Alternative Osteoarthritis and Joint Pain Therapies**


Supplementation with JoMo Liquid Glucosamine

Glucosamine and chondroitin, two supplements used to relieve the symptoms of osteoarthritis, became popular in the United States in the late 1990's after years of study and use in Europe.

Both glucosamine and chondroitin are found naturally in the joints, where they help keep the cartilage healthy and moist. In supplement form, they help relieve the pain of osteoarthritis and may also help the body repair damaged cartilage. In addition, a number of studies have indicated that people with osteoarthritis need less of their standard medicines while on glucosamine and chondroitin, and that the relief they enjoy continues even after they stop taking the supplements.

In 2003, a paper published in the Archives of Internal Medicine statistically merged and analyzed the results of several studies on glucosamine and chondroitin for osteoarthritis of the knee.1 The authors of this study found that both of these substances effectively reduced pain and improved mobility.

More recently, the National Institutes of Health funded a large-scale, 4-year study that looked at the ability of glucosamine and chondroitin to reduce the pain of osteoarthritis: the Glucosamine/Chondroitin Arthritis Intervention Trial (GAIT).2

Among the participants in the moderate-to-severe pain group, glucosamine combined with chondroitin sulfate provided statistically significant pain relief compared to placebo.

Continued analysis of the GAIT study found that the volunteers who were receiving chondroitin had "a statistically significant improvement in knee joint swelling," and that this seemed to occur more often in those who began the study with milder pain.3 Learn More

Research into glucosamine and chondroitin continues. To date, the evidence indicates that glucosamine and chondroitin can relieve pain and improve joint function in certain people, and that the two substances may help the body build, protect and repair cartilage. The greater the availability of these two substances in the body, the more potential for joint protection, due to an increased opportunity for cartilage production at the molecular level. Learn More

For more on JoMo Ingredients click here

Infrared Sauna

The heat and steam of traditional saunas and steam baths have long been prized for their ability to alleviate the pain and stiffness of arthritis, if only temporarily. They also help to ease muscle tension, cleanse the skin, relieve respiratory problems such as congestion and bronchitis, and promote a general feeling of relaxation and well-being.

A newer approach to sauna utilizes infrared heaters, which produce radiant energy similar to the energy produced by the sun. This kind of heat penetrates more deeply into the body. And, since the natural vibrations of infrared wavelengths are close to those of water molecules, infra red light is believed to "blast" toxins out of fat cells so they can be excreted from the body via sweating. Because it is burdened by fewer toxins, the body is better able to heal from arthritis. Infra red heat is also thought to improve circulation, which helps ensure the flow of nutrients and other essential substances to the joints.

Anecdotal evidence suggests that infrared saunas can relieve the pain of arthritis, low back pain, fibromyalgia and other inflammatory conditions, as well as provide relief from fatigue.

Dutch researchers tested the effects of infrared sauna on rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis (a disease that attacks the cartilage and other structures in the spine) for a 2009 study published in Clinical Rheumatology.4 The 34 volunteers who participated were given eight infrared treatments over the course of four weeks. They reported a statistically significant decrease in pain and stiffness during their sessions.

An infrared sauna is typically a small room that looks like a standard sauna, but instead of a heat source covered with rocks or a steam generator, it contains a few infrared heaters.

If you would like to learn more about infrared sauna therapy for arthritis, send a request via email to customerservice@jomo.com

Massage Therapies

There's nothing like a massage to ease muscle pain and tension and make you feel better all over. Gentle or vigorous kneading, stroking, pressing and tapping of the skin, sometimes combined with manipulation of the joints, can also help relieve symptoms of arthritis and joint pain, if only temporarily. Other forms of massage involving pressure that can be painful (such as Rolfing) are not relaxing but are believed to help relieve deep-seated tension and other problems.

The many benefits of massage, which vary according to the type used and the kind of arthritis, include:

There are numerous forms of massage therapy, including:

Many studies have investigated the effectiveness of massage on arthritis and joint/muscle pain. The use of Swedish massage for relieving arthritis pain was tested in 68 adults suffering from osteoarthritis of the knee.5 The volunteers were split into two groups: one received one or two sessions of Swedish massage every week for 8 weeks, while the other was told they would receive their massage treatments later. At the end of the 8-week study period, those who had received massage therapy enjoyed significant decreases in pain, stiffness and range of motion, and were able to walk a measured distance more rapidly than before. The "wait group" did not enjoy any of these improvements.

An interesting study, published in 2008, looked at the effects of shiatsu on 948 people in the United Kingdom, Austria and Spain.6 The typical volunteer, a female in her 40's, complained of muscle, joint or body structure problems, tension, stress, low energy and fatigue. These are all problems seen with the various forms of arthritis. During the six months that the volunteers were receiving shiatsu, they reported that their symptoms were less severe and that they were taking less of their conventional medications.

There are numerous types of massage therapists, some well-schooled and licensed by the state, others not so well trained. Your best bet is to ask your doctor or physical therapist to refer you to a good massage therapist.

Reiki for Arthritis

"Rei" comes from the Japanese word for spiritual consciousness or higher intelligence, while "ki" refers to the energy that flows through all living beings. The combination of the two words, "Reiki," describes energy directed from a higher power that can be harnessed to help the body heal itself.

Reiki therapy involves the channeling of this healing energy into the patient. The therapist places hands on or near the patient with the intent of transmitting this life-force energy into him or her. The goal is to balance the patient's life energy and eliminate obstacles to the flow of energy within his or her body. The treatment begins with the placement of hands on the crown of the head, and then typically proceeds down the entire body to the feet. Energy flows from the practitioner's body, via the hands, through the patient's body to the area where it is needed most. In addition to restoring the patient's energy balance and the flow of energy through the body, the treatment is believed to detoxify the system, increase the body's vibration frequency and encourage relaxation.

A typical Reiki treatment takes one hour, perhaps longer, during which time both patient and practitioner are in a meditative state. Soft background music may be played to encourage relaxation. For those with arthritis, Reiki is simple, gentle and noninvasive, and provides a feeling of warmth and relaxation both during and after the session. The patient remains fully dressed in comfortable clothing.

The quality of Reiki therapists varies, so it's best to ask your doctor or physical therapist for the names of some good ones. You can also find names of Reiki therapists in your area on the International Association of Reiki Professionals web site.

Heat and Cold Therapy

Both heat therapy and cold therapy are used to relieve symptoms of arthritis and joint pain.

Cold, generally in the form ice or cold packs, reduces swelling and relieves pain. It is often applied to joints in the case of chronic pain or overuse injuries associated with inflammation. For example, a cold pack may be applied after exercising to prevent inflammation - or reduce inflammation that has already occurred.

Heat, on the other hand, does not relieve inflammation or swelling and is reserved for treating stiffness and/or soreness in joints or muscles that are not swollen or inflamed. Athletes, for example, may use heat on painful or injured joints before working out in order to improve circulation and "loosen" the muscles.

Heat can be applied in dry form or moist form. Examples of dry heat include heat lamps, heating pads, heating packs, heating patches, heating belts and ultrasound (see below). Examples of moist heat include heated wet cloths, steam baths, warm baths and paraffin wax treatments. Both forms of heat treatment stimulate circulation, reduce muscle spasms, alter the sensation of pain and have been subjected to scientific study. A 2004 study published in the Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation looked at the effects of dry heat on wrist pain caused by osteoarthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, sprain and tendinosis.7 The 93 volunteers, ranging in age from 18 to 65, were randomly assigned to receive a heat wrap, an unheated wrap, a pain pill or a placebo pill. The researchers found that continuous, low-level heat delivered via a wrap was "efficacious for the treatment of common conditions causing wrist pain and impairment." Japanese researchers tested the effects of dry and moist heat on a group of women suffering from osteoarthritis of the knee for a 2008 study.8 They found that moist heat "is effective for alleviating pain," and is superior to dry heat in joint stiffness. The jury is out as to whether dry heat or wet heat is better: much will depend on the type of arthritis or joint pain.

It may take trial and error to learn which therapy works best for your joint pain: in some cases, a combination of heat and cold applied at different times may be appropriate. If you experiment long enough, you'll find the right combination of hot and cold therapy that provides maximal relief and makes it easier to manage day-to-day joint discomforts.

Caution: Too much of either heat or cold can be harmful. Speak with your physician or physical therapist to learn how to apply these therapies safely.

Ultrasound Therapy

Ultrasound therapy uses high-energy sound waves - above the range of human hearing - to help ease painful joints and muscles. The energy of the sound waves causes molecules in body tissues to vibrate. This, in turn, produces the heat and energy that exert a therapeutic effect. (Ultrasound is also used to "drive" medicine through the skin and into body tissue.) The treatment is generally performed by a physical therapist or an occupational therapist who guides the waves into the body from the head of an ultrasound machine.

This therapy is used to treat certain forms of arthritis, including osteoarthritis, tendinitis (inflammation of a tendon) and other disorders causing musculoskeletal pain. Ultrasound is often used on professional athletes to treat persistent and painful tension that settles in a specific muscle, or group of muscles, and cannot be released voluntarily.

Some studies suggest that ultrasound is an effective treatment for some forms of arthritis and joint pain. For example, a 2009 study looked at the effectiveness of ultrasound in treating osteoarthritis of the knee.9 Sixty-seven people, with an average age of slightly less than 55 years old, were randomly assigned to receive either 10 ultrasound treatment sessions or a sham procedure that served as the placebo control. The results were positive, with those receiving the real ultrasound enjoying a reduction in pain that was statistically significant compared to the sham ultrasound group. Unfortunately, other studies have not produced positive results.

Transcutaneous Electrical Stimulation (TENS)

Simply put, TENS is a means of transmitting an electrical current through the skin (transcutaneous) into a targeted area of the body to control pain. TENS is typically applied in a physical therapist's office as a complement to other therapies. Small pads are placed on the skin in affected areas, and wires run from the pads to an electronic device. The device sends mild electrical pulses through the wire into the pads which are picked up by nerve endings in the skin and carried along the nerve fibers.

TENS works by suppressing pain messages to the brain and modifying the perception of pain. Although the technology is new, the concept is old: the ancient Greeks noted that standing on an electric fish could relieve some forms of pain, and in the 16th through 18th centuries headaches and other forms of pain were sometimes treated with electrostatic devices.

TENS also encourages the body to produce higher levels of natural painkilling chemicals called endorphins and encephalins. Non-invasive and drug-free, TENS is a helpful tool for relieving arthritis pain. Although results vary from person to person, in many cases the pain relief can continue for several hours after the treatment session.

Numerous studies have looked at the effects of electrical stimulation on chronic musculoskeletal pain. Thirty-eight of these studies were "statistically married" and analyzed for a paper published in the journal Pain in 2007.10 This analysis found that the therapy could produce "a significant decrease in pain" and that it is an "effective treatment modality for chronic musculoskeletal pain..."

Magnetic Therapy

Magnets have been used therapeutically for thousands of years; the ancient Chinese, Indians, Persians, Greeks and Egyptians all harnessed the power of magnets to ease their aches and pains. Back then magnetic therapy was controversial, and it remains so today.

There are many theories regarding how magnets alleviate aches and pains. One of these holds that magnets produce a weak electrical current that stimulates the nerves in an injured area; another argues that magnets improve blood flow, and thus increased oxygen to the area.

Many health experts have argued that magnetic therapy has no beneficial effects. Yet some studies have found it can be helpful. For one of these studies, 194 middle-aged and older men and women suffering from osteoarthritis of the knee or hip were given either a standard-strength magnetic bracelet, a weak magnetic bracelet, or a placebo (non-magnetic) bracelet.11 After the volunteers had worn the bracelets for 12 weeks, the level of pain had fallen more in the standard-strength magnet group than in placebo bracelet group.

Since magnetic therapy is not regulated, the education and proficiency of the practitioners varies widely.

Physical Therapy (Physiotherapy)

Physical therapists (also known as physiotherapists) help people with chronic conditions such as arthritis and joint pain resume active and independent lives at home and at work. They evaluate the extent of the damage and movement limitation, then utilize a variety of therapies -including joint manipulation, massage, exercise, heat/cold and electrical muscle simulation - to improve joint function and manage pain.

In the United States, physical therapists must pass the National Physical Therapy Examination and are licensed by their states. Patients are typically referred by their health care providers to a physical therapist.

Acupuncture

As part of the larger system of Traditional Chinese Medicine, this ancient healing art is used to treat a variety of ailments by balancing the flow of energy through the body.

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine theory, disease is caused by a blockage or imbalance in the chi or energy flow, which travels through the body via invisible "arteries" called meridians. Should any of these meridians become blocked, the flow of energy will be impeded and the health will suffer. The meridians rise to skin level at some 300 points in the body: it is at these points that the acupuncturist can place and manipulate needles to remove blockages and restore the energy flow.

Very fine needles are inserted into numerous points around the body to relieve arthritis pain: some may be near the site of the arthritis pain and very tender to the touch. Other points may be quite distant from the affected joints - acupuncturists usually call these areas "distal points."

Depending on the style of practice used by the acupuncturist, anywhere from two to twenty needles may be inserted during each treatment. The needles are typically left in the skin for more than twenty minutes. The therapist may also stimulate the acupuncture points further by turning or rotating the needles, or charging them with a low-level current. The first acupuncture session may last about an hour, but subsequent appointments are often shorter.

Having needles stuck in your body may not sound like fun, but most people say they feel only a slight stinging sensation as the needles enter and no pain at all after that. Most arthritis pain sufferers do not experience pain relief from acupuncture until they have undergone three to six treatment sessions.

The evidence for the effectiveness of arthritis is mixed: the results of some studies are positive while others are negative. One of the positive studies involved 570 people with osteoarthritis of the knee.12 The volunteers were randomly assigned numerous sessions of either real or sham acupuncture over the course of 26 weeks. At the end of the study period, the "real acupuncture" group enjoyed a significantly greater reduction in pain and improvement in function than the "sham acupuncture" group.

Some states license acupuncturists; also, thousands have been certified by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. In addition, the American Academy of Medical Acupuncture has certified some MDs and DOs (doctors of osteopathy) as acupuncturists.

Manipulative Therapies: Chiropractic and Osteopathy

Chiropractic and osteopathy are similar to massage therapy in that they use "hands on" manipulation of the body. However, their manipulative techniques are designed to tap into the innate healing powers of the human body, and not relieve muscle tension.

Chiropractic is based on the idea that the body has significant self-healing abilities. This healing power is believed to be located in the central nervous system (particularly in the brain and spine) and transmitted to the rest of the body via the nerves. Should the vertebrae become misaligned and press on nearby nerves, this power will be hampered, setting the stage for distress and disease.

It only takes a minor spinal imbalance - called a subluxation - to create a problem. The imbalance can be so slight that you don't feel any pain at the point of the subluxation, but a problem can surface in the part of the body served by the subluxed nerve.

Chiropractors assess the alignment of your spine, then use pressure, acupressure, trigger point therapy and other techniques and tools to correct the alignment and release the pressure on any subluxed nerves. Then the body's healing energy will be able to flow freely and begin to heal the disease or distress.

Like chiropractic, osteopathy is based on the idea that therapeutic physical manipulation of the body can help restore health. Osteopathic theory holds that the body has self-regulatory and repair mechanisms that depend on the unobstructed and proper flow of bodily fluids. Musculoskeletal pain, headaches, menstrual pain, asthma and other ailments can be treated by correcting or restoring the flow of fluid within the body.

Although osteopathy was created in the United States in the mid-1800's, here in the U.S. the discipline has gradually adopted the theories and techniques of allopathic (Western) medicine, and the two healing arts are nearly identical in the U.S. The difference is that manipulative therapy is taught as an adjunctive treatment in osteopathy, and a large number of Doctors of Osteopathy (D.O.'s) offer manual manipulation to their patients.

Both chiropractors and Doctors of Osteopathy are licensed by the states. Your health care provider or insurance company may recommend a chiropractor to you or, if not, you can find one in your area on the American Chiropractic Association's web site. Doctors of Osteopathy are licensed and regulated just as Medical Doctors (M.D.'s) are.

Note: You should not use manipulative therapies if you have a circulatory problem affecting the spine, severe osteoporosis, malignant conditions or recent fractures or dislocations, or if you are on anti-clotting drugs. Slight discomfort at the site of manipulation for a few hours afterwards is quite common.

A Healthy Diet

The right diet can help some people with arthritis and joint pain by reducing inflammation and the amount of stress placed on the joints. For example, if you are overweight and suffer from arthritis, one of the most important things you can do is lose weight - and you can do this by changing the amount and kinds of foods you eat. You don't have to starve yourself to the point of being model-slim: for many women, losing as few as 11 pounds can cut the risk of developing knee osteoarthritis by 50 percent!

In addition to cutting back on your caloric intake, you may want to consider these other steps:

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Individual results vary.

**As with any program of diet, exercise, weight loss or therapy, consult your medical practitioner, especially if you have a history of heart disease or other conditions.

Page Top