Osteoarthritis (AKA “arthritis”) is characterized by chronic degeneration of the cartilage of the joints which occurs through wear and tear over time.  Most scientific journals would suggest that there is no way to repair cartilage and there is very little evidence to support regeneration attributed to supplements like glucosamine or shark cartilage. When a joint like the knee is degenerated substantially and usually characterized by constant pain and lack of mobility, the appropriate medical intervention would be a knee replacement.

By the definition of osteoarthritis the cartilage is damaged regardless of the day of the week, so consider asking why you experience pain more some days than others? The answer lies in the inflammation of the soft tissues surrounding the joint.  So often we forget that a knee is more than bones coming together. There is an intricate system of muscles, tendons, ligaments, blood vessels, lymphatics, fascial membranes and skin — all capable of swelling. Inflammation creates pressure; Pressure creates pain.

A joint with damaged cartilage usually tracks inappropriately which can cause more damage and further soft tissue injuries like myofascial adhesions as you cope with the problem.  This effects the tone, strength, flexibility and ultimately the adhesions within the structures around the joint.  Myofascial pain is often described as burning, constant or annoying like a tooth ache.

Think of adhesions like a traffic jam on the freeway:  Cars still get through the freeway, but it is slow and painful;  Similarly, blood flow and lymphatic drainage will get through your knee, but it too is slow and painful.  Massage techniques like Myofascial Release, Myofascial Cupping, CranioSacral Therapy, BodyTalk and some of the Advanced Sport Techniques can help the muscles work with less pain and reduce inflammation in the area from recent overwork.  Elevation, regular icing and stretching are also extremely valuable homecare exercises that have immediate and long lasting results.

While nothing can fix the damaged cartilage (except a knee replacement), keeping the soft tissues in better form will contribute to better biomechanical tracking which can help reduce further degeneration in the joint.

Cheers!

Dena Liebrecht, RMT, SMT(cc), CBP, ESMT

Helping Okotoks & the Calgary area achieve their ultimate quality of life through Integrative Healing (therapeutic massage)!