“I want to help people achieve the best version of themselves.” ~ Dr. Schuster
Osteopathy and Arthritis
Osteopaths understand how the body moves and functions as a unit, which makes them an ideal physician choice for patients with arthritis. Osteopaths treat all kinds of arthritis, in all age groups. Although most people think of arthritis as something that impacts the elderly, people can experience it at much younger ages. In fact, juvenile arthritis affects approximately 50,000 children in the United States.
There are two main types of arthritis. Autoimmune arthritis includes rheumatoid arthritis, a systemic disease affecting the whole body. Osteoarthritis is what most people think of as “wear and tear” arthritis, causing pain and stiffness in the hips, knees, back, neck, and hands. Dr. Schuster is adept at managing all types of arthritis each with their unique presentations. If a patient sees specialists, he will coordinate with a patient’s rheumatologist, orthopedic physician, and physical therapist to ensure there is a collaborative approach of care for his patient.
Common Complaints from Arthritis Sufferers
- Neck pain
- Back pain
- Hip pain
- Joint pain
- Joint swelling
- Lack of mobility
- Stiffness
- Fatigue
Treatment Techniques
Treatment for arthritis aims to improve mobility and reduce inflammation. Musculoskeletal treatment places different amounts of pressure on areas of the body to help relieve joint restriction and misalignment. This type of treatment known as osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) is extremely effective in restoring muscle and tissue balance, addressing structural issues, and improving blood flow throughout the body.
Dr. Schuster also employs a technique known as prolotherapy and sometimes referred to as proliferation therapy. It is an osteoarthritis treatment technique that stimulates the tissue in order to repair the damaged tissue. Prolotherapy involves injecting a sugar or salt solution in to a joint or part of the body that is damaged, creating a mild, controlled injury that stimulates the body’s natural healing process to lay down new, undamaged tissue to the weakened area.
Other techniques that Dr. Schuster uses include soft tissue massage, myofascial release therapy, stretching, and joint mobilization.
- Soft tissue massage – a form of massage therapy where the joint and soft tissues are exercised to lessen muscle and tension pain.
- Myofascial release therapy – a type of therapy that focuses on reducing pain by easing the tension and tightness in trigger points.
- Joint mobilization – is a manual therapy where Dr. Schuster will manually apply targeted pressure on a joint in specific directions with the goal of restoring motion and reducing pain in the joint.
Patients benefit from Dr. Schuster’s care because they know they have someone who is in their corner. Who wants to work with them to improve their quality of life. Not only does Dr. Schuster apply a wide range of techniques to treat arthritis in his patients, he teaches patients strength, posture, and stretching exercises they can do at home. Regardless of age or type of arthritic condition, Dr. Schuster works with his patients to determine what will work best for them so they may grow as a person and improve their health. Dr. Schuster knows that while arthritis is a painful condition, it does need to prevent people from living a full and active life.
