Chiropractic Therapy Solutions for Arthritis
Chiropractic therapy can be used to treat issues like osteoarthritis. A chiropractor can help improve the function of your joints and alleviate the pain caused by arthritis by improving the relationship between your nervous system and your spine.
Your body is made up of different systems that are interconnected in many ways. Issues developing in one system often lead to symptoms elsewhere. Chiropractic therapy provides holistic treatment for arthritis, treating the entire body as a whole.
How chiropractic therapy is used to manage arthritis
Anyone looking for arthritis relief that does not involve taking medication should consider getting treatment from a chiropractor. The treatments are effective without medication, or they can be combined with medication.
Medication is an effective way to manage the pain caused by arthritis, but it does not always improve the underlying problem causing the pain. Chiropractic care helps improve the alignment of the neuromuscular system, reducing pain by improving body function.
Chiropractors have over 150 techniques to adjust the joints and muscles of the body. Chiropractic therapy can effectively treat osteoarthritis, but it is not recommended for inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and psoriatic arthritis. In addition, performing chiropractic adjustments when inflammation cannot be controlled can have adverse effects. Treatments that a chiropractor might recommend for osteoarthritis include:
Electrotherapy: This treatment involves sending small electrical pulses into injured soft tissues, and it works by stimulating nerves and muscles, improving their function and promoting healing.
Ultrasound: Ultrasound technology is typically used for imaging in the healthcare field, but it can also be used to massage damaged soft tissues and joints, decreasing stiffness, pain, and swelling.
Cold laser therapy: This treatment involves stimulating soft tissues with non-heat-producing lasers, and it helps reduce inflammation.
Infrared sauna: This involves using infrared lights to heat deep tissues from the inside, and it helps improve circulation in the area being treated and reduces pain.
The process
Chiropractic care typically starts with the chiropractor consulting with the patient to determine their issues and medical history. Next, a physical examination is usually performed to evaluate the patient’s posture and mobility.
The chiropractor might order tests like X-rays or an MRI to help with their diagnosis. A treatment plan is then customized to address the patient’s unique needs.
The treatments selected as part of a patient’s plan are typically not one-time affairs. They must be performed multiple times per week for at least a few weeks to get long-lasting benefits.
The chiropractor will also educate patients about things that they can do on their own to help with their condition. Simple things like stretching daily, exercising multiple times a week, doing physical therapy, and earting a healthy diet go a long way when dealing with conditions like arthritis.