Problems diagnosed as Osteoarthritis CAN be cured in some cases.
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If you're a proactive individual that's been diagnosed with incurable Osteoarthritis it's *possible* that you can in fact beat the diagnosis and get back to full fitness and functionality. It happened to me.
I should add that I was diagnosed at age 42 and was very fit and active at the time. I think it might be very different for older individuals, people who's condition is advanced, or people that don't enjoy exercise.
Here's my story. I can't make any promises that it'll be the same for you. But I will if people are interested share some of the resources that helped me to beat what I considered to be a life shattering diagnosis, for which I was assured there was no possibility of a cure. I don't know whether to believe I was misdiagnosed and never actually had Osteoarthritis, or whether they're wrong when they say Osteoarthritis is incurable. What I can say is that I was told my symptoms were 'classic' and that the diagnosis was certain - that my symptoms couldn't be explained by anything else. The whole area is so poorly defined and slap-dash that it's impossible to tell. Either way, it means there's at least hope of beating it if that's what you want to try and do.
I've spent 8 years battling against the people that were hell bent on brow beating me into believing I had Hip Osteoarthritis when I knew I didn't. My real problems were ignored - I was essentially left to rot. I was treated like an idiot. Told I researched too much. That I was in denial. Told that I was making my problems worse by training to keep myself fit, strong and active. Told I should swim and cycle and give up all other sports. I was asked repeatedly "You've had numerous experts try to help you - don't you think one of them would have succeeded if this really was curable?".
Finally I've been vindicated. I figured it out for myself. A simple, treatable muscle imbalance causing all of my problems. Obviously I wanted to let the people know that have tried to help over the years. I expected them to be amazed - a breakthrough that could help lots of people. These cases that we think are incurable can in fact be fixed!!
My excitement was met with apathy: [paraphrasing]. "The reality is that most people are inactive and unwilling to put in the work needed to address muscle imbalances like this. Even if the correct diagnosis was made, for most people the end result would be the same. People who are willing to put in the work necessary to reverse the condition are so few and far between that they aren't statistically significant to make it worth the cost of training and research. We were unable to solve your problem because we've not been adequately trained to do so. But well done for hanging in and figuring it out yourself."
Why wasn't I told this BEFORE I discovered the solution for myself? Why did they try to convince me I had incurable OA when they knew how determined I was to beat it?
Here's the reality as I now understand it (as it's been explained to me). This may not reflect every health professionals view, but it is a summary of what I've been told by various health professionals:
GP's are responsible for diagnosing OA. Yet they know very little about bio mechanics (unless they've got an interest and educate themselves).
They don't understand the condition in great detail, but they don't need to. They're working to a script. It seems not to be widely known who writes that script (so who to go to with questions or doubts)...which is a little bit of a worry.
Some know that often it's a misdiagnosis - more forward thinking GP's are aware that it's frequently a treatable soft tissue issue. But like the physios, think it doesn't matter too much as for most patients it makes no difference. They lead inactive lifestyles and any attempts to restore them to full functionality will fail. There is little point in wasting resources trying to give an accurate diagnosis when the end result will usually be the same regardless. So OA is the 'catch all' category you put them in. There is no cure - you manage with drugs and operate if and when necessary.
Even when someone is in great shape, keen to be proactive in their treatment and has an active lifestyle worth preserving there's nothing to be gained in finding the correct diagnosis as there is no one to refer them to to get it fixed. People worth bothering with (because they can be restored to a good, active life) aren't statistically significant enough to be worth the research and training needed to put systems in place to help them.
So, the GP's make the OA diagnosis despite not necessarily knowing much about OA. Who are the specialists then if you're determined to find the real cause of your joint stiffness or pain? Well, there's a bit of an oversight there. There is no one.
Orthopedic surgeons know about surgery. If your problem is an easily curable soft tissue issue they probably won't know enough to detect it. They may well put you under the knife unnecessarily. Or tell you that you have an incurable problem that will deteriorate over time - that your active life is over (that's what happened to me). But this is more a case of them forcing your problem into something that fits their specialist knowledge. Not a proper diagnosis.
Then there's physios. They aren't trained to detect and treat curable soft tissue problems that lead to joint wear and might otherwise be diagnosed as OA. However, some are better than others. Some might actually be very capable. It's pot luck. I think it's unlikely to find someone with these skills working for the NHS, but I may be wrong. I have been told (by a physio) that the failure rate in these cases is 99% within the NHS.
There are people out there that do know how to diagnose and treat these soft tissue problems. And there's plenty of info on this on the internet that you can use to help yourself. It's down to the individual to separate the wheat from the chaff. Contrary to what we are led to believe, OA isn't an incurable degenerative disease. Strictly speaking it doesn't exist. It's a 'catch all' diagnosis used to put people with joint problems in when there aren't resources and training to find out and fix what's really wrong with them. Contrary to what we're led to believe, there is no category of the medical profession with expertise in the multitude of conditions commonly labeled as OA. If you think you've seen an expert and had a reliable diagnosis of OA - think again.
There is no easy fix - that's true. There is no way of knowing if yours is a curable soft tissue problem without trying to fix it. I'm led to believe that official research into OA is centered around keeping this 99% of people that are deemed incurable (because they are perceived to be inactive and unwilling or unable to adhere to the required rehab plan), as pain free and independent as possible at minimum cost. It's simply not cost effective to put time and effort into finding the cause, the cure, or training people to make diagnosis and cure soft tissue problems in the cases where how to do so is already known by some.
But there are people out there that have figured out how to diagnose and cure at least some of these cases. Some speculate that all OA is initially a soft tissue dysfunction. However, this is mainly in the private sector - or perhaps in the NHS, but on an unofficial level. You're faced with the dilemma of separating the fakes from the real deal. Most will claim to be able to help - and many will diagnose incurable OA when they fail. That doesn't necessarily mean you can't be helped. Many tried and failed with me before I figured it out for myself.
But if you're willing to work at it yourself - or maybe even find the right person (which is very difficult) then it is quite possible that what you have is very curable.
31 likes, 607 replies
alison84352 susan67756
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susan67756 alison84352
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I've mentioned to a couple of people on here recently that I stumbled across something called 'Functional Patterns'. A very new and brilliant approach to maintaining/restoring a functional, sound body.
They have a gait training program that is working wonders for me. I've been thinking to myself "what would have happened if I'd found this 10 years ago? Could I have saved myself 10 years of struggle looking for a cure?"
The program only costs $14.99 - it's on video which you download. There's a little bit of equipment needed but if you dont' have access to a gym you can make do with a resistance band. I think the information page for the product explains this, but if not get back to me.
There is also a hip/lumber/pelvic rehab program which you'll find in the same place. Same price as the gait program. I'd recommend trying both.
No promises, but I'm impressed by them.
Google for "Functional Patterns Gait Program" and you should find it. There will be samples on video so you can take a look and figure out if it's something you'd see yourself doing.
Good luck!
Studentnursejon susan67756
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susan67756 Studentnursejon
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This is the kind of story that highlights how bad the situation is. You've been given a life changing diagnosis of an incurable condition that will get worse. This was made by a training GP and an x-ray report. Even fully qualified GP's have admited to me that they don't have the training to eliminate the multitude of other problems - treatable conditions - that could lead to stiffness, pain and joint wear.
The physio you're waiting to see ISN'T qualified to make any diagnosis. Physios have admitted to me that they simply don't have the training to deal with muscle imbalances that can lead to these kind of problems. He will no doubt accept what the GP has decided. The exercises that physios are trained to give to OA sufferers are, to be blunt, pretty useless for anyone wanting to get their life back.
Now you may get lucky and land yourself one of the few physios that have researched for themselves and rejected what they were taught during their training. But don't count on it.
If I were you I'd insist upon a referal to a specialist for a more reliable diagnoses. Point out to your GP that very many people have degenerative changes in joints without symptoms. When you get to see your specialist point out that muscle imbalances can cause the joint to track incorrectly. Tell him about my story! Dig out some research papers to take with you to force him to engage his brain and come up with sensible answers to very valid questions rather than just fobbing you off with what's easiest for him. You're a nurse - you have the background to really give the specialist a hard time and get some sensible answers. That said, the real problem is there are no specialists within the NHS to refer you to. You'll probably get a surgeon that knows nothing about soft tissue imbalances. But it has to be worth a try.
For staying in shape I wouldn't want to recommend anything as every case is different. Typically the 'safe' advice given is to cycle or swim. I'd stick to that at least until you know more about your condition. But long term don't rule anything out. Generally speaking, if something improves your symtoms it's good - if it makes things worse you need to take a step back and figure out why.
Look up a "Functional Patterns Gait Training" on Google. This is a little gait retraining program that I've been using recently to help my running. I SO wish I'd found it 10 years ago as I think it may well have fixed my OA back then! I'd give it a try if I were you. $14.99. There's also a hip/lumber program for the same price. The focus is on rebalancing the body and restoring correct movement - which will lead to correct tracking of the joints. I'd take a look at them both if I were you. No guarantees, but it won't harm and I think it may well help.
Studentnursejon susan67756
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When I asked the GP about consultant referral, his answer was 'Oh no need for that'. He seemed to feel he could provide all the info I needed. And one cannot help but wonder what goes into a stance like that. I'd like to be generous and say he's being totally up front and giving me all there is. But I know humans, let alone doctors, and we are all prone to be territorial and proud about what we know. But this is my long term health. I can't afford not to test the establishment.
I'm only 47. If I'm going to help myself I clearly need ro research this and, as you rightly say, I'm in a great position to challenge what's suggested to me, not least as I have an academic medical library at my fingertips.
I'll also Google the gait training materials. It can only help.
Thank you again.
susan67756 Studentnursejon
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A couple of points:
1. It is known that there is no correlation between xray findings and symptoms. Some people have trashed joints and live full, active, painfree lives. Others have moderate or even degenerative changes visible on xray yet they're crippled. There will be research to back this up. It's a widely accepted fact. Question to Dr: "What other conditions do we need to rule out to be sure that I'm not one of the people that could have badly degenerated joints and zero symptoms?" or put another way "What conditions other than OA can present with a combination of degenerative changes in joints and pain/stiffness?". OR "If one of these patients with badly degenerated joints and zero symptoms developed a painful ,restrictive trigger point that could be resolved with simple massage would you diagnose incurable OA and neglect to treat the trigger point?"
2. A GP friend of mind admitted to me that she often diagnoses OA when she knows in her heart that's probably not the problem. But she says that with most of her patients, who are too lazy to do anything to help themselves, the final outcome will be the same. It's easier to just diagnose something incurable rather than jump through hoops trying to find the real cause when the patient won't comply with treatment.
One of the physios I tried said similar - here's a quote from his email message:
"I do agree with you about the training to a part but all I'd add is try to understand you are the minority [I assume he means because I was youngish and active and worth bothering with] of the type of patients diagnosed with OA so putting more effort into training in one small specific part of the physiotherapy degree is probably deemed not worth it...that's my best guess at why anyway (remember musculoskeletal Physio only makes up about 1/5th of Physio training of a 4 year course, 3 years in England or 2 year masters). Harsh to say but most people are lazy and inactive and unwilling to put in enough effort to even begin to start addressing muscle imbalances of that severity. Doesn't make the diagnosis any less wrong but even if it was right to the majority it would make no difference."
3. Several physios have admitted to me that the standard procedure for diagnosing hip OA is to wiggle the hip a bit - if it's stiff and sore and accompanied by x-ray findings then it's a positve OA diagnoses. No attempt is made to rule out the many other possibilities. This is regardless of whether it's a trainee GP making the diagnosis or a leading specialist. Which explains your GP's attitude. It's not him at fault - it's the system.
I strongly recommend that you read some of the papers on the Postural Restoration Institute website - I've linked to them earlier in this thread. These will give you insight into how muscle imbalances can lead to degenerative changes and also things like hip impingement. It's very possible that these conditions can be reversed - and perhaps never give further problems.
I spent thousands of pounds on various experts trying to get to the bottom of my problems. I ran out of money and lost faith in the lot of them long before I started to get a real understanding of what was wrong. I didn't fight them myself because I didn't know enough back then. I contacted them when I'd resolved the problem and they were totally apathetic about it. It didn't surprise them and they had no interest in learning more about what was really wrong with me in order to help others. I even contacted the leading OA charities but they didn't want to know.
So if I can help you fight our corner to help others like us then just let me know and I'll share whatever knowledge and info I have.
Good luck
csb susan67756
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But as I understand it you are saying that may not be the cause of the pain?
Is that correct?
catherine79835 susan67756
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fran64082 catherine79835
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Susan started this post over a year ago. She has written so much about her own research. Suggest you start at the top and work down. Long, long read, but so very helpful.
catherine79835 susan67756
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Fascinating reading 5 years ago I fell and hit the leftside of my pelvis after which I was unable to cross my legs or lift my leg over a style. I was avery active walker and gardener but apparent muscular pains down both legs legs made any activities difficult. I am a therapist so called in all my friends for treatments. Countless treatment s and physios later I have slightly improved but the initial problem still remains and am told I need a thr I dont like giving up. Any other ideas than the ones you have researched would bo welcome.
susan67756 catherine79835
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What I know for certain - beyond all doubt - is that serious joint problems can and are frequently caused by simple muscle imbalances. A lot of the aches, pain and stiffness that is put down to a normal part of aging are very frequently reversable too.
What is less certain is how to go about rebalancing the body. It's increadibly difficult and mainstream medicine hasn't yet found the answer. There are lots of people that have researched this in depth - I've provided some ideas in this thread - but none have a definitive answer. It's always a case of trial and error.
I got my actual joint problems fixed through paintaking trial and error - it wasn't just a case of "use this system", "consult this type of practitioner" - the answer isn't available yet. What saved me is tenacity - I just wasn't willing to give up and in my heart I knew it was reversible. Add to that the fact that I was already interested in how the body works, and very into sport and fitness - I stood a better chance than most.
Ok, but to answer your question:
In December I stumbled across something called "Functional Patterns" (Google it or find it on fb). It's causing a bit of controversy in the world of sport and fitness. It's a functional training methodology based upon restoring and maintaining correct movement patterns. I've mentioned thorughout this thread that I think a twist in the pelvis is often behind these problems - just from talking to people with similar issues. That is at the foundation of Functional Patterns. Or more specifically, "rotational slings" - so the body has 'slings' of muscle that connect hip to opposite shoulder - front and back of the body (the obliques are I guess the major players). These allow correct counterbalancing of upper and lower body when we walk, run....in pretty much all we do. When they stop working correctly problems start. In my case, the 'slings' that connect right hip to opposite shoulder weren't firing correctly and this was the root of my problem. I fixed that actual joint problem myself, but those slings still weren't working correctly so my movement still wasn't good. I'm coming on in leaps and bounds since using this method and I honestly do belief that had I found this 10 years ago I might have saved myself a decade of disability.
The trouble is, we don't have practitioners in the UK yet. If you're in America then I think perhaps this is a case when I'd really say think about giving them a try - there is a list of practitioners on the site. I am completely blown away by the approach. The founder has his base in San Deago.
They do have lots of free online information, but unless you're quite sporty and into training and all the research behind it I don't know how useful you'll find it. I mentioned their gait training program earlier in this thread - that would be my best advice for anyone at this time.
If any physios or similar read this then please do look into it as I feel that this could help lots of people.
catherine79835 susan67756
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anneliz susan67756
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susan67756 anneliz
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Recently I've talked a lot about finding Functional Patterns (you'll find it online and loads of videos on youtube). The more I learn about this the more blown away I am by it. It could be the answer to so many peoples problems.
It's just starting up in the UK - a few people have been over to San Diago to train and are bringing it to London. There is also someone in the Liverpool area who's currently over there doing a six week certification course. These people can I'm sure help lots of OA sufferers (and other conditions) to get back to full health.
This is something new and different that gets results. And it's great news for runners because it is totally in support of you running to your hearts content - once your posture and movement is corrected!
It takes a huge effort to graps the underlying concepts. But the more I learn the more I love it!
Basically the premise is that as humans our structure and movement patterns evolved around gait. So walking, running. And that fits 100% with what I've learned (what is already accepted) about the spine, sacrum, innominates (whole body) being tied into a set pattern through the normal gait cycle. So you can tell from the position of the sacrum where pretty much any part of the body will be positioned. Therefore in every movement that we make we're relying on these mechanics. When something goes wrong (e.g. twisted pelvis - which is essentially a failure of the normal gait mechanism) we start to have big problems. It's not only twisted pelvis that can occur - lack of rotational movement is more of an issue for some, and all sorts of postural problems and deviations from correct gait/function. Your exact problems will likely depend upon a number of lifestyle, sport, working and genetic factors.
The FP guys (the pioneer is an absolute genius - but controversial so you really need to listen to what he's saying with an open mind...because no matter how much you initially have a knee jerk reaction against things he says in time you realise he's right!!
) have really grasped how all these mechanisms work and figured out how and why things go wrong AND how to correct them.
But to give a very crude and rough idea, due to the way in which our bodies function (and they explain in great depth - in ways that mainstream health professionals haven't grasped) movements that we repeat frequently become engrained. So spend all day sitting at a desk and you tend to end up with a set pattern of movement / postural dysfunction. This is nothing new - it's well understood.
Correcting it is less well understood. What the FP guys have figured out is the significance of gait in the functioning of our bodies. The interaction between lower and upper body and the way in which the upper body rotates in relation to the lower body. Most sports and modern activities and lifestyle DON'T support this natural gait cycle - the correct movement. Due to various mechanisms, but largely the nature of fascia our bodies lose the ability to move through the natural gait cycle correctly. This is when the dire problems start to occur. OA, impingement and so on.
They've figured out exercises that restore correct movement. But essentially, natural movements that involve moving correctly through the gait cycle (or movements that support and enhance it) will only ever do you good (so running done correctly, walking). But essentially, once you lose the ability to move correctly (which most of us do pretty early on in life) you're re-enforcing bad patterns with all that you do. Do the correct drills, get your movement correct and running will perhaps be one of the best things you can do for your body and joints.
That's an awful explanation. LOL Trust me, this is worth delving into if you care about getting your body functioning correctly.
Functional Patterns London
Titanium Functional Movements (Ellesmere Port)
Both only on facebook right now I believe. But worth watching. VERY new in this country (just getting established at this moment) but I think this could be huge for people suffering from things like OA. So worth watching.
julianna2 susan67756
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I am 67. Have always been very active and am angry that my active life has been rewarded with OA! The only thing experts have offered is meds. When I asked if they had anything else to try their response was, "Take it or leave it." I left.
Do see an OD doctor who has helped with other issues and wonder if he could be more help given your information.
Thank you for giving me something to fight for and to look forward to!
Julainna
susan67756 julianna2
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My thinking at this time is that the answer lies with Functional Patterns. The founder is coming over to the UK in June to provide a training course. I'm convinced enough by it to get myself on the course. It's a week long course that addresses things like how to identify and correct imbalances such as ours.
I'll definitely report back after the course with any new knowledge that I have.