Understanding Arthritis
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a wear-and-repair process that affects the joints, most commonly the knees, hips, and hands. It occurs when the protective cartilage on the ends of your bones wears down over time. While the changes to the joint are permanent, the pain and stiffness associated with it are highly manageable.
Common Symptoms
- Joint pain during or after movement.
- Stiffness, especially first thing in the morning or after resting.
- A “grating” sensation (crepitus) when using the joint.
The Ashbourne Approach
Following the latest NICE guidelines, we move away from “wear and tear” language and focus on “wear and repair.” We use manual therapy to improve joint lubrication and design progressive loading programmes. Strengthening the muscles around an arthritic joint is the most effective way to reduce pain and delay the need for surgery.
