Arthritis is a common condition which causes pain, swelling and inflammation and often stiffness in the joints of the body. There are many types of arthritis, the two most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, other types include gout, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis. Osteoarthritis is as a result of the wear and tear of joints in the body. Whilst commonly experienced by people over 50 years old it can affect people of all ages. Osteoarthritis can often affect the load bearing joints in the body; the knees, hips, neck and back, base of the toes, and also the hands.

Some arthritis sufferers find the gentle osteopathic manipulative and massage techniques beneficial. Treatment is always focused on the comfort of the individual, gently moving and stretching an arthritic joint and massaging surrounding muscles and tissues to ease some of the discomfort. Sometimes we may work on general mobility of the other joints and muscles in the body to help the overall function and load so as to enable the body work better.