6 effective alternative treatment methods for osteoarthritis
With old age comes a host of problems, and one that is prevalent is osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that gradually wears down the soft tissues at the ends of the bones. Considered to be the most common form of arthritis, in this condition, the cartilage of one joint or more starts to break down, eventually resulting in complete loss of the cartilage. Affecting millions of both men and women worldwide, the condition of osteoarthritis damages the joints of the body such as the knees, the spine, the hips or the hands. Those who are wondering whether this disease is curable or not, know that it is.
Though there are traditional treatments available, however, in case you fail to get desired relief from them, there are various effective alternative osteoarthritis treatment methods as well, wich include:
Chiropractic adjustments
Chiropractic adjustments is an alternative medicine system which focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal disorders or to be more specific, misalignments of joints. And with chiropractic adjustments as an alternative knee osteoarthritis treatment, you are sure to get rid of the swelling and pain in the joints. Chiropractic adjustments are known to boost one’s motion and reduce joint pains and are prescribed after analyzing the condition of the joints. Initially, one may require a few adjustments, after which, it may reduce to one or two sessions a month.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is an ancient alternative Chinese treatment method that may be helpful to people suffering from osteoarthritis, according to various studies. In this particular form of treatment, needles are inserted into one’s body to stimulate specific points of the body which works towards alleviating the pain in that area, including that caused by osteoarthritis. An extensive research in this field has not only shown acupuncture to be helpful in reducing pain intensity by a significant margin, but also in boosting the functional mobility as well as improving the quality of life.
However, one must remember that its effectiveness sometimes varies, as some people find it very relieving while others do not. In order to get maximum results out of this alternative osteoarthritis treatment method, make it a point to opt for licensed practitioners only.
Yoga
Though there is not much research performed on the effectiveness of yoga in offering osteoarthritis pain relief, some studies have proven yoga to be extremely helpful in managing and relieving the anxiety and stress which in many cases become a challenge for osteoarthritis patients. So indirectly, yoga is found to be beneficial for people with osteoarthritis. There’s no doubt about the fact that yoga helps in improving flexibility and strength of the body while fighting off the pain, improving the body’s balance and helping one to sleep better.
Though yoga is beneficial to health, one must never overdo it and consult with a yoga professional to avoid practicing such postures which may cause injury or stress to your knee or joints.
Massage therapy
A few studies have acknowledged the role of massage therapy in osteoarthritis treatment. Still, many osteoarthritis patients have found this to be very helpful in relieving joint pain and body aches. Massage therapy is mainly known for its role in reducing blood pressure, improving blood circulation, releasing endorphins and relaxing the muscles. Therefore, those patients with osteoarthritis who look for reducing the pain and stiffness in their joints and muscles, massage therapy can be ideal for those. The long gliding strokes of massage therapy can be a great way of improving the range of your motion or your ability of how far you can bend your knee.
Tai Chi
Tai Chi is a traditional form of Chinese exercise known for helping in strengthening the muscles and boosting coordination abilities making the joints more stable. This meditative movement has shown to be effective for those with osteoarthritis and an increased risk of falling due to instability and weakness in the knees. This exercise is considered safe for everyone. Only, while doing Tai Chi for the first time, people with osteoarthritis need to pose gently and slowly.
Glucosamine and chondroitin
Chondroitin and glucosamine are two substances that are found in the cartilage and are naturally produced in the body. Though not exactly a treatment method, but intake of these two supplements, in case their natural production is reduced, are known to be helpful in relieving joint pain for osteoarthritis, especially the pain in the knee. Though there are still disagreements regarding the role of these supplements in osteoarthritis treatment, many people with osteoarthritis have found this option to be quite beneficial.
It is good to consult with your doctor before you opt for any of the alternative osteoarthritis treatment options mentioned above. Without knowing and analyzing your underlying health condition, choosing alternative treatment programs can do more damage to your health than good. Talk to your doctor about your present circumstances and your past medical history as they can best decide the most efficient alternative osteoarthritis treatment for you.
