Physiotherapy for Osteoarthritis – What are the Benefits? 

Osteoarthritis is a chronic disorder which can affect various parts of the body including the hands, spine, knees, ankles and hips. It is not uncommon for people who experience joint pain to receive a diagnosis of osteoarthritis, and this can come as a shock. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, osteoarthritis is one of the primary conditions necessitating joint replacement surgery. Whilst most people believe that the condition will only worsen with time, a tailored exercise program devised by your physiotherapist can help to alleviate symptoms and improve movement.  

Osteoarthritis in Australia 

Osteoarthritis is one of the more common chronic joint conditions in Australia, affecting around 2.2 million Australians. As the cartilage starts to break down around bones and joints, individuals can experience pain, swelling and loss of motion. This can lead to a diminished quality of life, as it can limit employment and recreational opportunities. 

According to statistics, one in eight Australians are affected by osteoarthritis. The condition is also a leading cause of early retirement due to ill-health.  

Whilst there is no specific cause for osteoarthritis, there are a range of contributing factors which may lead to onset and progression. These include: 

• Being overweight 
• Genetic factors 
• Being female (2 in 3 of all Australians with osteoarthritis are female) 
• Misalignment of the joints 
• Joint injuries (dislocations/fractures) 
• Repetitive tasks which place load on the joints (heavy lifting, squatting, kneeling etc.) 

How can physio treatment help osteoarthritis? 

Osteoarthritis is associated with pain and disability. Whether in the early or late stages, there are a range of benefits associated with conservative management practices including exercise. With the guidance of your physiotherapist, a tailored exercise program can assist with weight loss and musculature strengthening, and there have been cases where physiotherapy treatment alone has negated the need for surgery.  

Your physiotherapist will be able to determine the precise location of your joint pain and the reasons for its occurrence. A tailored exercise program can then be developed to support you in managing pain and improving overall function.  

Your diagnosis and treatment may encompass: 

• Identification of muscle weakness and limited flexibility 
• Determining the source of your joint pain 
• Development of a tailored treatment program aimed at restoring movement to stiff joints, supporting weight loss and muscle development 
• Exercises will typically include lower body and core strengthening, stretching, water based activities and balance exercises. 
• Manual therapy for pain relief 

Orthosports Physiotherapy are Here to Help 

The team at Orthosports Physiotherapy offer comprehensive assessments and personalised treatments which can assist in managing your osteoarthritis. We utilise various treatments in order to treat knee osteoarthritis and hip osteoarthritis, with the aim of reducing pain, improving mobility, increasing strength and enabling you to go about your day to day with confidence. We can also offer advice regarding appropriate footwear and the use of special devices to reduce joint strain. 

Talk to us today and discover how physiotherapy can help you manage your osteoarthritis. We look forward to meeting you.