Osteoarthritis Treatment in Kennewick
Osteoarthritis is a condition that can affect daily movement, often making simple tasks feel difficult due to persistent joint discomfort and stiffness. Daily activities like walking, bending, or even resting can become uncomfortable.
At Washington Chiropractic, our focus is to help you regain comfort, restore joint function, and improve mobility. Rather than masking symptoms, we aim to support long-term joint health and guide you through every stage of recovery.
Whether your pain is recent or has been developing for years, conservative care may offer meaningful relief.
What Is Osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint condition that results from the gradual breakdown of cartilage, the protective tissue between bones. When cartilage wears down, bones begin to rub against one another, leading to joint pain, stiffness, and inflammation. This condition most commonly affects the knees, hips, spine, hands, and shoulders, though it can occur in any joint.
Osteoarthritis can be caused by a combination of genetics, age-related wear, lifestyle factors, repetitive motion, and prior injuries. While the progression cannot be reversed, early intervention and supportive care can slow degeneration and improve daily function.
Causes of Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis usually develops from multiple factors over time. Common causes include:
- Genetics: Some people are more likely to develop osteoarthritis because it runs in their family.
- Joint overuse or repetitive stress: Doing the same movements repeatedly, such as lifting or squatting, can wear down your joints over time.
- Previous joint injuries: An old injury, like a sprain or broken bone, can lead to joint problems years later.
- Poor body mechanics and posture: Standing, sitting, or moving in ways that strain your joints can cause extra wear.
- Sedentary lifestyle or muscle weakness: If muscles aren’t strong enough to support the joints, it can increase pressure and wear.
- Age-related changes: As we age, the cushioning inside our joints naturally wears down, leading to more stiffness and pain.
Understanding what contributes to your joint stress helps guide the best treatment plan.
Symptoms of Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis symptoms vary by joint but often include:
- Joint stiffness, especially after waking or prolonged sitting: Your joint may feel tight and hard to move after being still for too long.
- Swelling or puffiness around the joint: The area may look or feel swollen due to inflammation.
- A deep, aching pain that worsens with activity: Pain often increases the more you use the joint during the day.
- Tenderness when pressure is applied to the joint: The joint may hurt or feel sore when touched or pressed.
- Reduced range of motion: It can become harder to fully bend, straighten, or rotate the joint.
- Occasional warmth in the affected area: The joint may feel warm to the touch, a sign of inflammation.
Symptoms may fluctuate from day to day but often worsen over time if untreated.
Can Chiropractic Care Help with Osteoarthritis?
At Washington Chiropractic, we tailor each treatment plan to your symptoms, severity, and personal goals. A typical osteoarthritis care plan may include:
- Spinal and joint adjustments to improve range of motion and alignment: Gentle hands-on techniques help stiff joints move more easily and sit in the right position.
- Massage therapy to reduce muscle tightness and improve circulation: Targeted massage helps loosen tight muscles and brings healing blood flow to the area.
- Therapeutic exercises to strengthen muscles and support healthy movement patterns: Specific stretches and movements make muscles stronger so they can better support your joints.
- Postural education and ergonomic advice: Learning how to sit, stand, and move correctly helps protect joints during everyday activities.
- Laser therapy to reduce inflammation and encourage tissue repair: A specialized light treatment helps calm swelling and supports the body’s natural healing process.
- Ongoing re-evaluations to adjust the plan as your condition changes: Your progress is reviewed regularly, and treatment is adjusted to match your needs as you improve.
Treatment frequency depends on how severe your symptoms are. In the early stages, visits may be more frequent and gradually shift to a maintenance schedule as your condition stabilizes.
How Washington Chiropractic Supports Osteoarthritis Management
We believe care should be as individual as you are. At Washington Chiropractic, our approach includes:
- Comprehensive evaluation: We take time to listen to your history, assess your joint movement, and use additional testing if needed.
- Personalized care plans: No two patients are alike, so your treatment is based on your lifestyle, needs, and goals.
- Integrated approach: We combine chiropractic adjustments, exercises, and therapies like laser treatment to help you get the best results.
- Ongoing support: Your care doesn’t stop after a few visits. We check in, adjust your plan, and support you as your condition changes.
With the right care plan, many patients are able to reduce discomfort, move more easily, and stay active despite having osteoarthritis.
BOOK AN APPOINTMENT
Please use the booking tool below to schedule an appointment at our Kennewick location or call (509) 579-0008.
For other locations, see: Lakewood Chiropractic Clinic and Pasco Chiropractic Clinic.
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