Osteoarthritis (OA) – Treatment Options (Active Release and IMS) at Ottawa Physiotherapy and Chiropractic Centre

An article by Chad Wilson    Comments Off on Osteoarthritis (OA) – Treatment Options (Active Release and IMS) at Ottawa Physiotherapy and Chiropractic Centre

There is no cure for osteoarthritis other than replacing the joint altogether.  Osteoarthtis is essentially a wear-and-tear breakdown of the joint surface.  When the condition arrises, it is here to stay unforunately.  There is however a way to slow down the degenerative changes associated with the condition.  Normally when patients have pain in a joint from osteoarthritis, they stay off the injured limb altogether.  We now know that this isn’t such a good idea, especially given what happens to the soft tissues (muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves) surrounding the joint as a result of this immobilization.  When a joint is chronically immobilized or kept in the same position, the muscles and tendons surrounding it will develop adhesions, or scar tissue, making them less elastic, as they should be. An example that many have experienced is with an arm that has been kept immobilized in a cast.   When the cast is removed, the joint typically has a limited range of motion. These adhesions create a compressive force on the immediate area, causing a decrease in blood flow and oxygen to the muscles. This then cause enzymatic changes, which increase the rate at which cartilage is destroyed.  Our downtown Ottawa therapy clinic offers Active Release Techniques®, which can help by eliminating adhesions from the muscles and other soft tissues surrounding the joint.   Patient’s typically report feeling much looser and in less pain even after one treatment.  Our goal as an Active Release provider in cases of osteoarthritis is to increase joint range of motion and decrease the amount of surrounding muscle hypertonicity.  Once this has been accomplished, patients are instructed on specific stretches and strengthening  exercises for the the surrounding musculature in order to keep that range of motion.  Active Release Techniques® combined with appropriate stretching and strengthening is a great option for elliminating pain and discomfort caused by Osteoarthritis.

Till next time,

Your downtown Ottawa Chiropractic & Physiotherapy team.