One of the most common complaints we treat on a day-to-day basis is osteoarthritis. It is a condition that affects the joints of the body, causing pain, stiffness and sometimes deformity. Osteoarthritis can be a very painful condition if left untreated and can limit movement, making many daily tasks difficult. There is no known cure for osteoarthritis, but with the skilled intervention of physiotherapy, those who suffer from arthritis can significantly lessen their pain and increase their flexibility.
Your first visit to the clinic will involve a thorough subjective assessment where we can look into how the arthritis is affecting you in terms of pain and stiffness. We will then perform a detailed objective evaluation which involves assessing joint range of movement, muscle strength, locating areas of tenderness and stiffness, a functional activity assessment and various other objective measures. A treatment plan will be made according to the findings of the initial assessment.
Treatment for osteoarthritis will centre on pain management, improving range of motion, maintaining muscular strength and endurance and slowing the progression of the disease. Passive joint mobilisation and muscle stretching, soft tissue massage, an active exercise programme and perhaps the use of ultrasound or heat therapy may all form part of the physiotherapy treatment. Hydrotherapy is a great way to exercise without placing stress on the joints with the added benefit of pain relief from the pool water that is heated for optimal therapeutic gain.
A diagnosis of osteoarthritis does not necessarily mean you need to be resigned to living with chronic pain and stiffness. Physiotherapy is a very effective way for you to gain pain relief and greater joint mobility leading to a happier, healthier life! Come and seek our help.