Arthritis
In our Physio-logical clinics in Havant and Rowlands Castle we see a lot of patients with arthritis.
We treat people with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, lumbar or cervical spondylosis and ankylosing spondylitis.
What is osteoarthritis?
Synovial joint normal and arthritis
 Synovial joint normal and arthritis |
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the normal degeneration of the smooth cartilage which lines the joints and provides cushioning, sometimes called wear and tear.
It makes movement more difficult and can cause pain and stiffness. It affects nearly 9 million people in the UK (NHS). Sometimes osteophytes are formed (bony spurs). |
What is rheumatoid arthritis?
 Stages of rheumatoid arthritis |
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is when the body’s immune system targets affected joints which can lead to pain and swelling.
The synovium (outer lining) of the joint is affected first. It can spread and cause the cartilage and bone to breakdown. Other tissues and organs can be affected by RA. In the UK, rheumatoid arthritis affects more than 400,000 people (NHS). |
Other types of arthritis
Lumbar Spondylosis
Osteoarthritis which affects the lower back joints and bones which can lead to pain and stiffness.
Cervical Spondylosis
Osteoarthritis which affects the neck joints and bones which can lead to pain and stiffness.
Ankylosing Spondylitis
This is an inflammatory condition that affects the ligaments, bones and tendons of the spine. This leads to stiffness and sometimes fusion of the joints together.
Here is a testimonial from one of our patients who has cervical spondylosis (neck arthritis)
“I went to Physio-logical after having seen two consultants and another physio…none of whom could do anything for me. I have arthritis in the upper vertebrae of my neck and this causes severe pain in the head and also greatly restricts movement. The consultants could only suggest more and stronger pain killers. Natalie, with her wonderful hands, began to bring relief and slowly greater mobility in my head and neck. I did, at one time, think I would have to give up driving. That, because of Natalie, has proved not to be the case.
Now, after some time, I have managed to greatly reduce the medication and at times have been pain free. At the beginning of the treatment, Natalie offered hope where there had been none before. I cannot thank her enough for my enhanced quality of life”, Mrs. B
How can Physio-logical help?
We get so many people coming to see us who have been told they have arthritis and they have to live with it.
This is frustrating, we can’t cure arthritis but there are so many things we can do to help ease aches, pains and reduce stiffness, the symptoms associated with arthritis. By doing certain treatments and exercises you can help protect your joints to slow down the progression of arthritis.
Also, we see a lot of people who are told they have arthritis but on assessment they have a muscle imbalance problem which is easily treated and cured with physiotherapy or sports therapy.
Here is how we can help with the treatments we offer:
- Joint mobilisations
- Joint manipulations
- Massage
- Strengthening exercises
- Stretches
- Acupuncture
- Advice
Lastly, pain does not reflect scan/ x-ray results, a lot of the time we see people who have little pain but may have severe arthritis, the key factor here is their joints and muscles are not too stiff and they also have strong muscles to support their joints.
If you, your mum, dad, colleague, friend or grandparents have been told they have arthritis but are fed up with the pain then please do book to see us. As I said we can’t cure arthritis but we can help a lot to ease symptoms with hands on treatments and exercises.
To book an appointment to see one of our highly skilled physiotherapists or sports therapist then please call 07835 712306 or email enquiries@physio-logical.net.
