Arthritis is a pain that can create over 3 million new cases every year! Arthritis is often a blanket term used to describe pain in the joints as we age. However there can be a variety of reasons for this pain.
The difference between Arthritis and Arthrosis (Osteoarthritis)
Arthritis is the swelling or tenderness of one or more joints. The main symptoms of arthritis are joint pain and stiffness, which typically worsen with age.
Osteoarthritis is a non-inflammatory degenerative condition associated with aging. It mainly affects the cartilage which can become irregular and worn out. This breakdown of cartilage can cause pain and loss of mobility of the joint.
Often times you will hear people describe they have arthritis without a proper diagnosis or x-rays meaning they do accurately know if this is joint inflammation or the process of the protective cartilage being worn down. A proper diagnosis from a physician is necessary for the proper treatment and maintenance of the condition.
P-DTR and Functional Neurology for Arthritis and preventing OsteoArthritis:
Often times the cause of the probelm with Arthritis is the hypoxia. Hypoxia is a state in which oxygen is not available in sufficient amounts at the tissue level to maintain adequate homeostasis. This means the tissue surrounding the joint begins to wear down and become inflammed and create pain. However Hypoxia is usually just the symptom and not the cause.
Usually muscular imbalances are the cause of the hypoxia and therefore the arthritis. This could mean we have certain muscles that are inhibited (weak) or hypertonic (neurologically locked strong). This can create poor joint mechanics which lead to overuse and underuse of muscles.
It is important to fix this as early on as possible since the cartilage has no nerve endings so it doesn't have a sense of it being worn down which can lead to the Osteoarthritis.
The goal of the P-DTR Treatment will be to restore proper muscular stability and joint use. After active range of motion is used to bring blood supply in to remove the state of hypoxia with nutrient rich oxygen. Pain will not disappear right after the session but could take a couple weeks to fully recover as the tissue returns to a healthier state.
Benefits of Massage Therapy to help with Arthritis and well-being:
Decrease pain in the area by releasing the body's natural opioids
Increase blood flow for nutrient delivery
Release tight muscles
Help relax and decrease stress and anxiety about the condition
Cupping can bring blood and stimulate lymphatic drainage into harder to reach places like tendons and ligaments.
Statistics about Arthritis:
There are more than 100 types of arthritis.
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. It is frequently found in places like the shoulder, wrist, knees and feet.
Things that can increase the likeliness of developing arthritis include: obesity, trauma to joint, occupation, infection, and smoking.
Approximately 1 in 4 US adults have arthritis
While there may not be a cure for Arthritis, with the proper help you can decrease symptoms and restore the joints to a healthier condition. If caught early enough one can hopefully prevent Osteoarthritis from occurring and keep the cartilage healthy.
Learn more about P-DTR here:
Learn more about Massage Therapy here:
Schedule Your Bodywork Session Today:
Comments