggestions for improving ergonomics, correcting posture, customizing dietary choices, successfully managing weight and incorporating stress-reduction techniques.
Additionally, these insights have the overall goal of reducing joint stress, enhancing holistic welfare and improving the body’s ability to effectively navigate and manage arthritic symptoms.
Summary:
It is important to seek advice from a qualified chiropractor with experience in treating people with arthritis if you are thinking about chiropractic treatment for arthritis pain. To help you find relief and enhance your general well-being, they can evaluate your condition, create a personalized treatment plan and provide you with guidance.