Osteoarthritis
As we age our joints, especially load-bearing areas, start to degenerate (especially hips and knees) with cartilage loss. Replacement joints are now well-researched and give a new lease of life. Smaller joints, such as thumb joints, also become a problem. Acupuncture, mobilisations, stretches and exercises all help.
Rheumatoid arthritis
This affects young 20-30 year olds, usually women, where mainly the peripheral joints particularly become inflamed. It usually follows with a course of exacerbation and remission. Exercises and stretches once the inflammation has died down is helpful.
Other conditions include fibromyalgia -a condition with multiple painful points, particularly in the neck and shoulders and often associated with IBS (irritable bowel syndrome).