Joint pain is a common complaint that more and more people are experiencing. Typically though, with our busy lifestyles, we tend to ignore the signs that our body needs help. By the time we do notice the aches and pains coming from our joints, it has become a significant problem with other factors and areas of the body contributing and causing more pain and discomfort.
Don’t let your joint pain interfere with your life! Our Osteopath Emma takes us through the symptoms of joint pain, the causes and how Osteopathy can alleviate your pain today!
There are hundreds of joints within our body from the very large joints such as the hip and shoulder joints, to the very small ones throughout our spine. From time to time these joints can encounter issues which in turn lead to pain. Symptoms can vary depending on the joint/s affected but typically patients will experience:
- Stiffness
- Aching
- Heat
- Redness
- Swelling
- Tenderness
- Pain
- Locking or cracking within the joint
- Weakness
- Sharp pain
- Restricted or painful range of motion
The symptoms vary between patients and typically depend on the cause or contributing factors affecting the joint/s. The most common causes are:
- Acute or chronic injuries
- Arthritis
- Gout
- Bursitis
- Tendonitis
- Osteoporosis
- Strains and sprains
- Post-surgery
- Pregnancy
- Age related degeneration
Osteopaths are trained in treating the musculoskeletal system which includes joints as well as muscles and ligaments that surround all joints in our body. There has been significant scientific research conducted on joint pain and the impacts Osteopathy can provide.
“As compared with the no-intervention control subjects, the patients who received osteopathic manipulative treatment reported greater improvements in back pain, greater satisfaction with back care throughout the trial, better physical functioning and mental health at 1 month, and fewer co-treatments at 6 months.” (Licciardone et al.)
“Patients in the Osteopathic Manipulative Therapy (OMT) study group had a statistically significant improvement in oedema (swelling) and pain and a trend toward increased range of motion immediately following intervention with OMT. …patients in the OMT study group had a statistically significant improvement in range of motion when compared with patients in the control group”. (Eisenhart, Gaeta and Yens)
From these 2 studies, it shows clearly that osteopathic treatment aids in improved range of motion, decreased joint swelling and pain, and improved physical and mental health compared to those in the study who received no treatment at all for their joint complaints.
The goal of treatment is to address what is causing pain and discomfort in the joint/s, improve the strength and flexibility around the joint, increase the joint/s range of motion and stabilise the joint/s. This is done using firm techniques such as deep tissue massage, stretching and manipulation as well as gentle techniques such as light massage, ligament stabilisation and articulation/movement of the joint/s. Osteopathy will also help you to avoid joint pain by providing stretching and strengthening programs as well as lifestyle and work related changes you can make to minimise the risk of joint pain.
Dr Emma Kopcikas, is an Osteopath at Vibe Natural Health Grange in North Brisbane. She practices Monday to Saturday and you can read more about Emma here.
To book please call our friendly reception team on 07 3366 7970 or online anytime
Licciardone, John C. et al. “Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment For Chronic Low Back Pain”. Spine 28.13 (2003): 1355-1362. Web.
Eisenhart, AW, TJ Gaeta, and DP Yens. “Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment In The Emergency Department For Patients With Acute Ankle Injuries”. The Journal of the American Osteopathic Association 103 (2003): 417-421. Print.
