This leads to a decrease in synovial fluid, in turn increases the wear of the cartilage layers of the joint. The reaction from the body is to tighten or shorten muscles moving this particular joint, to prevent further wear. The main side effect from this reaction leads to the Stiffness that patients report suffering from first thing in the morning or after a long rest for example.
Osteopaths use Gentle articulation, traction, gapping of joints, as well as lengthening the appropriate muscles, to decreases the pressure inside the affected joint, therefore calling for more synovial fluid. Patient often report a significant decrease in their symptoms, especially Joint Pain, after a series of osteopathic treatment.
