Osteoarthritis and Photobiomodulation

September is arthritis month. So for this month’s blog, we are going to be talking about Osteoarthritis (OA). OA is the most common type of arthritis that affects the joints. It develops when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of bones gradually wears down. This leads to pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced mobility. As the cartilage continues to thin, bones may rub against each other, causing more damage and pain. At times, bone spurs can form as a result.

OA can affect any joint, but oftenly occurs in the knees, hips, hands, and spine. It progresses slowly over time, and is common with age and through various factors such as joint injuries, repetitive stress, genetics, obesity, and muscle weakness. OA is often considered a wear-and-tear degenerative joint disease, though it can have low-grade inflammation as well. It is a chronic condition, which often means that there is no cure, and the focus turns to symptom management.

When treating patients with OA, I often recommend supplements to support joint health, strengthening exercises, and photobiomodulation. Strengthening the muscles around the affected joint is important for providing strength and stability of the joint. The exercise depends on what stabilizing muscles need support, and I will refer to Manual Osteopathic Therapy and Chiropactors to help with realignment of the body and to provide more targeted exercises.

Photobiomodulation (PBM) is a great tool to have for OA. It uses various light frequencies to penetrate the tissues and stimulate cellular processes. These wavelengths are red and near-infrared light specifically. Multiple randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses show that PBM can provide a reduction in pain and improvements in function in those with OA. It is able to do this by reducing inflammation in the area being treated, promoting chondrocyte proliferation, which allows for the growth of cartilage.

Patients are encouraged to come in for weekly sessions for the first 5 weeks for 30 minutes per area. Then the sessions start to spread out as the pain continues to improve. Afterwards, we do maintenance sessions depending on the pain in the area. If this is something you are interested in, book an appointment with me using one of the links below.

~Dr. Charmagne

Liver detoxification in Manual Osteopathic Therapy

In the world of wellness, the liver is the body’s natural detox powerhouse. It filters toxins, processes nutrients, breaks down hormones, and manages blood sugar - making it essential for our overall health and vitality. However, when the liver becomes congested due to any stress, impact or trauma, its detox function can be impaired - even if you are eating clean and healthy. This is where manual osteopathic therapy steps in. MOT is a holistic manual therapy that focuses on restoring the body’s natural balance through gentle manipulation of muscles, joints, fascia, and organs. When it comes to supporting the liver, MOT offers a unique approach that goes beyond diet and supplements - by physically enhancing the environment in which the liver operates.

Osteopathic support for the liver is often part of a broader, whole-body strategy - looking at the musculoskeletal, circulatory, nervous, and visceral systems in tandem. 

One of the key and direct osteopathic techniques for liver health is visceral manipulation - gentle hands-on work that helps the liver and its surrounding organs move freely. Every organ in the body has its own natural rhythm in how its moves and interacts with each other. And any restriction in its movements can lead to congestion and poor drainage. By encouraging normal mobility, osteopathic therapy can help reduce the amount of pressure on the liver, thus enhancing its ability to process and eliminate toxins more effectively.

Improving circulation and lymphatic flow are crucial for liver detox. If circulation is impaired, the liver can struggle to receive fresh oxygenated blood or remove waste products efficiently. As one of the foundational techniques of MOT, it can stimulate the lymphatic system to support toxin elimination and optimize lymphatic flow, clearing the pathways so that the liver can do its job without being clogged up.

The liver’s function is also deeply influenced by the autonomic nervous system - especially the parasympathetic side. Chronic stress or trauma can lead to sympathetic dominance, which disrupts digestion, liver enzyme production, and detox pathways. By using osteopathic craniosacral techniques to regulate the nervous system, it can calm down the stress response and improve vagus nerve function. Shifting the body into a state more conducive to healing and detoxification.

The liver is anatomically connected to the diaphragm, ribs, spine, and other digestive organs. Poor posture or “tweaks” in the skeletal system can restrict liver function mechanically. By restoring structural integrity with osteo-articulation, such as rib mobilization and correction of the spinal restrictions, the liver gets the physical space and support it needs to function optimally.

The liver works hard behind the scenes to keep you healthy, while MOT offers a gentle, effective, and natural way to support this vital organ, not just by targeting symptoms, but by treating the root causes of dysfunction. Whether you are on a detox journey or simply aiming to optimize your wellbeing, incorporating osteopathic treatments can be a powerful step toward balance, vitality, and better health.

~ Derek Chiu, MOT, RMT

Manual Osteopathic Therapy and Stress Related Heart Disease

Manual Osteopathic therapy can help reduce stress-related heart disease by addressing the body’s structural, nervous, and circulatory systems. MOT has a few foundational modalities that specifically target these 3 systems by restoring balance, reducing tension, and overall function of the body. 

First, we need to understand how stress can affect and cause certain heart diseases such as Coronary Artery Disease, Strokes, Arrhythmia, etc. In general, stress can trigger the release of adrenaline and cortisol which activates the body's sympathetic nervous system (fight or flight system), resulting in an increase of heart rate, inflammation, and blood pressure. Chronic high blood pressure often leads to artery damage making them less flexible and promoting atherosclerosis. Once the hardening of the arteries begins, blood flow can also become less efficient leading to plaque buildup forming clots. These are only a few examples of how stress can affect heart disease.

Manual Osteopathic techniques such as cranial sacral therapy, visceral manipulation, and simple osteopathic adjustments can reduce the build-up of stress in the body, and therefore also indirectly reducing the chances of developing stress-related heart diseases. By using Cranial sacral therapy to realign the cranial bones and synchronize the connection between the upper and lower body, we directly stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system which balances the fight or flight system, promoting relaxation and lowering the cortisol and adrenaline levels in the body. Which leads to a lower blood pressure preventing artery strains and future damage. 

Visceral manipulation is another technique that directly affects the organs involved in the 3 systems to reduce stress. By working directly with organs such as the lungs or the heart, we can encourage it to move in its natural rhythm, allowing the organ to work more efficiently increase the blood flow with more oxygen, and decrease the amount of strain the heart gets. 

Osteopathic adjustments can also decrease the amount of stress throughout the body. By realigning the skeletal structures such as the ribs, shoulders, and collarbone, we can increase the function and space of the lungs allowing deeper breathing. This can reduce the strain on the cardiovascular system and also stimulate the parasympathetic system calming the mental state.   

To learn more about how osteopathic therapy can help decrease stress-related heart diseases, you can book an appointment at the link below

~ Derek Chiu MOT, RMT

How Manual Osteopathic Therapy Can Improve Digestion

Digestive issues such as bloating, acid reflux, constipation, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are common complaints that can significantly impact quality of life. While dietary and lifestyle changes often play a key role in managing these conditions, manual osteopathic therapy (MOT) offers a holistic, hands-on approach to improving digestive health by addressing the root causes of dysfunction within the body.

Enhancing Nerve Communication

The digestive system relies heavily on signals from the autonomic nervous system, which controls processes like gut motility, enzyme secretion, and nutrient absorption. These nerve signals originate from the spinal cord and pass through the thoracic and lumbar regions of the spine. Misalignments or restrictions in these areas can interfere with proper communication between the brain and the digestive organs. Osteopathic practitioners use gentle spinal mobilization and other techniques to restore alignment and enhance nerve flow, improving overall digestive function.

Improving Circulation

Efficient blood flow is essential for delivering oxygen and nutrients to the digestive organs while also removing waste products. When circulation is impaired, the digestive system may struggle to perform optimally. Techniques such as soft tissue manipulation and visceral mobilization help improve blood flow to the stomach, intestines, liver, and other key organs, supporting their natural functions and promoting healing.

Releasing Diaphragm Tension

The diaphragm, a dome-shaped muscle beneath the lungs, plays a significant role in digestion by facilitating pressure changes that aid in the movement of food through the gastrointestinal tract. Restrictions or tension in the diaphragm can disrupt this process, leading to issues such as acid reflux, bloating, and discomfort. Osteopathic therapy can release tension in the diaphragm and surrounding structures, improving its function and enhancing digestive efficiency.

Visceral Manipulation: Supporting Organ Mobility

Visceral manipulation is a specialized osteopathic technique that focuses on the gentle manipulation of internal organs. This approach helps release adhesions, improve mobility, and restore the natural rhythm of the digestive organs. It is particularly beneficial for individuals dealing with post-surgical adhesions, chronic constipation, or IBS, as it encourages proper organ function and reduces discomfort.

Stress Reduction and Its Impact on Digestion

Chronic stress can wreak havoc on the digestive system by activating the sympathetic nervous system, also known as the "fight or flight" response. This shifts the body's focus away from digestion, slowing down processes like peristalsis and enzyme production. MOT incorporates techniques that address physical tension and promote relaxation, activating the parasympathetic nervous system, or the "rest and digest" response. This shift not only improves digestion but also enhances overall well-being.

Correcting Postural Imbalances

Postural issues can compress the abdominal cavity, reducing space for the digestive organs to function properly. Poor posture, particularly when sitting for extended periods, can exacerbate conditions like acid reflux or constipation. By addressing postural imbalances, osteopathic therapy creates an optimal environment for the digestive system to work efficiently.

Common Digestive Issues Helped by MOT

Manual osteopathic therapy can benefit individuals dealing with a wide range of digestive issues, including:

• Acid reflux or GERD

• Bloating and gas

• Constipation or diarrhea

• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

• Post-surgical adhesions

A Holistic Approach to Digestive Health

Manual osteopathic therapy takes a whole-body approach to healing, recognizing the interconnectedness of the body’s systems. By addressing structural and functional imbalances, improving circulation, and supporting the nervous system, MOT offers a natural and effective way to enhance digestion. If you’re struggling with digestive issues, consider consulting an osteopathic manual practitioner to explore how this gentle, hands-on therapy can help restore balance and improve your quality of life.

Take the Next Step Toward Better Digestive Health

Are you ready to experience the benefits of manual osteopathic therapy for your digestion? Schedule a consultation with a qualified osteopathic manual practitioner today and take the first step toward improved well-being and a healthier digestive system.

~Derek Chiu, MOT, RMT