Arthritis Treatment | MYo Lab Chiropractic Care Calgary

MYo Lab employee doing arthritis therapy

Understanding Arthritis

Arthritis is one of the most prevalent chronic conditions in Canada, affecting approximately 1 in 5 adults, according to the Arthritis Society. This means millions of Canadians—and tens of thousands of Calgarians—live with the daily challenges posed by this condition.

This condition doesn’t just affect older adults; it’s unfortunately the leading cause of disability among working-age individuals, impacting their ability to work, care for their families, and enjoy life to the fullest.

The physical and emotional toll of arthritis is immense, with many experiencing chronic pain, stiffness, and fatigue. That being said, a simple diagnosis of arthritis should not be looked at as a “death-sentence” where you are hopelessly unable to experience a good quality of life. Proper conservative care and pain management can be incredibly effective if not at a severe/marked arthritis progression, so act as early as you can if you’re presented with any diagnosis related to arthritis!

What is Arthritis?

Arthritis is not a single disease but a group of over 100 conditions that cause joint inflammation and pain. The term “arthritis” literally means “inflammation of the joint.” While it can affect any joint in the body, we see it commonly targeting the knees, hips, hands, and spine. Arthritis can range from mild discomfort to severe pain and disability, significantly affecting mobility and daily activities.

Two of the most common types of arthritis are:

Osteoarthritis (OA): Often called “wear-and-tear” arthritis, OA occurs when the cartilage—the hard, slippery tissue covering the ends of bones where they form a joint—breaks down over time, leading to pain, swelling, and reduced joint mobility.
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): An autoimmune condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of the joints, causing inflammation, joint damage, and sometimes systemic symptoms like fatigue or fever.

Other forms of arthritis include gout, which results from the accumulation of uric acid crystals in the joints, and arthritis caused by infections or underlying diseases such as psoriasis or lupus.

How Arthritis Affects Your Body

Arthritis often starts with subtle symptoms, such as morning stiffness or occasional joint pain, but it can progress into more severe discomfort and loss of function. Left unmanaged, arthritis can lead to joint deformities, reduced range of motion, and even systemic health issues in some cases, such as cardiovascular complications.

Causes of Arthritis

While the exact cause of arthritis can vary depending on the type, several common factors contribute to its development:

Genetics

A family history of arthritis increases your risk

Age

The likelihood of developing arthritis increases with age

Injury

Previous joint injuries can lead to arthritis later in life

Obesity

Excess weight puts added stress on weight-bearing joints like the knees and hips

Lifestyle Factors

Smoking, lack of exercise, and poor diet can contribute to the onset or worsening of arthritis

Autoimmune Triggers

For conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, environmental or genetic factors can trigger an immune response

Signs and Symptoms

Recognizing the symptoms of arthritis early can help in managing the condition effectively. Common symptoms include:

Joint pain and tenderness

Swelling around the affected joints

Morning stiffness lasting longer than 30 minutes

Reduced range of motion

A grinding or clicking sensation in the joints

Fatigue or general malaise, particularly with inflammatory types like RA

These methods include:

Spinal Adjustments

Spinal adjustments are gentle, precise movements that realign the spine and affected joints. These adjustments can relieve pressure on the surrounding tissues, improve overall joint mobility, and reduce the stress that contributes to inflammation. Many members find that regular adjustments help ease pain and stiffness while restoring a better range of motion.

Acupuncture and Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS)

We may also incorporate acupuncture and IMS into your treatment plan. Acupuncture stimulates your nervous system to release natural pain-relieving chemicals, while IMS targets muscle tightness and trigger points to ease pressure on your joints. These therapies work together to restore your comfort and mobility.

Shockwave Therapy

For persistent joint pain, we use shockwave therapy to stimulate blood flow and cellular repair in damaged tissues. This non-invasive technique is especially effective for chronic pain in areas like your knees, hips, and shoulders. Our goal is to promote healing and provide lasting relief.

Custom Foot Orthotics

If arthritis affects your weight-bearing joints, custom foot orthotics can make a difference. We design orthotics to support proper alignment, reduce pressure on painful areas, and redistribute your weight to minimize joint stress. This helps you move more comfortably and confidently in your daily life.

Lifestyle Advice

We understand that managing arthritis goes beyond hands-on treatments. It’s a lifestyle change. And so we provide personalised advice to address factors contributing to arthritis symptoms. This includes stretches and exercises you can do from your home, dietary recommendations to reduce inflammation, and tips for protecting joints during daily activities. By addressing these lifestyle factors, we want to help you create a holistic plan for long-term joint health.

Member Testimonials

“I LOVE working out again! Chiro and Massage, in combo with my Training, have literally changed my life; I no longer suffer from TMJ and the osteoarthritis in both knees and my thumbs ( volleyball@!&@) is under control 👍 Give MYo a try…you will be hooked!!!!”

Gwyn A.

“About 18 months ago my trainer convinced me to see Dr Evan Schwindt. I was very hesitant initially, I am so grateful to Evan for giving me back a quality of life after many years of not sleeping due to pain. You truly work miracles.”

Jacinta C.

“For the last few years I have had a dull ache in both of my knees. Both of my parents have had bad knees and I decided to look into preventative treatment before they got to the point where I was going to need surgery. I had never done chiro before so I was a little nervous. I was booked in with Chiro who explained the treatment plan and made me feel comfortable. I would highly recommend MYo Lab as I have noticed a huge difference in my knees just with daily activity.”

Martinne S.