Although there is no cure for osteoarthritis, a degenerative disease of joints, the goal of its treatment is relieve the joint pain and reduce inflammation. Various options are available for the treatment of osteoarthritis such as medications like topical pain relievers, acetaminophen, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, antidepressants, COX-2 inhibitors and injections of pain relievers into the joint space. In severe cases, the surgical options like arthroscopic lavage, fusing bones, repositioning bones and total joint replacement are suggested. However, medications and surgical options may have some side-effects. There are some alternative therapies for the treatment of osteoarthritis such as exercise, physiotherapy, massage, yoga, tai chi and hydrotherapy.
Osteoarthritis exercise is one of the best ways to treat this disorder. It can improve the flexibility and mobility of joints, prevent further damage of joints and maintain overall health. Exercise is very important for joints and muscles to prevent weakness and stiffness. Exercise also helps to maintain healthy body weight as excess body weight can be one of the causes of osteoarthritis.
There are different forms of osteoarthritis exercise such as aerobic exercise, range-of-motion exercise, joint specific exercise, general stretching exercise and strength exercise. Aerobic exercises like walking, rowing, jogging and biking effectively strengthen the heart and lungs. There should be a warm up, work-out and cool down within 30 minutes exercise. An aerobic exercise done in the swimming pool, commonly known as hydrotherapy, is found to be advantageous for the patients with osteoarthritis which limits the impact stress on the joints. A gym-based exercise program is also useful to reduce the pains.
The muscle strengthening exercises such as isokinetic, isotonic and isometric exercises also significantly manage the symptoms of osteoarthritis. There are some stretching exercises that improve flexibility of joints. If you apply local heat before osteoarthritis exercise and cold packs such as ice after the exercise, it will be more effective to relieve pain and inflammation. The support devices like canes, braces, splints and walkers provided by the physiotherapist are useful in reducing the stress on the joints.
Besides these exercises, yoga and tai chi are the excellent methods to improve the flexibility and relaxation of the joints. Yoga is found to be effective and safe for people with osteoarthritis. Yoga’s gentle movements may help to improve flexibility and strength of the joints which can reduce the joint pain and stiffness. The meditative nature of yoga may offer the mental benefits such as a feeling of well-being and peace of mind, which gives positive effects in pain control.
Tai chi is the eastern exercise approach which is helpful to build flexibility, strength and balance. Tai Chi is supposed to be relatively safe form of exercise as its movements are fluid and slow. Tai chi is specially recommended for seniors as it offers balance of mind and body. As it focuses on breathing, creating inner stillness and relaxing the body, it is also known as ‘moving meditation’.
