Best Arthritis Complementary Therapies Tips

 Arthritis Complementary Therapies

Complementary or alternative therapies for arthritis are so named because they have not been part of traditional medical approaches in the world. Some people with arthritis find they help them relax and deal with their pain, even in any cases could cure with very special treatment.

Although some complementary approaches are available through the NHS, they are not always accepted by the medical establishment.
This is because they have not been subject to the strict medical trials by which doctors prove treatments work.
Many doctors now recognise that these approaches can give patients benefits but they are unlikely to be enthusiastic about you abandoning conventional treatment entirely in favour of alternative approaches.

There is not only one treatment of rheumatoid arthritis:

Acupuncture:
Works on the theory that inserting needles along the energy lines can stimulate energy flow and reduce pain.
The Alexander Technique: a way of teaching improved posture which helps people stand and move more efficiently.

Aromatherapy:
The use of gentle massage with essential oils from flowers, plants and trees.

Herbalism:
Use of plants and herbal remedies to treat illness.

Homeopathy:
A system of remedies based on giving people very dilute amounts of a substance that in larger amounts, might produce symptoms similar to the condition being treated.

Osteopathy:
Uses manipulation to restore normal action to the body and reduce pain (not usually recommended if you have osteoporosis or inflamed joints).

Reflexology:
A relaxing massage using pressure to the feet to improve the blood supply to various parts of the body.

Yoga:
A combination of relaxation, breathing techniques and exercise which combats stress and helps circulation and movement of the joints.

Finding a good complementary practitioner
If you are looking for a complementary practitioner, you will find lots in your local Yellow Pages or your local directory, but this will give no indication of how good they are. Your doctor or health centre may be able to give you a recommendation.

Complementary therapies have no strict system of qualification. However, the Institute for Complementary Medicine holds a register of practitioners who have proved themselves properly skilled.

Exercise
There is much you can do to lessen the impact of your condition. Most of all, you can keep healthy so that your body is well-equipped to cope with the effects of arthritis. That doesn't mean you have to go to the gym every day or keep to a special diet. It might just involve a weekly swim, eating more fruit and vegetables, and taking the dog for a walk every day.

Exercise is a key part of treating arthritis. But it is important to get it right. People with arthritis should seek professional advice from a physiotherapist about the sort of exercise that will suit them.

Exercise and rest
People with arthritis regular have to balance completely how and when to take work out, and when to rest.
 In adults, if the joints are particularly irritated or inflated, it may be necessary to rest greater than usual. But generally people with arthritis should always exercise every day to prevent  becoming rigid and painful, and keep muscles strong.
For infants with arthritis, it is particularly important to exercise even when the disease is very active because contractures and asymmetries can develop easily.

Types of Exercise
People with arthritis should be make three forms of exercise:

General exercise
Any exercise which leaves you feeling a little breathless and your muscles slightly tired is good for you. As well as keeping you mobile it can help you relax, make you feel better about yourself and actually give you more energy.
When exercising, it is best to use as much of the body as possible - swimming, walking and cycling are all good. Swimming has the added advantage that the water and not your joints supports the weight of your body. But some strokes may not suit you, so try and get professional advice.

If you go to exercise classes, check that they are run by a qualified expert in the matter and that the teacher knows about your personal condition.

Mobilising Exercises
People with this illness need to keep their joints in motion. Bending and elongation exercises, gentle pedalling or swimming can help so much. The physiotherapist should recommend hydrotherapy: many people find that they could move more willingly in water, and the warmth of the water loosens up their joints.

Special  Exercise For Arthritis To Strengthen  And Ehance The Muscles
When your muscle tissues are fighting fit, they protect your joints smarter and you may feel less ache. Your physiotherapist will be able to give you a series of muscle-fortifying exercises to perform everywhere or at home. Swimming and hydrotherapy are also as a great tool  of strengthening as well as mobilization.