Physiotherapy for Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis, affecting millions of people around the world. Often called wear-and-tear arthritis, osteoarthritis occurs when the protective cartilage on the ends of your bones wears down over time.
Osteoarthritis is treatable. Whereas there is no cure for OA the symptoms are treatable. Pain relief is possible. Movements can be maintained and improved.
Joints commonly affected are knees, hips, feet, hands and spine. Symptoms of arthritis include joint pain, tenderness, stiffness, creaking, locking of the joints, and sometimes-local inflammation. It is not known exactly what causes osteoarthritis, although it can be triggered by injury or repeated stress on a joint many years earlier. For example, carpet layers often develop osteoarthritis in their knees due to years of wear and tear. It usually affects people aged 50 and over, and is more common in women. Genetic factors play a role in some forms of osteoarthritis. We all suffer from arthritis during some point of our lives, however when would you suffer and which joint would it affect depends on many factors like lifestyle, working habits and as mentioned above genetics.
It has been well documented now that there is no direct relationship between x-ray changes and symptoms. For example, you may have advanced OA on x-ray and might have no pain and vice-versa, thus clinical examination is very important for the management of OA.
With Physiotherapy the aim is to strengthen the muscles around the affected joint as well as strengthen the proximal and distil muscles to further support the joint. Mobilize the joint manually to improve joint mobility. It is also important to identify activities of daily livings/work that would load the OA joint more and would be playing role in making the symptoms worse. Here at Sherwood Physiotherapy Clinic, we aim to identify those factors and provide with alternative strategies to carry out those work/activities without putting your joint further at risk.
At The Sherwood clinic, evidence-based physiotherapy treatments are provided.
Some of the treatments provided by our experienced chartered physiotherapists for the management of arthritis include:
- A thorough assessment of the range of movement of your joints and your muscle strength.
- Mobilization techniques to reduce pain and improve movement.
- Soft tissue mobilization techniques including massage to reduce spasm.
- Specific Advice to assist in your day-to-day pain management.
- Ultra- Sound Therapy
- Acupuncture: using both Chinese traditional principles and western acupuncture principles.
- Patient specific exercise regime to improve your general fitness and mobility. Including mobilizing, stretching and strengthening exercises to work towards achieving your full potential.
These and many more therapies are available at our clinics in Stanmore, Edgware and Harrow.
Get in touch on 0208 869 0000 for more information and to book your appointment.