Top 5 Tips For Managing Osteoarthritis

Osteopath Heath Williams of Principle Four Osteopathy has given his Top 5 Tips For Managing Osteoarthritis.   Generally once we hit the age of 40 years we all start to show signs of wear and tear in our joints.  Probably one of the most common things that I see in private practice is the client presenting with Osteoarthritis and them thinking that they are doomed for a life of pain and inactivity.  Whilst it is hard to change the clients perception of this initially, generally they will start to realise they are capable of many things if they follow some simple tips.

Top 5 Tips To Managing Osteoarthritis

  1. Managing pain is an important part of managing Osteoarthritis.  For some this could mean visiting your General Practitioner for pain medication.  In many circumstances, over the counter pain medication can help greatly. For others they will use hot and cold to manage aches and pains.
  2. Keep active and exercise.  Research has shown that regular appropriate exercise can help reduce pain.  It will also help improve your general overall health and wellbeing.  In many circumstances, those who regularly exercise will do some in groups where they can remain socially connected.  Individuals will also realize their physical potential and learn to understand that they are not permanently disabled and have to avoid all activities.
  3. Try some relaxation techniques.  This could mean focusing on the breathe or using imagery.  Often relaxing can help reduce ones overall body tension and help with reducing stress.
  4. Eat a healthy well balanced diet.  Foods rich in Omega-3 fats can help reduce inflammation in the body. Examples of these foods include oily fish such as sardines and salmon.  Fish oil supplements can also be taken.  Ground linseeds and linseed oil, canola oil and walnuts are also high in Omega-3 fats.
  5. Try a therapy.  There is some evidence to suggest that Acupuncture can help with pain and overall quality of life for Osteoarthritis.  Click here to read more from the Arthritis Foundation.   See your Physical Therapist for advice on treatment and management.  Read more about this from the Arthritis Foundation by clicking here.

For those who are interested in finding more out about Arthritis in Australia, please click on the links below.

http://www.arthritisaustralia.com.au/

http://www.arthritisvic.org.au/Home

Osteopath Heath Williams is owner and director of Principle Four Osteopathy.  Principle Four Osteopathy is one of Melbourne City CBD and Docklands leading Osteopathy Clinics.

The Melbourne City CBD clinic is  located at 29 Somerset Place (basement), close to the corner of Elizabeth St and Little Bourke in the Melbourne City CBD. Our premises adjoin the Jon Weller Personal Training Studio, a fully-equipped training space which allows clients to combine their osteopathy treatment with exercise tutorials or specific training programs and rehabilitation.

The Docklands clinic is located at 717 Bourke St (Ground Floor), beneath the Channel 9 building near the walkway from Southern Cross Train Station to Etihad Stadium.  Our premises adjoin Pilates on Bourke, a fully-equipped pilates and yoga training space which allows clients to combine their osteopathy treatment with exercise tutorials, pilates or specific training programs and rehabilitation.

To speak to an Osteopath or book an appointment at Principle Four Osteopathy, please book online or call 03 9670 9290.