Alternative Therapies that Work for Arthritis

Arthritis has many different types and presentations. In fact, there are over 100 different types of arthritis. Arthritis is a broad, all-encompassing term that simply explains the inflammation (-itis) of a joint (arthro-). Inflammation occurs when there is any type of irritation - abnormal joint motion, infection, autoimmune disorder, etc.

Without inflammation, healing would not occur; inflammation brings the needed materials for healing to the site of injury or irritation. Therefore, inflammation is a "Catch 22" - inflammation is painful and irritating but is necessary for the site to repair and heal. The signs of inflammation include: swelling, heat, loss of function, redness, and pain.

The most common type of arthritis, osteoarthritis, is commonly known as the "wear and tear" arthritis. Much of medical literature supports that osteoarthritis is irreversible and that all will be subject to its destructive nature. But, osteoarthritis is preventable and is reversible up to a certain point. Let me explain with the following analogy:

A car is traveling down the highway. With regular alignment of the tires, the car cruises straight with no drifting or veering. The tread on the tires lasts for tens of thousands of miles. Yet, with only just a minor misalignment of the wheel, even as insignificant as a millimeter, the tread will wear down quickly and unevenly. The life of the tire may only be a few thousand miles! Thus, a minor misalignment can result in dramatic differences from a correct alignment.

The human body, unlike the tread of a tire, is self-healing and has the ability to regenerate. If the cause of the irritation of the joint is discovered and treated before any massive destruction has occurred to the joint, the joint can regenerate without any evidence of a problem. But, in order for this to occur, the joint must be aligned, the muscles that move that joint must be functioning properly, and the correct raw materials must be present in order for the healing to be successful.

Every arthritis has a cause and every arthritis can be treated successfully if the cause is treated, not just the symptoms. The following are some necessary therapies for success in treating arthritis pro-actively and alternatively:

1. Chiropractic Adjustments
Trained chiropractors mobilize and adjust all joints of the body through various techniques, including the arms and legs. As the joints are realigned, the integrity of the joint motion is preserved.

2. Massage Therapy
Many of the inflamed tissues can readily begin the healing process through relaxation of the musculature and draining of the lymphatic system - both of which are accomplished through massage.

3. Cold Laser
Cold laser is powerful, healing light at low-intensity (meaning that it will not burn). Each tissue has a vibrational frequency that can be programmed into the laser for specificity to the tissue to promote optimal healing. Through the use of cold laser, the body reduces pain and is stimulated to heal at an accelerated rate.

4. Neuromuscular Reeducation
The muscles are responsible for moving the joints. If the muscles are functioning improperly, they will mobilize the joints improperly. By utilizing therapies to reeducate the musculature, the abnormal joint motion can be corrected as well as the pain from overused muscles.

5. Nutrition
Having proper nutrients for the body is vital. After all, we are what we eat... and we can only heal with the raw materials that are supplied through our food. A diet high in vegetables, fruits, and grains is valuable for optimal body function and healing. For supplementing the body with nutrients for arthritis, in my practice I recommend Liga PN and Total Green Protein Powder (both by Nutri-West). They are powerful nutrients that increase healing and decrease inflammation simultaneously.