Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis: Lifestyle, Exercise, Supplements, and Acupuncture
OAis a chronic disorder. It has never been cured, and there is nowell-established way to slow its progression. But therapy can providecomfort, preserve function and improved quality of life.
Lifestylemeasures should be part of every treatment program. Patients whoareoverweight should reduce, and everyone with OA should eat ahealthful, balanced diet and maintain good general health. Becausemechanical stress increases the pain of OA, patients should avoidhigh-impact exercise and other activities that trigger pain. Squattingand kneeling, for example, can stress the hips and knees. Gentlestretching and strengthening exercises such as pilates, yoga orswimming is recommended (preferably under guidance). Short rest periodsthroughout the day are often beneficial.
Massage and Manipulation
Physicaltherapists can help detect and correct glitches in posture, gait, andbody mechanics. They can also supervise therapeutic exercises andtheycan work with occupational therapists to provide any assistancedevices that are needed. Even simple things like well-fitting shoeswith good arch supports can help. When hands are stiff or weak,electric can openers, special grips for utensils and writingimplements, reachers, easily opened pill bottles, and shoes that fastenwith Velcro can make a big difference.
Qualified massage therapists canease stiffness, tension and inflammation through massage, whichstimulates elimination and circulation to increase mobility andnutrients to damage tissue.
Reflexology isalso greatly recommended for OA. A qualified reflexologist canstimulate and balance the hypothalamus (central nervous system) andhormones in particular the adrenal gland,
which produces naturalcortisone (pain killer). It reduces stress in general, stimulateselimination and circulation, strengthens the immune system and impartsa feeling of well-being plus many other benefits.
Infra Red Mineral Lamp Therapy is also greatly recommended especially for areas that are sore to touch. Gives a feeling of well-being and relaxation.
Chi Machine Therapy physicallyloosens stiff and tense joints e.g. spine, hips, knees, shoulders withno pressure on joints. Gives a feeling of well-being and relaxation.
Many patients/clients with OA feel better after applying heat or
cold. A warm shower or bath can help loosen things up in the morning, and warm packs may also promote comfort. Applying
coldpacksto aching joints for 10 minutes can cut down on inflammation and pain,particularly after exercise. It’s more art than science, so people withOA can experiment with different thermal treatments, continuing anythat seem to help. The same applies to ointments, sprays, and linimentsthat produce warming or cooling and those containing anti-inflammatorymedications. Capsaicin (Zostrix, ArthriCare) is an irritant derivedfrom chili peppers that appears to provide relief by depleting achemical that transmits pain from nerve endings. Three strengths areavailable without prescription; it causes a burning sensation andshould be applied while wearing a disposable plastic glove. There arealso holistic products which can be tried e.g.F.L.P. MSM gel or heatlotion - a mixture of the two gels is excellent for almost immediaterelief. F.L.P.
Exercise
Rest makes arthritic joints feel better, but in the long run,
exercise is better.
General aerobic conditioning is veryimportant, and low-impact exercise is best. Swimming and other aquaticexercise provide cardiovascular conditioning and flexibility trainingwithout the
stress of bearing weight. Walking, biking, ellipticaltrainers, and rowing machines are also desirable. Gentle stretching andyoga
help by improving flexibility. Resistance exercises keep musclesstrong, often taking pressure off joints. People with mild OA can
get started on their own,but patients with more serious OA (or
other medical problems) should be supervised by a physical
therapist or skilled personal trainer.
Simple range of motion exercises can keep joints limber and are particularly helpful the first thing in the morning and after
prolonged inactivity. Here, too, instruction and supervision areinvaluable. Physical therapists can also help reduce knee pain bytaping aching joints.
Supplements
Until 1997, supplements were obscure preparations used in veterinary medicine. Then The Arthritis Cure burst on the scene,
andglucosamine and chondroitin sulfate were in the big time. Glucosamineand chondroitin are both present in normal cartilage. Most supplementsof glucosamine are prepared from oyster and
crab shells;chondroitin is usually derived from cow or shark cartilage. Theproducts are sold separately or in combination. Manufacturers typicallyrecommend 1,500mg of glucosamine
and/or 1,200 mg of chondroitin a day, usually divided into three doses.
Therehave been scores of studies of glucosamine and chondroitin, but many ofthem have been small, sponsored by groups with a vested interest, orboth. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is running several of thepopular ones through the gantlet of large clinical trials. TheNIH-funded Glucosamine/chondroitin Arthritis Intervention Trial, orGAIT, included 1,583 people with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis. Theresults, which were published in February 2006,showed no differencebetween the placebo pills and glucosamine and chondroitin.
As with the results of every study, what’s true on average may not apply to everybody. There are individuals who swear by the
relief they get from glucosamine and chondroitin. While that could be just a placebo effect, it may be true for some.
Many other supplements have been advocated as treatments for
OA. They include S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAMe), Ginger,
AloeVera, DHEA, Niacin, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), and cetyl myristoleate.As of early 2006, there were not enough reliable
studies to permit an evaluation of the safety and effectiveness of these products.
For more information on
Natural supplement products 1
Tianshi -
F.L.P. -
Acupuncture
Acupunctureis among the most popular forms of alternative or complementarymedicine, particularly for pain relief. Since 2004, three randomizedclinical trials have reported that acupuncture reduces pain caused byOA of the knee. True, the benefit wears off after treatment stops, butthat’s true of all nonsurgical approaches to the disease.
OAis a chronic disorder. It has never been cured, and there is nowell-established way to slow its progression. But therapy can providecomfort, preserve function and improved quality of life.
Lifestylemeasures should be part of every treatment program. Patients whoareoverweight should reduce, and everyone with OA should eat ahealthful, balanced diet and maintain good general health. Becausemechanical stress increases the pain of OA, patients should avoidhigh-impact exercise and other activities that trigger pain. Squattingand kneeling, for example, can stress the hips and knees. Gentlestretching and strengthening exercises such as pilates, yoga orswimming is recommended (preferably under guidance). Short rest periodsthroughout the day are often beneficial.
Massage and Manipulation
Physicaltherapists can help detect and correct glitches in posture, gait, andbody mechanics. They can also supervise therapeutic exercises andtheycan work with occupational therapists to provide any assistancedevices that are needed. Even simple things like well-fitting shoeswith good arch supports can help. When hands are stiff or weak,electric can openers, special grips for utensils and writingimplements, reachers, easily opened pill bottles, and shoes that fastenwith Velcro can make a big difference.
Qualified massage therapists canease stiffness, tension and inflammation through massage, whichstimulates elimination and circulation to increase mobility andnutrients to damage tissue.
Reflexology isalso greatly recommended for OA. A qualified reflexologist canstimulate and balance the hypothalamus (central nervous system) andhormones in particular the adrenal gland,
which produces naturalcortisone (pain killer). It reduces stress in general, stimulateselimination and circulation, strengthens the immune system and impartsa feeling of well-being plus many other benefits.
Infra Red Mineral Lamp Therapy is also greatly recommended especially for areas that are sore to touch. Gives a feeling of well-being and relaxation.
Chi Machine Therapy physicallyloosens stiff and tense joints e.g. spine, hips, knees, shoulders withno pressure on joints. Gives a feeling of well-being and relaxation.
Many patients/clients with OA feel better after applying heat or
cold. A warm shower or bath can help loosen things up in the morning, and warm packs may also promote comfort. Applying
coldpacksto aching joints for 10 minutes can cut down on inflammation and pain,particularly after exercise. It’s more art than science, so people withOA can experiment with different thermal treatments, continuing anythat seem to help. The same applies to ointments, sprays, and linimentsthat produce warming or cooling and those containing anti-inflammatorymedications. Capsaicin (Zostrix, ArthriCare) is an irritant derivedfrom chili peppers that appears to provide relief by depleting achemical that transmits pain from nerve endings. Three strengths areavailable without prescription; it causes a burning sensation andshould be applied while wearing a disposable plastic glove. There arealso holistic products which can be tried e.g.F.L.P. MSM gel or heatlotion - a mixture of the two gels is excellent for almost immediaterelief. F.L.P.
Exercise
Rest makes arthritic joints feel better, but in the long run,
exercise is better.
General aerobic conditioning is veryimportant, and low-impact exercise is best. Swimming and other aquaticexercise provide cardiovascular conditioning and flexibility trainingwithout the
stress of bearing weight. Walking, biking, ellipticaltrainers, and rowing machines are also desirable. Gentle stretching andyoga
help by improving flexibility. Resistance exercises keep musclesstrong, often taking pressure off joints. People with mild OA can
get started on their own,but patients with more serious OA (or
other medical problems) should be supervised by a physical
therapist or skilled personal trainer.
Simple range of motion exercises can keep joints limber and are particularly helpful the first thing in the morning and after
prolonged inactivity. Here, too, instruction and supervision areinvaluable. Physical therapists can also help reduce knee pain bytaping aching joints.
Supplements
Until 1997, supplements were obscure preparations used in veterinary medicine. Then The Arthritis Cure burst on the scene,
andglucosamine and chondroitin sulfate were in the big time. Glucosamineand chondroitin are both present in normal cartilage. Most supplementsof glucosamine are prepared from oyster and
crab shells;chondroitin is usually derived from cow or shark cartilage. Theproducts are sold separately or in combination. Manufacturers typicallyrecommend 1,500mg of glucosamine
and/or 1,200 mg of chondroitin a day, usually divided into three doses.
Therehave been scores of studies of glucosamine and chondroitin, but many ofthem have been small, sponsored by groups with a vested interest, orboth. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is running several of thepopular ones through the gantlet of large clinical trials. TheNIH-funded Glucosamine/chondroitin Arthritis Intervention Trial, orGAIT, included 1,583 people with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis. Theresults, which were published in February 2006,showed no differencebetween the placebo pills and glucosamine and chondroitin.
As with the results of every study, what’s true on average may not apply to everybody. There are individuals who swear by the
relief they get from glucosamine and chondroitin. While that could be just a placebo effect, it may be true for some.
Many other supplements have been advocated as treatments for
OA. They include S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAMe), Ginger,
AloeVera, DHEA, Niacin, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), and cetyl myristoleate.As of early 2006, there were not enough reliable
studies to permit an evaluation of the safety and effectiveness of these products.
For more information on
Natural supplement products 1
Tianshi -
F.L.P. -
Acupuncture
Acupunctureis among the most popular forms of alternative or complementarymedicine, particularly for pain relief. Since 2004, three randomizedclinical trials have reported that acupuncture reduces pain caused byOA of the knee. True, the benefit wears off after treatment stops, butthat’s true of all nonsurgical approaches to the disease.
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GeeZone - Massage, Health & Beauty Therapies
Also Treating @
GHIR'S PHARMACY
426-428 Barking Road
East Ham
London E6 2AS
+44 (0) 7931 100 093 / +44 (0) 208 470 1637
Email: geeoz5@aol.com
GeeZone - Massage, Health & Beauty Therapies
Also Treating @
GHIR'S PHARMACY
426-428 Barking Road
East Ham
London E6 2AS
+44 (0) 7931 100 093 / +44 (0) 208 470 1637
Email: geeoz5@aol.com