Anyone that deals with arthritis pain understands just how debilitating and exhausting it can be. Technically, arthritis is a collection of severe & regressive conditions that will cause inflammation in the joints of your body (i.e. knees, elbows, shoulders, wrists, etc.) that will result in muscle stiffness and major discomfort.

Two Most Common Forms of Arthritis

Osteoarthritis: Studies indicate that by the year 2035, nearly 1 in 4 Canadians will be diagnosed with osteoarthritis (OA). Currently, more than 5 million Canadians suffer from some form of osteoarthritis- that’s nearly 14% of the entire population of Canada. Osteoarthritis is the most frequently diagnosed kind of arthritis and symptoms tend to worsen the older a person gets.

Rheumatoid: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is right behind OA in terms of prominence in Canadian society. Approximately 300,000 Canadians are currently suffering from the effects of RA, and the unpredictability of the condition is alarming. Rheumatoid arthritis can affect anyone at any age, and it is 2-3 times more likely to affect women than it is men. Rheumatoid arthritis essentially attacks your joints as if they were an unidentified & potentially harmful tissue, which technically makes RA an autoimmune disease.

How to Reduce Pain Associated from Arthritis

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy encourages you to engage in physical activity which benefits both your mental and physical state. Regular exercise will ensure that the muscles around your joints are strong. When you engage in exercise on a routine basis you are helping the cartilage in your knees, wrists, ankles and other arthritic-prone areas remain lubricated which will decrease your risk of muscle stiffness and discomfort. Physiotherapy also promotes weight loss which can help alleviate stress on your muscles and joints. Arthritis pain can make it difficult to attain decent sleep, thankfully, physiotherapy will help you find comfort which will increase your ability to sleep comfortably.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is great for individuals afflicted with arthritis pain; it can be used to reorganize bodily energy and help you regain your stability and composure. Blockages in your acupuncture channels are common, and through the use of needles, trained & licensed acupuncturists will help you by activating your body’s self-healing properties.

Massage Therapy

Individuals with OA or RA should seek massage therapy for their symptoms on a routine basis for pain relief. Massage therapists are highly trained to deal with a variety of different complications that arise within the body, including severe discomfort from arthritis. Your massage therapist will provide you with tricks and tips to help you relieve pain while at home and over time, you will notice a significant increase in mobility, and you should feel much better.

Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are incredibly difficult conditions to live through without a certain level of relief. Ensure that you look after your condition by engaging by exercising daily, seeking acupuncture treatments and going for massage therapy sessions with a licensed massage therapist. For more information on arthritis and what you can do to reduce your symptoms, contact Physiocare Physiotherapy today!