Osteopath for joint complaints: what can it do for you?
An osteopath can treat or help improve various joint conditions, such as arthrosis and arthritis, a tennis or golfer's elbow and a frozen shoulder. The treatment is manual and aimed at more mobility and less pain. Osteopathy does not cure arthrosis, but it can improve the complaints and the function.
Which joint complaints does an osteopath treat?
Osteopathy focuses on joints that no longer move freely and on the muscles and connective tissue around them. Joint complaints can include, among others:
- Arthrosis and arthritis, where the osteopath helps relieve the complaints and supports mobility, without curing the condition itself.
- Tennis elbow, pain on the outer side of the elbow due to overload of the forearm muscles.
- Golfer's elbow, similar pain, but on the inner side of the elbow.
- Frozen shoulder, a stiff, painful shoulder with limited mobility.
- Stiff or painful joints, for example in the knee, hip, wrist or ankle.
- Overload, from sport, work or a one-sided movement that is often repeated.
How does an osteopathic treatment for joint complaints work?
An osteopath looks not only at the painful joint, but at the whole body. A stiff shoulder can, for example, be connected to the neck or the upper back, and elbow pain to the way you load the wrist and shoulder. Every treatment therefore begins with an interview and a movement examination.
The osteopath then works manually and gently: with mobilisations, stretches and targeted techniques, movement restrictions are released so the joint moves more freely and the surrounding muscles relax. You also receive advice on posture, movement and load for at home.
Important to be honest about: with degenerative conditions such as arthrosis, osteopathy does not restore the wear. The approach is then aimed at relieving complaints and function, so you go through life with less pain and more mobility.
What can osteopathy do per condition?
A brief overview of what a realistic goal is per complaint:
| Condition | What osteopathy can do |
|---|---|
| Arthrosis / arthritis | Relieve complaints and support mobility; does not cure the condition. |
| Tennis elbow / golfer's elbow | Reduce tension in the forearm and elbow and help adjust the load. |
| Frozen shoulder | Gradually improve mobility and relieve pain, tailored to the phase. |
| Stiff or painful joints | Restore mobility and relax the surrounding muscles. |
| Overload | Support recovery and help address the cause of the overload. |
Expectations are indicative and differ from person to person. After a first appointment the osteopath sketches a realistic picture.
When to see the osteopath, and when to see the doctor?
For stiff, painful or overloaded joints you can go directly to the osteopath. Some signs, however, point to a cause that first requires medical examination.
Consult a (family) doctor or the emergency service first in case of:
- a red, warm and severely swollen joint with fever (possible infection);
- sudden severe pain or swelling after a trauma;
- a joint you can no longer move or bear weight on.
When in doubt we always consult with your doctor. Osteopathy does not replace a medical diagnosis or treatment.
How does your appointment go?
We discuss your complaint, your history and any imaging.
We examine how the joint and the surrounding structures move in order to find the cause.
Gentle, manual techniques to restore mobility and relieve tension.
Concrete tips on posture, movement and load to help the complaint improve calmly.
What can you do yourself for joint complaints?
- Keep moving within the pain limit. Calm, regular movement keeps the joint supple.
- Warmth for stiffness (a warm bath or hot water bottle) relaxes the muscles around the joint.
- Build up the load calmly after a period of rest or after a flare-up.
- Watch your weight, because a healthy weight relieves the knees and hips in particular.
Frequently asked questions about joint complaints and osteopathy
Can osteopathy cure arthrosis?
What is the approach for a frozen shoulder?
How many sessions do I need for joint complaints?
Does the osteopath work together with my doctor or physiotherapist?
Is osteopathy for joint complaints reimbursed?
Eline, osteopath D.O.
Eline treats patients with joint, back and neck complaints every day at her practice in Berchem and Wilrijk. She combines a thorough examination with a gentle, manual approach and works together with GPs and physiotherapists where needed.
Medical disclaimer. The information on this page is general and does not constitute personal medical advice. Every treatment starts with a personal intake interview and examination. This page is purely informative and does not take your personal situation into account. It does not replace a diagnosis, advice or treatment by a doctor. In case of warning signs, always consult a (family) doctor or the emergency service.
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