Your Broomfield Chiropractor Dr. Brad Richardson has successfully treated patients suffering from arthritis in spine and every joint in the body for over 27 years.
Arthritis is a common condition characterized by inflammation and stiffness of the joints. There are over 100 different types of arthritis, but the two most common are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Osteoarthritis (OA): This is the most prevalent form of arthritis, typically affecting older adults. It occurs when the cartilage that cushions the ends of bones in your joints gradually deteriorates. As the cartilage wears down, bones may rub against each other, causing pain, swelling, and stiffness. Keep in mind that Dr. Richardson sees patients in their thirties, forties and fifties with arthritis similar to the elderly. It’s important to detect arthritis early—so we can stop the progression.
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): Unlike osteoarthritis, which is caused by wear and tear on the joints, rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder. The immune system attacks the synovium, the lining of the membranes that surround your joints, causing inflammation. This inflammation can eventually damage the joint tissue, leading to chronic pain, swelling, and sometimes deformity. Most patients with RA are on serious medications that can also come with serious side effects. At Summit Medical Care Center, our Broomfield Chiropractor and Nutritionist team up to support diet and also aim to reduce inflammation so the RA symptoms can be alleviated.
We utilize not only chiropractic care, but also laser therapy, nutrition, red light therapy, hormone therapy, and more to help stop the progression of osteoarthritis and alleviate symptoms.
Chiropractic care can be a beneficial complementary treatment for some types of arthritis, particularly osteoarthritis (OA). Here's how chiropractic care may help:
Pain Relief: Chiropractic adjustments can help alleviate joint pain associated with arthritis. By gently manipulating the affected joints, Dr. Richardson aims to reduce inflammation and improve joint function, which can lead to decreased pain.
Improved Joint Function: Arthritis can cause joints to become stiff and less mobile. Chiropractic adjustments aim to restore normal joint movement and function, which can help increase flexibility and reduce stiffness.
Correcting Misalignments: Misalignments in the spine or other joints can contribute to arthritis pain. Dr. Richardson uses spinal adjustments and other techniques to realign the spine and joints, which may help reduce pain and improve overall joint health.
Muscle Strengthening and Stretching: We often incorporate exercises and stretches into treatment plans to help strengthen the muscles around affected joints and improve flexibility. This can provide additional support to the joints and help prevent further damage.
Lifestyle Advice: Dr. Richardson may offer advice on lifestyle modifications, including ergonomic changes, dietary recommendations, and exercise routines tailored to manage arthritis symptoms.
Class IV laser therapy is a form of treatment that uses specific wavelengths of light to stimulate cellular processes and promote healing. It's often used for a variety of conditions, including arthritis. Here's how it may benefit arthritis patients:
Pain Reduction: Class IV laser therapy has been shown to help reduce pain associated with arthritis by targeting inflamed tissues and nerves. The laser energy penetrates deep into the tissues, stimulating the release of endorphins (natural pain-relieving chemicals) and blocking pain signals.
Inflammation Reduction: Arthritis involves inflammation of the joints, leading to pain and stiffness. Laser therapy can help reduce inflammation by increasing blood flow to the affected area and promoting the removal of inflammatory molecules.
Improved Joint Function: By reducing pain and inflammation, laser therapy can improve joint mobility and function in arthritis patients. This can lead to increased range of motion and decreased stiffness, allowing for better quality of life and increased independence.
Cartilage Repair: Some studies suggest that laser therapy may promote the regeneration of cartilage, which is often damaged in arthritis. By stimulating cellular activity and increasing the production of collagen, laser therapy may help repair and strengthen cartilage in affected joints.
Non-Invasive Treatment: One significant advantage of laser therapy is that it's non-invasive and typically painless. Patients do not need to undergo surgery or take medications, making it a safe and convenient option for arthritis management.
Red Light Therapy also reduces inflammation, reduces pain chemicals, and promotes healthy new cell growth. Because it drastically reduces stress, our patients report better rest/sleep and better energy so they can embrace healthy mobility which in turn will alleviate arthritic symptoms.
BioIdentical Hormone Therapy is a treatment option we offer as well. We are an authorized BioTE provider. Our Nurse Practitioner is able to evaluate hormone levels for both men and women to determine if you would be a candidate. BioIdentical testosterone in both men and women supports bones and can prevent osteopenia and osteoporosis.
Anti-inflammatory Effects: Testosterone has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties. Some studies suggest that testosterone may help reduce inflammation in the joints, which could potentially benefit individuals with arthritis by alleviating pain and swelling.
Muscle Strength and Function: Testosterone plays a crucial role in maintaining muscle mass and strength. Strengthening the muscles around arthritic joints can help provide better support and stability, reducing pain and improving function.
Bone Density: Testosterone therapy may help increase bone density, which is particularly beneficial for individuals with osteoarthritis (OA) or rheumatoid arthritis (RA), as these conditions can lead to bone loss.
Pain Perception: Testosterone has been linked to pain perception. Some studies suggest that low testosterone levels may increase sensitivity to pain, so optimizing testosterone levels through therapy could potentially help reduce pain perception in individuals with arthritis.
Joint Health: Testosterone may have a protective effect on joint health by promoting the synthesis of cartilage and other joint tissues. This could potentially slow down the progression of arthritis and protect against further joint damage.
It's essential for those with arthritis to maintain a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, a balanced diet, managing weight, and avoiding activities that worsen joint pain.
Get your quality of life back and stop the progression of arthritis! Call us today to schedule so you can live pain-free.