Arthritis

• Being over 45 dramatically increases the risks of arthritis, however it can be seen in people younger too.
• Previous injury to a joint or trauma. If you injured yourself previously you are more likely to arthritis in that joint.
• Being overweight (this increases pressure on the joints causing them to wear out quicker. Particularly knee and hip joints.
• Repetitive movements through a joint (e.g painter and decorators commonly get arthritis in their shoulder joint from years of brushing)
• Females more commonly get arthritis, however its seen commonly in males too.

Although there is currently no ‘cure’ for arthritis, Osteopathy can be an effective way to both prevent the arthritis from getting worse, and relieve pain and other associated symptoms. Below is a list of some of the areas may be considered in an Osteopathic treatment.

• The joints in your body all work together to create a ‘symphony of movement’. If some of those joints aren’t working properly then it puts more pressure on other joints causing increased wear and tear on the cartilage and worsening arthritis.

Osteopathy uses gentle techniques to improve the movement in all joints around the body in order to place less stress on the affected joint.

• A common problem with Osteoarthritis is that you stop using the joint as much because it’s painful. This results in the muscles around the joint becoming weak and this makes the joint more likely to get injured.

Strengthening Exercises can be individually prescribed to prevent muscles becoming weak.

• Joints that don’t work through a full range of motion and more likely to get damaged and become arthritic. This is particularly the case in joints that have previously been injured in trauma.

By giving specific mobility exercises we can ensure joints are working to the best of their abilities.

• If you are overweight, and interested in changing your eating habits your Osteopath may give you advice on some simple changes you can make to improve not only your weight, but also your overall health.

Did you know sugar causes an inflammatory response throughout your whole body and will make your arthritis feel worse

• One Path Osteopathy has free parking available in Westfield Hornsby.
• The clinic is also 5-10 mins walk from Hornsby Train station.
• There is disabled access to the clinic.
• If you have been in pain for over 6 months you may be entitled to to medicare benefits that assist with the cost of treatment.