Arthritis, Rheumatism & Osteoarthritis
Overview
Arthritis refers to inflammation or degeneration of the joints that leads to pain, stiffness and reduced movement[1]. There are over 100 forms of arthritis, with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and rheumatism being among the most common[2][3]. While osteoarthritis involves gradual cartilage breakdown — often in the knees, hips and hands — rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation throughout the body[3]. Rheumatism is a broader term describing chronic pain or stiffness in joints, tendons or muscles.
These conditions affect millions worldwide and can reduce independence and well-being. Although conventional medicine focuses on medications and surgery, holistic and Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Healthcare (TCIH) approaches can play a valuable role in managing pain, reducing inflammation and improving quality of life[2][4].
Common Causes and Risk Factors
Arthritis and related conditions can develop from a mix of genetic, lifestyle and immune factors[2][3].
Some common causes and risks include:
- Ageing and wear-and-tear: cartilage deterioration over time
- Genetic factors: family history of arthritis or autoimmune conditions
- Injury or overuse: repetitive joint stress or past trauma
- Inflammation and oxidative stress: chronic low-grade inflammation damages joint tissue
- Lifestyle factors: obesity, inactivity, nutrient deficiencies or smoking
- Immune dysregulation: in autoimmune types like rheumatoid arthritis[3][4]
Signs and Symptoms
Typical signs include:
- Joint pain, tenderness or swelling
- Stiffness after periods of rest
- Reduced flexibility or range of motion
- Crepitus (grating sensation) in joints
- Muscle weakness or fatigue
- Flare-ups during cold or damp weather
- In rheumatoid arthritis, systemic fatigue, inflammation, and joint deformity over time[3].
Chronic inflammation can also impact sleep, mental health and overall vitality[2][4].
Holistic & TCIH Approaches
TCIH approaches complement medical treatment by supporting joint health, reducing inflammation and addressing pain through body-mind balance.
Several holistic practices have been shown to relieve symptoms, enhance mobility and improve emotional resilience[5][6].
You may wish to explore:
- Massage Therapy – relieves stiffness and enhances circulation around affected joints
- Acupuncture – evidence shows acupuncture can reduce osteoarthritis pain and improve function[7].
- Yoga – improves flexibility, posture and mood while reducing pain perception[6].
- Tai Chi / Qigong – gentle, low-impact movements that support balance, strength and relaxation[5]
- Mindfulness / Meditation – promote calm, reduce stress-related inflammation and improve pain coping.
- Naturopathy – may include anti-inflammatory diet, supplements and lifestyle recommendations.
- Herbal Medicine – ingredients like turmeric, ginger, and boswellia show promise in managing osteoarthritis[10]
- Nutrition Consultation – focuses on anti-inflammatory eating patterns, omega-3 intake and vitamin D support.
- Hydrotherapy – warm water immersion and mineral soaks may ease stiffness and pain.
- Reiki / Energy Healing – encourages relaxation and helps modulate pain through energetic balance.
- TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) – clinical research supports its use for knee osteoarthritis pain management[8].
Self-Care & Lifestyle Practices
Alongside professional treatment, gentle daily practices can support comfort and mobility:
- Engage in low-impact movement such as yoga, swimming or walking[6]
- Maintain a healthy weight to reduce joint stress[4]
- Eat a Mediterranean-style, anti-inflammatory diet rich in plants, omega-3s and antioxidants[10][9]
- Practise stress management through breathwork, meditation or tai chi[5]
- Alternate heat and cold therapy for symptom relief
- Prioritise rest and sleep during flare-ups
When to Seek Professional Support
If pain, swelling or stiffness persist or worsen, or if joints appear red or deformed, it’s important to seek medical evaluation[3][4].
Complementary approaches can be safely integrated with conventional care to enhance comfort, strength and emotional well-being.
A verified SoulAdvisor practitioner trained in movement therapy, bodywork, herbal medicine or holistic pain management can work alongside your healthcare team to support long-term relief and vitality[7][10].
Therapies that may assist arthritis, Rheumatism & Osteoarthritis:
References
1. Arthritis. Wikipedia; 2025.
2. Hunter DJ, Bierma-Zeinstra S. Osteoarthritis. The Lancet; 2019.
3. Smolen JS, Aletaha D, McInnes IB. Rheumatoid arthritis. The Lancet; 2016.
4. Kolasinski SL, et a. American College of Rheumatology/Arthritis Foundation Guideline for the Management of Osteoarthritis of the Hand, Hip, and Knee. Arthritis Care & Research; 2020.
5. Wu H, Wang Q, Wen G, Wu J, Wang Y. The effects of Tai Chi on physical function and safety in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Frontiers in physiology; 2023.
6. Li R, et al. Effect of Yoga on Pain, Physical Function and Psychological Symptoms in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Journal of Clinical Medicine; 2021.
7. Silva ME, De Melo EBB, Cabral MAL, Souza LL, Silva SO, Leal NTB, Da Fonseca JF, Dantas RAN, Dantas DV. ffects of acupuncture on the signs and symptoms of people with rheumatic diseases: A scoping review. Complementary Therapies in Medicine; 2025.
8. Tashani OA, Johnson MI. A Double-Blind Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial Investigating the Effectiveness of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) for Knee Osteoarthritis Pain. Clinical Journal of Pain; 2021.
9. Yu C, et al. Curcumin and Resveratrol Combination for Osteoarthritis: A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial. Nutrients; 2021.
10. Liang Y, Xu Y, Zhu Y, Ye H, Wang Q, Xu G. Efficacy and Safety of Chinese herbal medicine for knee osteoarthritis: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Phytomedicine; 2022.
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