Living with psoriatic arthritis can feel like an endless cycle of discomfort, flares, and frustration.
You may be wondering if there’s more you can do beyond conventional medications to get real, lasting relief. You’re not alone, and the good news is: help is out there.
Chiropractic care offers a natural, movement-based approach to managing joint pain and inflammation. At Elite Chiropractic Rehab & Wellness (ECRW) in Walnut Creek, we often work with patients who suffer from autoimmune conditions like psoriatic arthritis, helping them reduce pain, improve mobility, and regain a sense of control over their health.
Let’s take a closer look at how chiropractic care can support you in managing psoriatic arthritis pain, and what you can expect from treatment.
Understanding Psoriatic Arthritis
Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is an inflammatory condition that affects up to 30% of people with psoriasis. It targets the joints and connective tissues, causing pain, swelling, stiffness, and fatigue. For many, flare-ups can disrupt daily activities and diminish quality of life.
Some hallmark symptoms of PsA include:
- Joint pain, often in the knees, fingers, toes, or lower back
- Morning stiffness that lasts more than 30 minutes
- Swollen fingers and toes (dactylitis)
- Reduced range of motion
- Chronic fatigue
- Nail changes, like pitting or discoloration
While medications like NSAIDs, DMARDs, and biologics are often prescribed to manage the immune system response, they don’t always address musculoskeletal imbalances, joint tension, or poor movement patterns that contribute to chronic pain. That’s where chiropractic care can play an important role.
Can a Chiropractor Help With Psoriatic Arthritis?
Yes, chiropractors can play a valuable role in helping manage certain symptoms of psoriatic arthritis, particularly musculoskeletal pain, joint stiffness, and reduced mobility.
At Elite Chiropractic Rehab & Wellness, we take a thoughtful and personalized approach. We understand that autoimmune conditions like PsA require careful handling. That’s why we tailor every treatment plan to match your current physical and health status, avoiding any aggressive techniques that could trigger flares or unnecessary discomfort.
How Chiropractic Care Supports Psoriatic Arthritis Management
1. Improving Joint Mobility
Joint stiffness is one of the hallmark symptoms of psoriatic arthritis, especially in the spine. Gentle chiropractic adjustments are designed to restore better motion in the joints and reduce inflammation by:
- Decreasing pressure on affected joints
- Encouraging proper alignment
- Enhancing circulation to inflamed tissues
These manual techniques help patients move more freely, which can decrease daily stiffness and improve overall comfort.
2. Reducing Muscle Tension and Spasm
Many people with PsA experience muscle strains or spasms as they compensate for joint pain. Chiropractic therapy, along with soft tissue work and myofascial release, can ease tight muscles and normalize muscle patterns, improving function while lowering overall pain levels.
Manual therapies used at ECRW include:
- Myofascial release
- Trigger point therapy
- Cupping therapy for circulation support
By addressing muscle imbalances, we take pressure off the joints, allowing you to move with less pain.
3. Enhancing Posture and Body Mechanics
Psoriatic arthritis can lead to poor posture over time, especially when joints in the neck, pelvis, or back are involved. Postural issues can place added strain on surrounding joints and muscles, intensifying pain and fatigue.
As part of our care at ECRW, we focus on functional assessments and movement re-education.
Gentle chiropractic adjustments and corrective exercises help support:
- Balanced posture
- Improved spinal alignment
- Lower mechanical stress during everyday activities
Small changes in how you move can lead to big changes in how you feel.
When Chiropractic May Not Be Appropriate
Chiropractic care is not a one-size-fits-all solution. There are times when it may need to be delayed or modified. For instance:
- During severe flare-ups with active joint inflammation
- If there is spinal instability or fusion
- When there are signs of acute systemic infection or high disease activity
This is why a comprehensive evaluation is always the first step. At ECRW, our chiropractors collaborate with other healthcare providers when needed, ensuring your safety, especially with complex autoimmune conditions.
Complementary Therapies That Help Psoriatic Arthritis
At Elite Chiropractic Rehab & Wellness, we believe in treating the whole person, not just symptoms. Alongside chiropractic care, we offer several supportive therapies that may amplify benefits for people with psoriatic arthritis.
Spinal Decompression Therapy
For PsA patients dealing with degenerative disc issues or chronic back pain, our non-surgical spinal decompression therapy can help relieve pressure on the spine and improve joint hydration. Learn more about our approach to spinal decompression therapy.
Massage and Myofascial Release
Therapeutic massage and myofascial release reduce stiffness, increase circulation, and promote relaxation, all of which can help lower stress and inflammation over time.
Red Light Therapy (Cold Laser Therapy)
This non-invasive treatment promotes cellular repair and may help reduce joint inflammation in people with autoimmune joint conditions like psoriatic arthritis. It’s one of the many therapeutic treatments in Walnut Creek offered at our clinic.
Rehabilitation & Movement Therapy
Along with hands-on care, we build personalized exercise programs to gently strengthen weak muscles, protect vulnerable joints, and improve endurance, all while keeping your inflammation levels in mind.
What to Expect From Chiropractic Care at ECRW
We’re not here to crack your spine and send you out the door.
At Elite Chiropractic Rehab & Wellness, we follow a whole-body, patient-centered approach to psoriatic arthritis support:
- A thorough evaluation of your joint health and mobility
- Guided treatment adjustments based on flare-ups or pain locations
- Consistent communication with your rheumatologist or PCP, when needed
- Education on posture, lifestyle habits, and at-home exercises
- Ongoing monitoring to adapt care as your condition evolves
We also offer comprehensive chiropractic services in Walnut Creek designed for both active athletes and autoimmune patients alike.
Why Local Matters: A Walnut Creek Clinic That Understands
You don’t need to drive an hour for specialty care. At our Walnut Creek location, we provide expert support tailored to the realities of living with chronic pain near home.
We understand the importance of listening first and acting second. Our team, led by Dr. Ben Rosenstein and Dr. Tony Cresci, is here to help you manage joint pain respectfully, patiently, and thoroughly so you can keep enjoying what matters most in life.
Final Thoughts: Take Control of Psoriatic Arthritis Naturally
If you’re living with psoriatic arthritis and feel like your current routine isn’t giving you the relief or movement you deserve, you’re not stuck. Chiropractic care offers a research-backed, drug-free way to complement your existing treatment plan while reducing joint stress and improving comfort.
Whether you’re newly diagnosed or have dealt with PsA for years, now is the time to explore natural solutions that put your mobility and wellness first. Start by learning more about your condition through resources like the psoriatic arthritis symptoms and treatment guide from the Arthritis Foundation.
And when you’re ready, reach out to a team that truly understands. Visit Elite Chiropractic Rehab & Wellness in Walnut Creek and take the first step toward personalized, gentle care designed for long-term results.
You deserve to feel good in your body. Let’s make that happen together.
