Have you recently been diagnosed with osteoarthritis? Is pain, stiffness, or joint discomfort interfering with your life? Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis worldwide and currently affects nearly 4 million Canadians. This condition can affect simple movements and daily tasks that were once natural and easy.
At Jenna Howe & Associates Osteopathy and Concussion Recovery, we understand the challenges of osteoarthritis. Fortunately, osteopathic therapy is an effective, non-invasive solution that can help manage your pain and mobility restrictions so you can achieve a better quality of life.
Call us today to schedule your initial appointment.
What is Osteopathic Therapy?
Osteopathic therapy is a holistic approach to healthcare that focuses on treating the body as an interconnected system. We focus on the musculoskeletal system, which includes bones, muscles, and joints, and our approach goes beyond just treating symptoms.
Osteopathic therapy emphasizes improving overall body function by addressing imbalances and restrictions that might be causing pain or dysfunction. We accomplish this through osteopathic manipulative treatment, therapeutic exercise, postural corrections, and more.
What is Osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of the bones wears down over time. It can affect any joint but most commonly occurs in the hands, knees, hips, and spine. Symptoms include:
- Pain during or after movement
- Joint stiffness, especially after waking up or being inactive
- Joint tenderness, specifically with light pressure
- Loss of range of motion
- Grating, cracking, or popping sensation in the joints, especially with movement
- Swelling caused by soft tissue inflammation around the joint
Unfortunately, there’s no cure for osteoarthritis, but you can manage your symptoms through regular physical activity and the hands-on pain management techniques we use at Jenna Howe & Associates Osteopathy and Concussion Recovery. Our approach can help reduce pain, improve joint function, and even slow the disease’s progression.
Osteopathic Therapy Treatments: What to Expect
Our therapists use a range of manipulative techniques and other strategies to help our osteoarthritis patients experience less pain. Here are some of the techniques we might suggest:
Joint Mobilizations
- Helps temporarily reduce pain, improve joint function, and increase the range of motion around that joint
Specialized Stretches & Mobility Work
- Help alleviate pain and stiffness of the affected joint and surrounding soft tissues (muscles and tendons).
Manual Therapy Techniques
- These hands-on treatments have both physical and emotional benefits, such as stress and anxiety relief and improved pain. Examples of manual therapy techniques include:
Muscle Energy Release Technique
- Uses the patient’s muscle contractions to relax muscles and restore joint range of motion
Myofascial Release
- A type of targeted massage that releases tight spots and pain in the myofascial tissues, which wrap around your muscles
We will begin your treatment with a comprehensive assessment. This initial appointment is for your therapist to collect details about your condition, symptoms, medical history, lifestyle factors, and emotional well-being.
Everything that your therapist learns will help them create a customized treatment plan tailored to your unique needs.
Ready to Find Relief?
Arthritis pain doesn’t have to get in the way of your life. Our osteopathic therapists are trained to help you manage symptoms naturally so you can recover as safely and comfortably as possible.
Call us at Jenna Howe & Associates Osteopathy and Concussion Recovery in Victoria BC, or Burnaby, BC today to set up your first appointment!
