How Osteopathy, Sports Therapy and Acupuncture Can Help with Arthritis
Painful joints can make everyday movements feel like a challenge, but the right approach to treatment can help you stay active and reduce pain. While medication can play a role in managing symptoms, sports therapy, osteopathy, and acupuncture offer natural, hands-on solutions to improve mobility, ease discomfort, and enhance overall well-being. At Body Zest, we take a holistic approach to Osteoarthritis and other types of inflammatory arthritis—let’s dive into how these treatments can support you.
Osteopathy for Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis and occurs due to the gradual breakdown of cartilage in the joints. Osteopathy can help by:
Improving joint function through gentle mobilisations.
Encouraging better posture and movement patterns to reduce strain.
Providing hands-on soft tissue techniques to relieve muscle tightness and pain.
Offering tailored exercises to maintain mobility and prevent further stiffness.
Osteopathy for Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune condition that causes inflammation in the joints. While osteopathy cannot stop the immune response, it can help manage symptoms by:
Using gentle techniques to relieve muscle tension and joint stiffness.
Encouraging lymphatic drainage to help reduce swelling.
Supporting relaxation and stress reduction, which can play a role in managing flare-ups.
Advising on gentle movement strategies to prevent discomfort while staying active.
How Osteopathy Helps with Arthritis
Osteopathy is a gentle, hands-on therapy that focuses on improving joint mobility, reducing muscle tension, and enhancing circulation. When it comes to arthritis, osteopathy can help by:
✅ Increasing blood flow to affected joints, which may help reduce inflammation.
✅ Improving flexibility and movement by easing stiffness.
✅ Releasing tension in surrounding muscles to take pressure off the joints.
✅ Supporting the body’s natural healing process.
How Sports Therapy Helps with Arthritis
Sports therapy isn’t just for athletes—it’s also an excellent approach for people with arthritis. It combines targeted exercises, hands-on treatment, and rehabilitation techniques to improve strength, flexibility, and joint function.
✅ Strengthening muscles around the joints to provide better support.
✅ Improving range of motion to prevent stiffness.
✅ Reducing pain and inflammation through soft tissue therapy.
✅ Teaching proper movement patterns to minimise strain on the joints.
What to Expect in a Sports Therapy Session:
A movement assessment to identify areas of weakness or stiffness.
Hands-on techniques like massage or joint mobilisations to ease tension.
A tailored exercise plan designed to support joint health and prevent further discomfort.
How Acupuncture Can Support Arthritis Management
Acupuncture can be a valuable complementary treatment for arthritis by:
Stimulating the body’s natural pain-relieving mechanisms.
Helping to reduce inflammation in affected joints.
Supporting relaxation and reducing stress-related muscle tension.
Improving circulation to aid recovery and joint function.
Patients with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis often find acupuncture helps manage pain and stiffness, especially when combined with other therapies.
Managing Other Types of Arthritis
While osteopathy and sports therapy can be highly beneficial for OA and RA, we also assess and support individuals with other types of arthritis, including:
Gout: We can provide lifestyle and movement advice to reduce strain on affected joints while encouraging referral to a specialist for medication management.
Psoriatic Arthritis: Manual therapies can help relieve muscular tension, but we work alongside dermatologists and rheumatologists to ensure comprehensive care.
Ankylosing Spondylitis: Gentle mobility exercises and hands-on treatments can support spinal function, but specialist input may be necessary for long-term management.
If we identify that your condition requires additional medical intervention, we will always guide you towards the right specialist while offering supportive therapies to enhance your overall well-being.
Common Questions About These Treatments
Q: Will osteopathy or sports therapy make my arthritis worse?
A: No- these treatments are designed to be gentle and supportive. However, some short term, increased pain is always possible after treatment. Your therapist will work within your comfort levels to avoid aggravating your symptoms.
Q: How many sessions will I need?
A: This depends on your condition, severity, and personal goals. Some people feel relief after just one or two sessions, while others benefit from ongoing support to maintain mobility and prevent stiffness.
Q: Can I combine these treatments with other arthritis management strategies?
A: Absolutely! Many patients use osteopathy, sports therapy, and acupuncture alongside medication, dietary changes, and gentle exercise to create a well-rounded arthritis management plan.
Q: How do I know which treatment is right for me?
A: You’re safe booking an initial consultation with any therapist. Our experienced team will assess your condition and recommend the best approach tailored to your needs- even if that’s with a different practitioner.
Take Control of Your Arthritis Today
If arthritis is impacting your daily life, don’t wait to seek help. Our team at Body Zest is here to provide natural, hands-on solutions that support your mobility and reduce discomfort. Book an appointment today and take the first step toward feeling better!