Physiotherapy and living with Osteoarthritis
What is Arthritis? / How do I get it?
Osteoarthritis is a form of mechanical “ageing” in the joint. Over significant time (decades upon decades), the joint shows signs of “wear and tear”.
This can present in day-to-day life as:
stiffness in mornings
aching if when active (or static) for long periods of time
a reduced tolerance to rigorous exercise.
Another form of OA, is early onset OA typically seen in an Athletic population. This is predominantly caused by sporting injuries such as ligament ruptures or joint related injuries due to trauma. It can also present from traumatic injuries in a non-athletic population such as a car accidents or significant falls.
How is it diagnosed?
OA can be provisionally diagnosed from the presenting symptoms, relevant history of injury to the joint and physical assessment with a Physiotherapist.
Diagnosis can be confirmed by X-ray of the joint in different positions
How do I manage Osteoarthritis?
Research has shown that exercise therapy- typically guided by a Physiotherapist- is highly beneficial in managing pain and maintaining or improving levels of function, no matter the severity of OA.
Education around what OA is, how it affects us and what can be done has also been shown to improve symptoms and increase a person’s confidence to engage more readily in effective treatments.
My pain is so severe stops me from exercising or going for walks
This is a common concern for many people with OA. When flared up, the pain can be severe enough that it reduces confidence in using the affected joint and causes difficulty just getting through the day, let alone the idea of exercising. Common advice for managing significant flare ups that affect day to day function include heat therapy, gentle movement and pharmacological intervention. For which combination of these best suits you, chat to your Physiotherapist.
Even during significant flare ups, or if your pain is ongoing and regularly sore, research has shown that Hydrotherapy (in a HEATED POOL) gives significant improvement to levels of discomfort, tightness and over time can give an improvement in function.
How do I get started?
If unsure how to get started, reach out to your local GP or Biosymm Physiotherapist to put together a plan targeted at improving your symptoms and getting your moving more comfortably!
Book in to see your Physiotherapist today to answer any further questions or receive a specific management plan:
T: 08 8671 1444
Online bookings via: https://biosymm.com/roxby-downs-clinic/