Alternative Arthritis Therapies Can Help to Manage It Better

Doctor Loy

Updated on:

arthritis in the hands

    Alternative treatment options have been available for eons, but they’re becoming more popular with the science to support them. For example, you can treat all arthritis types effectively with natural therapies, including lowering uric acid levels in gout. 

    These alternative options can treat the effects of arthritis and the pain that accompanies it. Some methods can improve your pain management enough to allow you to quit taking those medications, which have associated undesired side effects.

    An Ocean of Alternative Freedom

    From relaxing steam baths to special exercise classes that reduce inflammation and improve joint mobility, welcome to the therapeutic ocean that can free you from arthritis pain, stiffness, and western treatments. 

    Hydrotherapy

    Hydrotherapy has often been called the water cure for many disorders ranging from depression, problems with the stomach, nerve issues, stress, and insomnia. It includes steam baths, saunas, contrast therapy, foot baths, and colon cleanses. 

    It’s also a validated form of physiotherapy and occupational therapy. Use varying temperatures to balance your health; this therapy is quite enjoyable.

    Hippocrates was the first person to document the use of heated water in ancient Greece and practiced it in ancient Egypt and Rome. The ancients often enjoyed a steaming bath in bathing areas in movies. 

    A study conducted by the University of Sydney in Australia and associates in Brazil measured the efficacy of hydrotherapy in osteoarthritis management. Participants benefited from reduced pain and increased mobility. 

    What a nice leap forward for osteoarthritis, which comes with age, injury, or daily wear and tear on the joints. 

    Stretching

    According to Harvard Medical School, stretching every day can ease the pain of arthritis and improve your hindered mobility. The less your joints move, the more immobile they become, and they won’t reach full-motion anymore, which also causes the surrounding muscles to contract over time, making it even more challenging to be active. As a result, you can lose your equilibrium, making it difficult to walk without assistance.

    Stretching is a low-impact method to reduce this degeneration of your joints, typically occurring with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. You don’t need a host of stretches, but you must start stretching those muscles to prevent the contractions. 

    There are three simple rules to keep in mind with stretches:

    1. Relax your joints before stretching with a hot bath or shower, which acts as a warm-up so that you don’t strain your muscles. 
    2. Never push through pain; choose a time of day when your joints are most relaxed. 
    3. Expect discomfort from the stretches, but be careful of pain. 

    Massage Therapy

    Rheumatoid arthritis often leaves you with less mobility and daily functionality in your hands. It’s an inflammatory disorder stimulated by autoimmune dysfunction, and it’s also painful.

    A study by the Humber College in Ontario, Canada, focused on how massage therapy can help rheumatoid arthritis in the upper limbs. Participants were given a 60-minute rehabilitative massage over five weeks. 

    The results from rehabilitative massage therapy and the results spoke for themselves. Patients significantly reduced pain and improved the use of their hands. 

    Acupuncture

    Another alternative for rheumatoid arthritis is acupuncture, an ancient Chinese method where practitioners insert thin needles into the inflamed tissue between the bones to relieve pain. 

    The Hindawi Medical Journal published a recent review of the efficiency of acupuncture, and 43 studies confirmed that acupuncture helps relieve pain and inflammation. 

    Yoga

    Yoga releases bloodstream elements that promote better physical and mental health. You can use them as another alternative treatment for rheumatoid arthritis, gout, and osteoarthritis. Stretching the muscles will increase mobility. 

    Feeding your brain this way will also give you peace of mind and naturally reduce pain. Moreover, oxygen saturation will increase, leading to vital nutrients traveling to various organs and joints to reduce inflammation. 

    Please speak to your instructor, and let them know you have arthritis. Warm-ups are essential; you must never practice them during painful or stiff bouts. Flow yoga might be the best option for you to consider. 

    tai chi martial arts

    Tai Chi

    Tai Chi is a gentle form of martial arts that allows you to use low-impact movements to improve breathing and relaxation. It also works wonders for rheumatoid arthritis, increasing mobility and improving pain management. 

    Conclusion


    Arthritis doesn’t mean that you need to give up on yourself. It’s a condition that can be managed properly, and there isn’t always a need for drastic measurements. It’s an obstacle, but you can overcome it.

    FAQ

    Here are the most frequently asked questions about joint health during alternative treatments and the big nos.

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