Arthritis

Arthritis (arthro-joint, itis-inflammation) is a disorder of one or many joints. Inflammation is the main symptom of arthritis, which is expressed with pain, swelling, heat and redness. There are more than 100 types of arthritis with osteoarthritis being the most common, which is associated with trauma, infection, or aging. Other types of arthritis include rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis etc.

Therapeutic Approach

Prior to the treatment that varies according to the type of arthritis, the clinician will explore the condition of the patient thoroughly by taking a detailed medical history and carrying out clinical tests (movement, pain, vision, reflexes, strength etc.). After the clinician becomes sure of the type of arthritis and can be of help, his purpose is initially to lower the levels of inflammation and increase the quality of movement of the joint(s), and eventually to deal with every possible cause (or causation) of the condition, if possible. This is achieved by applying manipulative techniques at the affected joints*, if patient’s body allows it, exercises (exercise rehabilitation), acupuncture and hydrotherapy, while nutritional advice or/and supplements are suggested depending on the cause of the joint pain. With time, other areas and body systems will be looked at in order to achieve a physical m biochemical and psychological balance.

Note: In acute arthritis manipulative techniques are only applied in adjacent regions. In the suspicion of bone fracture or metastasis the patient is immediately referred.