TRAINING  &  COACHING  for  MANAGERS & LEADERS

Case Histories

Systemic Solutions & Arthritis

Relationship Coaching ... Systemic Coach Training ... Your Next Step

What is Arthritis?

Arthritis can refer to many causes of joint pain. Although osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are well-known, a full diagnosis requires tests and consultation with a medical specialist in diseases of the bones and muscles.

The most common is osteoarthritis, which affects joints of the neck and spine, knees, hips, fingers, thumbs and toes. Osteoarthritis occurs most often after age 45. There are no accepted medical cures for most forms of arthritis. Instead, medical treatment is to reduce pain and inflammation and to maximize mobility.

Osteoarthritis or Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Osteoarthritis is a normal feature of aging, a common, degenerative, wear-and-tear of your joints, while rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease. If you have rheumatoid arthritis, your immune system attacks the lining around your joints. This inflammation usually occurs equally on joints on both sides of your body, and causes pain, swelling, and stiffness. This helps differentiate osteoarthritis from rheumatoid arthritis.

Other types of arthritis include juvenile rheumatoid arthritis – which attacks younger people and affects joints and organs; gout – a disorder associated with excess uric acid; and septic arthritis which is uncommon but can cause serious damage to your joints.

[ Autoimmune Disease ] [ Aging ]

Medical Solutions

As arthritis is associated with pain, swelling and lack of movement, medical treatment is to reduce the pain and swelling and increase mobility. Doctors frequently prescribe non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin. If the inflammation is severe, corticosteroids may be injected into the joint. Drugs used to treat arthritis can have side effects, and may not work for all people.

If arthritis damage is severe, people may need total hip and total knee replacements.

[ Pain Control without Drugs ]

Alternative Solutions

People suffering from arthritis can become so stressed they are willing to try any treatment. People have tried everything to cure arthritis - from snake oil to copper bracelets to an endless list of dietary supplements. Deep tissue, reflexology, shiatsu, acupressure, Swedish and trigger point massage are also available.

As regular low impact exercise helps maintain strength and mobility, swimming and physical therapy programs are common. Hot showers before exercise and ice packs afterwards help minimize discomfort. Rest is important - at least eight hours of sleep each night.

Systemic Solutions

Systemic coaching examines the possibility that some arthritis symptoms have a function in the family and relationships of the sufferer. This can become apparent during systemic (relationship) diagnosis.

[ Family Constellations ] [ Relationship Bonds ]

Some people with symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis may express relationship bonds - such as "See father - I'm just like you". Systemic coaching may also help people who have arthritis symptoms that are triggered by food allergies and food sensitivities as food allergies often have a systemic (relationship) basis.

Your experience can show whether or not you are on the right track. Avoid harming yourself in any way - and don't stop any prescribed symptom suppression until you discuss your research and results with your physician. As you health improves, share your experiences to help other people build hope, and give them an opportunity to go beyond limiting paradigms.

[ Anxiety Disorders ] [ Depression ] [ Bipolar Disorder ] [ Schizophrenia ]

Relationship Coaching ... Systemic Coach Training ... Your Next Step