Osteoarthritis (OA), also known as degenerative joint/disc disease effects millions of Americans each year.
One in five (22%) adults in the United States report having doctor-diagnosed arthritis and it is estimated by 2030, 67 million Americans ages 18 years or older are projected to have doctor-diagnosed arthritis. When you take into account the millions of undiagnosed osteoarthritis, it’s easy to believe that its misery is unavoidable, a curse of genetic and old age.
To the contrary, research is finding out more and more that arthritis is highly affected by how our joints are loaded. When we subject the delicate cartilage of our joints to the effects of improper movement, deconditioning, extra body weight, repetitive stress and poor nutrition; we accelerate the aging of those joints beyond their years causing the premature breakdown of the articulating components.
Risk Factors Include:
– Being overweight or obese
– Lack of exercise, sedentary lifestyle, and deconditioning
– Past history of injury or trauma to that joint
– Family history of OA
– Improper joint mechanics
How Can We Help?
Here at Optimal Health Chiropractic and Physical Therapy, our doctors have advanced training to treat such conditions. It’s important to remember that Osteoarthritis is a condition of wear & tear, abuse, and neglect. The best treatment is prevention or at least early detection. The vast majority of surgeries resulting from joint degeneration are preventable if caught early enough. It’s important to have yourself evaluated by a practitioner that can identify the early warning signs and symptoms of joint regeneration.
Our doctors will perform a thorough examination of your Neuromusculoskeletal system (your movement system), comparing the quality of your movements, muscles, and joints against what’s ideal. They will then devise a treatment plan that is unique to you that incorporates the latest in conservative manual therapy such as manipulation, Active Release Technique, Graston Technique, Post Isometric Relaxation, and corrective exercises. Our goal is to help you get out of pain quickly and help you to maintain the health of your joints.
