Reduce Joint Stiffness by the Vale Practice

As we age we may be tempted to write them off to impending arthritis and imagine that we have to live with them. But there is so much you can do to ease the flow of your limbs and keep them supple and fully functional, with just a little understanding of what they need.

Keep on moving

Amberin’s main piece of advice for joint health is ‘Use it or you lose it!‘. She explains: ‘A common mistake with achy painful joints is to rest them.  Often it is imperative to fight to retain full use of the joint.  Firstly seek professional advice from an osteopath to obtain a proper diagnosis and also relieve temporary discomfort.  It is very difficult to bring yourself to move something if it is painful but in some cases it is essential for full recovery.  For this reason you should seek treatment to alleviate the painful symptoms. Your osteopath can then work with you to advise on excercises that will be beneficial to restoring the full use of the joint.’

Keep cool, not hot

When joint pain flares up, many people think heat is the most soothing treatment and reach for blankets or hot water bottles. Don’t, Says Amberin: ‘A cold pack is far more beneficial to start with and this can be followed by heat, but must be concluded with the cold.  The contrast will allow the cold to first calm the inflammation in the joint and then the heat can help to relax the surrounding musculature.’

Keep the weight off

Weight is a major factor in joint malfunction as we age. Amberin says:’Our ankles, knees and hips are at most risk.  So if you are overweight and suffering, try cutting down on fatty foods, and eating smaller portions at regular intervals to reduce your weight and relieve the stress on your joints.’

Reach for the anti-inflammatories

Ginger is a powerful anti oxidant which has anti inflammatory benefits; it also inhibits pain producing prostaglandins when taken with some regularity. Ginger teas, fresh ginger or crystallised ginger are all good. Also Amberin recommends taking free form amino acid complex regularily to help with tissue repair.

Take an allergy test

If painful, aching muscles have become the norm, there’s much to be said for checking for possible food allergies or intoleranes. Allergies trigger inflammation and can aggravate arthritic symptoms, especially those of rheumatoid arthritis.

Acupuncture to the rescue

Vale Practice acupuncturist Bea Earler has treated many patients very succesfully for aching and painful joints, arthritis, stiffness and reduced mobility. The acupuncture works directly on the painful joint as well as on the underlying cause of the joint problem. 

She explains: ‘The synovial fluid inside the joints is related to the kidney energy in chinese medicine. This fluid is essential for the healthy functioning of the joints in our bodies. It is the "oil" that keeps the moving parts in the joints sliding without heating up and getting inflamed, and it provides nourishment for the joints.

‘The movement of the joints is orchestrated by the clever working together of muscles, tendons, ligaments and the shape of the joining bones. Healthy nutrition and fluid intake will provide "food" for the joints while regular exercise for the whole body keeps them working well.’

Stand tall and sit straight

The Alexander Technique can also work wonders in correcting postural imbalances that are causing extra pressure and stress on joints. The way we stand and sit, over time, can lead to all kinds of problems with hips, necks and knees. With a few sessions of gentle instruction, Alexander Technique can help you learn how to stand, sit and move for maximum, long term, pain free mobility.

The Vale Practice was founded in 2000 by osteopath Amberin Fur, who felt that there was a strong requirement for an integrated compementary medical practice to serve South East London. She has hand-picked an excellent, highly qualified and motivated team of practitioners to offer a full, holistic range of therapies from hypnotherapy to acupuncture. Working to the highest standards, the practice aims to offer a tailored treatment programme to maximise the clients’ health and wellbeing.