During the latter years of our lives, working less and retirement can give one time for leisure, travel and other interests. However there are other challenges placed on the body by the natural ageing process. As we age, the body changes. Muscles become weaker and joints become stiffer. These degenerative changes can cause general aches and pains. Whilst many people accept and expect these symptoms as part of the ageing process, there is an awful lot that can be done to slow this down and prevent these symptoms becoming a burden on the body and lifestyle.
Quality of life is important at any age. Concerns for loss of mobility and independence are greater in the older person. Like other health issues such as blood pressure, digestion, eye sight and hearing loss, arthritis will also have an effect on the body’s performance.
What is arthritis?
Arthritis is a normal degeneration of the cartilage within the joints of the body. This causes stiffness, aches, pains and loss of mobility. It is often worse after periods of excess activity, or conversely immobility.
My GP told me it’s my age…
This is a common misconception. By stretching and loosening muscles and joints, a lot can be done to not only preserve these joints but also improve lifestyle and reduce pain.
How can an osteopath help my arthritis?
Osteopaths specialise in maintaining and mobilising the joints of the body. Whether it’s the hip, knee, spine or another area. By physically moving these joints passively and using other specific techniques, the osteopath can give exercises, dietary and lifestyle advice to not only slow this process down, but prevent further episodes.
What else can I do?
It is suggested that supplementation may help and indeed this does appear to be effective for some people. Keeping active is an important part of maintaining joint health, as well as muscle tone. Balance is often effected with age, but responds favourably to simple balance exercises. Having a high BMI, being overweight or obese, predisposes one to early degenerative changes.
The key to managing our mature years is to keep fit and active both physically and mentally.
If you have a physical issue, don’t procrastinate! Try to obtain help at the earliest opportunity.
