Do you suffer from aches and pains? Is your pain worse in the mornings and eases with movement? Have you been diagnosed with osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis is a disease that affects the integrity of a joint, cartilage, joint capsule and synovial fluid. With time, the cartilage wears down and the joint space narrows affecting quality of movement.
Genetics, past surgeries, traumas, and weight gain can contribute to why osteoarthritis is present in the body.
Do you want the bad news first or the good news? Unfortunately osteoarthritis cannot be reversed. It is a progressive disease. Don’t fret because you can slow this down! Research shows it can be well managed with exercise, diet and massage. This will delay the rate at which the cartilage wears down and reduce the pain associated with these changes.
Massage: frequent massage has been very promising for reduction in pain and improvement in reduced range of motion. Often times there is muscular spasm and guarding behaviour surrounding your painful joint, therefore releasing the area with massage can be incredibly beneficial in easing pain. In addition, massage can improve range of motion limitations such as the ability to tie your shoe with hip osteoarthritis.
Exercise: research shows that the gold standard for delaying the progression of osteoarthritis is a strength program. This is best guided by a physiotherapist who can tailor your program to suit your ability. Often times it will take 6-8 weeks of diligent exercise to experience major benefits. Keep in mind, it doesn’t stop after that. This needs to be a long term commitment.
Diet: It may be obvious but the more weight on a joint, the more difficult it is to move that joint. Often times clients that work with a dietician or nutritionist combined with exercise notice major changes.
My recommendation:
I recommend massage every 2 weeks for my clients with osteoarthritis. This massage schedule keeps them moving freer so they are able yo continue the things they love such as golf, surfing and spending time with their loved ones! I often combine massage with dry needling techniques if the patient is comfortable to optimal benefit in releasing the muscular tension.
Please don’t hesitate to contact me or book online for your initial massage consultation with The Body Carpenter Massage Therapy located in Coolum, Sunshine Coast.
Cheers,
Cache Carpenter