Gentle, Drug Free Osteopathic Treatment For Hip Pain and Arthritis
In honor of Arthritis Awareness Month, we share how osteopathy can increase your range of motion and reduce hip pain associated with arthritis. Hip pain can be caused by a wide variety of factors and can affect a number of different areas, including the thigh, buttock, and inner or outer hip. If you are experiencing hip pain, Jenna Howe offers osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) to help alleviate your discomfort so you can go back to enjoying life again.
What Causes Arthritic Hip Pain?
Hip pain can be caused by a number of factors, including arthritis, injuries, pinched nerves, cancer, and other medical conditions. Here, we will focus on the various types of arthritis that can trigger hip pain and associated symptoms:
Osteoarthritis: Affecting millions of individuals worldwide, osteoarthritis is the most common form of the disease. This condition occurs when the cartilage at the ends of the bones erodes over time. Osteoarthritis cannot be reversed, but it can be managed successfully with appropriate care.
Rheumatoid arthritis: An autoimmune disorder, this condition causes the immune system to attach its own tissues. In contrast to osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis affects the lining of the joints. As a result, painful inflammation and swelling can occur, and may eventually affect other systems, such as the heart, lungs, eyes, skin, and blood vessels.
Psoriatic arthritis: In some cases, individuals with psoriasis may develop psoriatic arthritis. This condition can appear anywhere in the body and may be mild or severe. Symptoms include pain, stiffness, and swelling in the joints. Like psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis often flares up between periods of remission.
Juvenile idiopathic arthritis: The most common type of arthritis in children under the age of 16, juvenile idiopathic arthritis exhibits the same features as rheumatoid arthritis. There is no known cause for this condition. Some children may experience symptoms indefinitely, while others only have symptoms for a few months.
Septic arthritis: If infection enters the bloodstream, it can be carried to the joints, resulting in painful inflammation and swelling. If this occurs, prompt treatment is crucial. This usually involves draining the infection surgically. However, osteopathic treatment can be used during recovery to increase range of motion.
How Osteopathy Can Treat Hip Pain
Depending on the cause of severity of your condition, osteopathy can effectively treat and manage hip pain. To determine the appropriate course of action, your osteopath will assess the body as a whole. This not only mitigates painful symptoms, but also treats the condition at the source.
To treat arthritis, reduce pain, and increase your range of motion, Jenna will perform a sequence of manipulations. This may include gently moving the hip joint to spread synovial fluid (the joint’s natural lubricant) and stretch the soft tissues using visceral, fascia, and craniosacral therapy.
Tips for Preventing Hip Pain
Osteopathic treatment is effective for treating hip pain. These recommendations can help prevent issues from occurring or relapsing:
- Keep your posture in check.
- Do not stay in the same position for too long.
- Avoid sitting at a desk for more than two hours at a time.
- Walk for at least 30 minutes every day.
- Perform stretches for 10 to 15 minutes every day.
Hip Pain & Arthritis Treatment in Victoria, BC
You don’t have to live with chronic hip pain any longer. Take back your life with osteopathic treatment for hip pain, arthritis pain, and any joint pain. Jenna Howe, BA Psych., DOMP, CBHT, NKT, Concussion Health Certified practitioner welcomes new patients to the clinic on McKenzie Ave in Victoria. To schedule a consultation with Jenna, contact us online or call our clinic at 250-704-4421.
