Arthritis Physiotherapy

Understanding Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease that primarily affects older adults, though it can occur in younger individuals as well. OA arises when the cartilage that cushions the ends of bones in your joints gradually deteriorates. This degeneration results in bones rubbing against each other, leading to pain, swelling, and stiffness. Commonly affected areas include the knees, hips, hands, and spine. Risk factors for osteoarthritis include age, obesity, previous joint injuries, and genetic predisposition.

How Physiotherapy Can Help

Physiotherapy plays a crucial role in the management and treatment of osteoarthritis. Here's how it can help:

• Pain Relief: Through tailored exercises and manual therapy techniques, physiotherapists can help reduce pain and alleviate discomfort in affected joints.
• Strengthening Muscles: By strengthening the muscles surrounding your joints, physiotherapy helps provide better support and reduces the load on these joints, which can mitigate pain and improve flexibility.
• Improving Range of Motion: Gentle stretching and range-of-motion exercises are designed to restore movement in stiff joints and maintain joint flexibility.
• Posture and Body Mechanics: Physiotherapy can teach you how to use proper posture and body mechanics during daily activities to minimize joint strain.
• Custom Exercise Plans: Physiotherapists create personalized exercise plans that cater to your specific condition, ensuring that you perform exercises that are safe and effective for managing your OA.
• Education and Self-Management: Beyond in-clinic treatments, physiotherapists provide valuable education on how to manage your condition at home. This includes guidelines for lifestyle changes and home exercises that help you maintain progress.