Chiropractic Care for Osteoarthritis
Author: Taryn Holmes, Chiropractic Intern
Osteoarthritis, what is it really? Many older adults may be diagnosed with what is called osteoarthritis. Having a diagnosis of osteoarthritis means there is degeneration of a particular joint, most commonly being hips, knees, spine and hands. Most people who have this diagnosis are over the age of 55, and it is most commonly found in females. Living with osteoarthritis can have its challenges, including stiffness, pain, swelling, and how a person moves in their day-to-day life. Lucky for some people, they may have osteoarthritis and have little to no symptoms at all. Although, there is no “cure” for osteoarthritis, there are many ways a chiropractor can help you manage these symptoms.
There are several risk factors that have been identified for osteoarthritis including previous injury to the area, pre-existing joint diseases, obesity, genetics, metabolic disorders like diabetes, female sex, and older age.
However, there are a number of studies and guidelines that show that osteoarthritis is best managed using non-pharmacological intervention. The benefits of using some of these non-pharmacological interventions including pain improvement, improved function, improved quality of life, and improved mobility of the affected joint.
Here are some of the best things that your chiropractor can help you with to best manage your osteoarthritis:
EDUCATION
Information: Understanding what osteoarthritis is, how it is diagnosed, how it may be treated, and how to access further sources if information. It is important for people who are diagnosed with osteoarthritis to have a good idea of the whole picture so they can make shared decisions on managing their condition. Also, so they can recognize what may flare up their pain, how to self-manage, and what their future holds.
Support: Not only is it important for the person themselves who have been diagnosed with osteoarthritis to understand the condition, it is also important that their family and carers understand it as well. This will further help to ensure that you are supported in managing your osteoarthritis.
EXERCISE
Supervised therapeutic exercise: Doing therapeutic exercises while supervised by your chiropractor can help ensure you are doing the exercises correctly, to provide support and accountability. There are general health benefits to exercise, however therapeutic exercise for osteoarthritis has pain-relieving benefits as well. Therapeutic exercises can help maintain the function of the joint in the future, increase local muscle strength, and increase aerobic fitness.
Exercise reassurance: Although at first therapeutic exercise may be difficult, exercise is not harmful to joints with osteoarthritis. Consistent exercise can help reduce pain overtime and improve quality of life. Each exercise program should be tailored to the specific person and their diagnosis.
WEIGHT MANAGEMENT
Goals: It is beneficial to those living with osteoarthritis to consider weight loss as well. Not only can weight loss help their physical function of the joint, but it can also improve the quality of their life and reduce their pain. Not all weight loss has to be in large amounts, however 10% weight loss is likely more beneficial than 5%. Having a goal in mind to reach and maintaining that goal can be very valuable. Chiropractors can help support you to reach this goal, and to benefit your overall well-being.
MANUAL THERAPY
Chiropractic: Treatment provided in office by a chiropractor can include soft tissue techniques, mobilizations, and manipulations. This type of manual therapy alongside therapeutic exercise can be of value in your hip or knee osteoarthritis management plan. We can help you establish goals you would like to reach, and how to help you get there.
DEVICE AIDS
Walking aids: For lower limb osteoarthritis having a walking aid can provide support. Examples may include a walking stick, cane, or walking frames. Depending on the person, if there are any further joint instability other aids can be offered for support as well. Having the addition of a walking aid can help improve function of the joint, and movement.
FOLLOW-UP APPOINTMENTS
Follow-up: Planning a follow up visit with your chiropractor can help further guide your self-management care, and self-management strategies. We can help track your progress, reach your goals, and increase your quality of life. We are here to support you through every step of the way.
To CONCLUDE, osteoarthritis is a condition that is best managed through education, exercise, weight management, manual therapy, device aids, and follow up appointments. Many of these management techniques can be self-guided. However, as a chiropractor, we are here to provide the education, therapeutic exercise plans, help with weight loss, provide manual therapy, prescribe device aids, and check in during follow-up appointments. There is a lot the future holds, and don’t let osteoarthritis slow you down.
If you are having pain, mobility issues, or a decreased quality of life due to osteoarthritis, come in and your chiropractor can help you manage this condition. We can take you through a step-by-step process, educate you, and give you self-directed care to help manage these symptoms.
