Osteoarthritis. What it is? How massage can help?

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease in which the tissues in the joint break down over time. It is the most common type of arthritis and is more prevalent in older individuals. Individuals with osteoarthritis typically experience joint pain and stiffness for a short period after rest or inactivity. The most commonly affected joints include the following:

• Hands (ends of the fingers and at the base and ends of the thumbs).
• Knees.
• Hips.
• Neck.
• Lower back.

Key Takeaways:

• Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease, and one in five Australians over 45 years old has it (Arthritis Australia 2018).
• It is the most common type of arthritis, and it can develop at any age but tends to be more common in people aged over 40 years.
• Can affect most of the body joints, from the hands to the lower back, and can be a consequence of previous joint injury or surgery.

Who is more likely to suffer from Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis impacts individuals in varying ways. While some may experience mild symptoms that don’t interfere with their daily routines, others may suffer from significant pain and disability. Joint damage typically progresses gradually over the years, although in some cases, it can worsen rapidly. People aged 40 and over are more likely to suffer from OA, and the chance increases when the person already has a history of joint injury or surgery.

Is there a cure for OA?

No, at the current moment, there are no cures for OA. That said, medication or treatment modalities can help manage the presentation and the pain related to it. Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD), mobilization, and general exercises are among the treatment modalities that can help manage pain for OA. Indeed, movement is a crucial component to keeping OA pain at ease.

How do I know if I do suffer from OA?

If you are unsure if your pain is related to OA, you better consult a GP. Throughout detailing your family and personal medical history, including your injury or surgery history and with a series of tests, including X-Ray, the GP would be able to tell you if you are pain is OA related. The X-ray may show signs of joint degeneration, but these degenerations are not always related to the level of pain that you are feeling. Pain is a subjective experience and is different from person to person. Blood tests, however, are used to identify the presence of another type of arthritis.

Is being overweight an aggravating factor for OA?

Surprisingly, no. We now know that excess body weight, unless it has increased within a short period, does not affect OA presentation (Messier et al. 2022). What may affect the OA presentation, on the other hand, are the inflammation processes related to obesity presentation (Nedunchezhiyan et al. 2022). So again, in order to address this type of issue, you better talk to your GP and start including in your daily activity a series of exercises that can help with pain management and weight loss. A GP and nutritionist would be the people to go to for weight loss.

How do we help individuals with OA at Melbourne Massage and Treatment?

Giovanni, the founder and practitioner of Melbourne Massage and Treatment, already works with patients presenting with OA. Giovanni’s approach to this type of presentation is to determine together with his patients what the short and long-term goal of the patient themself. From there, Giovanni will tailor a specific program of treatment and exercises to help you improve the management of your OA presentation. The program can be modified as needed along the way based on the results obtained during the treatment sessions.
Along the treatment modalities used, there can be Manual Lymphatic Drainage, Soft Tissue Massage, Cupping or Dry Needling. Exercises would be then discussed to ensure the muscle and the joint related to the OA painful presentation are addressed as needed.

Book your next treatment management for OA now.

To book your next session, head to the booking page and choose the treatment that you may think works best for you, and choose the day and time that best suit your schedule. If you have any doubt about what treatment may work best for you, do not hesitate to contact Giovanni via the Contact Page or by sending an email to info@melbournemassageandtreatment.au.

FAQs

Q: What is osteoarthritis (OA)?

A: Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease where joint tissues gradually break down over time. It’s the most common type of arthritis, often causing joint pain and stiffness, especially after periods of rest.

Q: Who is more likely to develop osteoarthritis?

A: Individuals aged 40 and over are at higher risk, particularly those with a history of joint injury or surgery.

Q: Is there a cure for osteoarthritis?

A: Currently, there is no cure for osteoarthritis. However, various treatments such as Manual Lymphatic Drainage, Soft Tissue Massage, and tailored exercise programs can help manage pain and improve joint function.

Q: How can I know if my pain is due to osteoarthritis?

A: If you’re unsure about the cause of your joint pain, consult with a GP. They can evaluate your medical history, perform tests like X-rays, and assess your symptoms to determine if osteoarthritis is the likely cause.

Q: Does being overweight worsen osteoarthritis symptoms?

A: Surprisingly, excess body weight, unless gained rapidly, does not directly worsen osteoarthritis symptoms. However, obesity-related inflammation can impact the severity of symptoms.

Q: How can Melbourne Massage and Treatment help with osteoarthritis

A: At Melbourne Massage and Treatment, we offer personalized treatment plans for osteoarthritis. Our services include Manual Lymphatic Drainage, Soft Tissue Massage