Treatment 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 Treatment for Arthritis?

With rheumatoid arthritis, the earlier one seeks treatment the better. Since the lack of synovial fluid in the joint is causing a lot 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. Bowen Therapy can be very effective, as it works through the body's fascial system, an extension of the nervous system to help correct the root cause - the nervous system attacking the lining of the joints.

If one is suffering from osteoarthritis, Bowen Therapy is unable to restore the damaged joint cartilage or underlying bone damage, however it can be effective at relieving the pain associated with osteoarthritis as well as improve joint functionality and mobility. Other treatment options that may be offered by a doctor to provide relief from joint pain and functionality are analgesics which can relieve pain but not provide any relief from inflammation, or NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) that can be prescribed that target both symptoms. NSAIDs may have side-effects though, like increasing your risk of heart attacks or stroke. Creams and ointments can also be applied to help alleviate symptoms caused by Arthritis. Corticosteroids may also be administered to suppress the immune system.

When conservative measure prove to be ineffective. Surgery can involve joint repair where the surfaces of joints are made smooth to improve function, joint replacement like that of the hips or knees or joint fusion for smaller joints to stop the joint moving all together.

You can read some reviews from Louis's Bowen Therapy clients on the Review page here, or Book Online here for a Bowen Therapy Treatment for Arthritis in Geelong. We're open till 9pm weekdays and Saturday.
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