When essential oils are applied topically – ie gently massaged into the skin – they appear to be helpful as an add-on treatment in reducing pain and stiffness in musculoskeletal disorders says new research. Despite their widespread use whether via massage or aromatherapy, it is generally unclear if essential oils make a definite positive difference to various aspects of health. So a group of scientists looked into the evidence around lavender, peppermint, rosemary, eucalyptus and chamomile essential oils and their use in knee osteoarthritis, hand osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, low ba ..read more

Osteoarthritis could be made worse when inflammation is induced by an immune response due to the disruption of the delicate balance within the gut bacteria. The results of over 30 studies involving humans and animals were compared and three key findings emerged: Osteoarthritis could be made worse when inflammation is induced by an immune response due to the disruption of the delicate balance within the gut bacteria. The results of over 30 studies involving humans and animals were compared and three key findings emerged: – Gut bacteria aggravation may worsen osteoarthritis; – Alterations of ..read more

Following a Mediterranean diet should become mainstream advice for people with rheumatoid arthritis experts suggest after reviewing the latest research. The team analysed data from studies into specific diets, nutritional supplements, herbs, spices, drinks, vitamin D and probiotics. It is clear that diet can lessen disease activity through reducing inflammation and oxidation and via positive effects on the gut microbiota. Reporting their findings in Autoimmunity Reviews the experts conclude that “it is recommended that [alongside] medical treatment, nutrition therapy for rheumatoid arthriti ..read more

A lot more research into the risks and benefits of cannabinoids (CBD) is necessary to keep pace with medicinal and recreational use in the US, an expert highlighted at a recent conference. “We need research on medical cannabis efficacy so that physicians and patients can make informed choices about whether medical cannabis should be a part of their treatment plans,” Dr Kevin Hill outlines. “There is some evidence, but it is dwarfed by the amount of interest.” Policy on medicinal and recreational use changes almost daily and varies dramatically between US states. But instead of being informe ..read more

People with long-term back pain experienced dramatic reductions in pain and disability after taking part in a new treatment programme. Almost 500 people who had back pain for around four years trialled the new treatment in clinics around Australia, the research team outlines in The Lancet. The new approach Delivered by physiotherapists, cognitive functional therapy includes: Lifestyle changes to improve social and emotional health; Personalised and intensive coaching sessions to help people make sense of their pain; Retraining people to move in ways that reduce their pain; Build confidence ..read more

Hydrotherapy, also known as aquatic therapy, is a type of physical therapy that involves exercising in water. It is increasingly popular for people with reduced mobility, as it provides a low-impact exercise environment. Hydrotherapy, also known as aquatic therapy, is a type of physical therapy that involves exercising in water. It is increasingly popular for people with reduced mobility, as it provides a low-impact exercise environment. Regular exercise is crucial for healthy living, but traditional land-based routines are challenging and even painful in some situations. Water provides buo ..read more

A large study of women with rheumatoid arthritis has found that those taking hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or oral contraceptives had a greater chance of remission. Researchers made the link between remission, reproductive status and sex hormone use after assessing data from 4,474 women with rheumatoid arthritis. The study reveals that: Before menopause, women report fewer rheumatoid arthritis symptoms than peri-menopausal (irregular or infrequent periods) or post-menopausal women; Women with rheumatoid arthritis using HRT or oral contraceptives alongside rheumatoid arthritis drugs had ..read more

Runners do not seem to have more knee osteoarthritis than non-runners, says a large new analysis of the evidence in a leading orthopaedic journal. A total of 17 studies, representing 7,194 runners and 6,947 non-runners, were compared. Overall, there was a “significantly higher prevalence” of knee pain in the non-runner group. Looking at scans, “multiple” studies showed no real difference in knee osteoarthritis among runners versus non-runners. One study even showed that non-runners were more likely to need knee replacement surgery than runners. “I think you need to look at the overall healt ..read more

The sweetener behind Splenda may reduce immune function, a UK research team has discovered, which could pave the way for future treatments for autoimmune disease. In a study of mice, a high dose of sucralose reduced levels of T-cells, a crucial element to how the body fights illness. Dysfunction of these T-cells is linked to rheumatoid arthritis. And they are responsible for destroying the pancreas in type 1 diabetes. Finding ways to stop them could theoretically lead to a cure for both diseases. The results are published in the acclaimed journal, Nature. “We believe it may be worth studyin ..read more

Most people have heard about a TENS machine in the context of labour pains. But research also shows they can also be used in some chronic pain conditions, such as fibromyalgia. What does TENS stand for? TENS is short for transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation. A TENS machine is a small, battery-operated device that has leads connected to sticky pads called electrodes, with the aim of relieving pain. Can TENS be used in fibromyalgia? Evidence is conflicting as to whether TENS can be used to relieve fibromyalgia pain. And experts who compile reviews of lots of studies generally haven’t ..read more