Help for Arthritis in Geelong

What is Arthritis?

Arthritis is said to occur when inflammation affects the joints, causing stiffness and pain in the joint area. There are two main types of Arthritis that might affect an individual; namely Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis. ​
One is said to be suffering from Osteoarthritis, the most common form, when cartilage in the joint region wears out. Normally, this wear and tear happens with age and over several years. Rheumatoid Arthritis, on the other hand, is an autoimmune condition targeting the lining of joints called synovium and can be found to occur in a matter of weeks or months.

By BruceBlaus

What Causes Arthritis?

Cartilage is the hard coating found at the end of the bones which meet at a joint. Due to wear and tear of the cartilage, those diagnosed with Osteoarthritis have a situation where their bones are grinding against one another when the joint is being moved which can result in restricted movement of the affected joint and pain. Normally this occurs with age, over years, but there can be a sudden onset after an injury as well.
For those suffering from Rheumatoid Arthritis, the body’s immune system attacks the lining present in the joint capsule. This is a tough membrane that encloses the entire joint and is known as the synovial membrane which provides lubrication to the joint. When it becomes inflamed, the bone and cartilage of the affected joint can become damaged through the un-lubricated grinding of the adjoining bones as the joint moves. ​
Family history, age, sex and previous joint injuries are various factors that can predispose someone towards Arthritis.

When to Seek Help for Arthritis?

With rheumatoid arthritis, the earlier one seeks help the better. Since the lack of synovial fluid in the joint is causing a higher rate of wear and tear to the cartilage within the joint, the earlier proper functioning is restored to the joint, the less structural damage that will be sustained to the cartilage and bony structures within the joint. 

If one is suffering from osteoarthritis, it is not possible to replenish damaged joint cartilage or underlying bone damage, however people suffering from osteoarthritis should rest when pain starts becoming more severe and keep the pain to a manageable level.

How may Bowen Therapy help people with Arthritis?

With rheumatoid arthritis, Bowen Therapy works through the body's nervous and fascial system, which means we are working on a root cause - the nervous system which is in turn attacking the lining of the joints. With osteoarthritis, when the worn, rough joint surfaces are not tightly held together by the surrounding tight muscles, the rough surfaces can glide past each other more easily and clients may report they can do much more before they feel pain.

Many Bowen Therapy clients with either osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis may report a faster rate of healing, a better range of movement in their joints and feeling more comfortable doing the activities they enjoy. And with Bowen therapy we address the whole body, targeting several different areas we see as contributing to the problem, and that's how we may get our results to last longer.

You can read some reviews from Louis's Bowen Therapy clients on the Review page here, or Book Online here for a Bowen Therapy Session targeting Arthritis in Geelong.