Hip and Knee Osteoarthritis Pain: Chiropractic Alongside Exercise in Ramsbottom

Osteoarthritis cannot be cured, and chiropractic cannot reverse the changes in the joint.

For hip and knee pain from osteoarthritis, chiropractic can help as part of a plan built around exercise. NICE, which writes guidance for the NHS, recommends therapeutic exercise tailored to your needs for everyone with osteoarthritis. It says manual therapy, such as manipulation, mobilisation or soft tissue techniques, should only be considered for hip or knee osteoarthritis, and only alongside therapeutic exercise. For osteoarthritis, our chiropractors use it only for hip and knee pain, alongside your exercise plan.

Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis in the UK. It most often causes problems in the knees, hips and small joints of the hands (NHS).

Common symptoms include:

• joint pain or aching during or after movement
• stiffness in the morning or after resting
• reduced flexibility, or difficulty with everyday movements such as walking, bending or climbing stairs
• tenderness, or a grating or crackling feeling in the joint

You do not usually need an X-ray to be diagnosed. NICE advises against routine imaging to diagnose osteoarthritis unless there are atypical features.

Our GCC-registered chiropractors combine hands-on treatment for hip and knee pain with an exercise plan and practical advice. Dr Ammani Husna, Doctor of Chiropractic (not a medical doctor), is one of them. A plan can include:

• exercise tailored to you, such as muscle strengthening and general fitness, which NICE recommends for everyone with osteoarthritis
• manual therapy (mobilisation and soft tissue techniques) for hip or knee pain and the muscle tension around it, always alongside your exercise programme
• advice on pacing, activity and protecting your joints in everyday tasks

If you are carrying extra weight, NICE says any amount of weight loss is likely to be beneficial, and we can talk that through with you.

If your back or neck is stiff and sore, we assess and treat it as back pain or neck pain, which are separate parts of what we do. You can read about low back pain, neck pain and upper back pain and stiffness.

For pain in the small joints of your hands, speak to your GP.

1. We ask about your health, medical history, daily routine and what you want to be able to do.
2. Your chiropractor examines how your joints move, along with your muscle strength, balance and posture.
3. We explain what we find and whether chiropractic is suitable for you. If it is not, we tell you and refer you on.
4. If you need further investigation, such as an X-ray, or a medical opinion from your GP, we refer you.
5. If care is suitable, we explain the plan, the goals we are working towards and what you can do yourself, and we agree it with you.

Your GP should stay involved in your osteoarthritis care, including any medication, and if your symptoms change. If anything we find suggests you need medical assessment, we tell you and refer you. With your permission, we can keep your GP informed.

A new patient appointment is £65. The phone consultation is free, so you can ask whether chiropractic is likely to suit you before you book. You do not need a GP referral.

If you have private medical insurance, check your policy before booking. Ask us and we will tell you what we can and cannot do.

Book online or call 01706 391922.

We are at 4 Princes Court, Silver Street, Ramsbottom, BL0 9BJ, off the main high street, with easy access to bus stops and Ramsbottom train station. There are two free car parks behind the clinic where you can park all day.

• From Bury: approximately 10 to 15 minutes by car.
• From Haslingden: about 5 minutes.
• From Rawtenstall: approximately 5 to 8 minutes.