Arthritis affects millions of people worldwide, presenting as joint stiffness, swelling, and chronic discomfort that can limit daily activities and reduce quality of life. Chiropractic treatment cannot remove the underlying damage caused by arthritis, but it can often help with the symptoms. At Acomb Chiropractic Clinic, we believe in treating the whole person. By addressing joint restriction, muscular imbalances, and lifestyle factors, we aim to help you reclaim mobility, reduce pain, and prevent future flare-ups. In this article, you will learn what arthritis is, why chiropractic care could be a valuable piece of your wellness puzzle, and simple strategies you can begin implementing today.
What Is arthritis? Causes and common symptoms
Arthritis is an umbrella term covering more than 100 distinct conditions characterised by inflammation of one or more joints. The two most prevalent types are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
- Osteoarthritis results from “wear-and-tear” breakdown of cartilage, most often in weight-bearing joints like the knees, hips, and spine. This is the most common type of arthritis, and all of us will likely suffer with some osteoarthritic symptoms to some degree as we age.
- Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition where your body’s defences mistakenly attack joints, leading to swelling, warmth, and pain. This is much less common than osteoarthritis.
Common symptoms of arthritic pain include:
- Stiffness upon waking or after long periods of inactivity
- Joint tenderness, particularly when pressure is applied
- Swelling or warmth around the joint
- Difficulty performing everyday tasks, from climbing stairs to buttoning a shirt
If these symptoms sound familiar, you’re not alone—and there are steps you can take to feel better.
Not all arthritic problems are suitable for chiropractic care. Therefore, a thorough assessment is essential to ensure accurate diagnosis, effective management, and tailored recommendations for your specific concerns.
Common causes of ankle pain
Chiropractors focus on the spine and extremities, aiming to improve joint movement. Restrictions and misalignments can place uneven stress on cartilage and soft tissues, igniting inflammation and may even accelerate degeneration. By gently manipulating the spine, hips, shoulders, knees, and other joints we aim to:
- Increase range of motion, making daily tasks easier and less painful
- Enhance joint biomechanics, redistributing mechanical forces more evenly
- Improve nervous system communication, reducing pain signals and promoting natural healing
Rather than relying solely on painkillers or invasive procedures, chiropractic care aims for long-term stability and functional improvement. Each treatment is tailored to your unique presentation, whether you are managing early osteoarthritis or seeking relief from long-standing chronic arthritic symptoms.
Common chiropractic techniques for arthritis relief
Our clinic employs a variety of non-invasive techniques designed to relieve arthritic symptoms and restore function:
- Gentle mobilisation: Gentle pressure is applied to encourage better movement of the joints, or occasionally we may use low force manipulations if we deem it appropriate.
- Activator method: A hand-held instrument delivers precise, low-force impulses, ideal for sensitive or inflamed joints.
- Flexion-distraction: A gentle, rhythmic stretching of the spine performed on a specialised table, reducing pressure within discs and spinal joints. Find out more
- Soft tissue therapies: Techniques such as trigger point therapy and gentle vibration massage help to target tight muscles and fascia, improving circulation and reducing pain.
- Myofascial dry needling/acupuncture: Can be particularly helpful for joint pains, especially those associated with arthritis.
Coupled with targeted stretches and strengthening exercises, these therapies aim to create an environment where your joints can move more easily, with less friction and irritation.
Lifestyle tips to manage arthritic pain
Chiropractic treatments are only part of the equation. Integrating these habits could amplify your results:
- Stay active: Low-impact activities like swimming, cycling, and walking enhance joint mobility and muscular support.
- Maintain a healthy weight: Every extra pound adds several pounds of pressure on knee and hip joints, accelerating wear.
- Optimise your diet: Anti-inflammatory foods—think leafy greens, berries, nuts, and fatty fish—can help quell joint inflammation.
- Prioritise sleep: Aim for seven to eight hours of quality rest; your body repairs tissues and regulates inflammatory processes during slumber.
- Ergonomic changes: Whether at your desk or in the car, ensure your posture supports healthy spinal alignment.
Get in touch
At Acomb Chiropractic Clinic, we are committed to helping you if we can. If you suspect that your discomfort may be related to arthritic joint issues, or if you are experiencing persistent arthritic type pain, we encourage you to contact us for a personalised consultation. Our experienced chiropractic team will conduct a thorough assessment, explain our findings and what we think is possible in clear terms. If appropriate, we will develop a personalised treatment plan tailored to your specific condition and goals, aiming to maximise your possible benefit.
Not all complaints are appropriate for chiropractic care. If we think we cannot help your complaint, or you require more investigations, we will do our best to support you in finding you another path forward.