Physiotherapy Tips for Osteoarthritis

Arthritis describes inflammation or swelling of joints. Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common
type of arthritis which is a progressive disease of the whole joint that leads to the breakdown of
joint cartilage (which is the cushioning in between your joints) and the underlying bone.
 Damage from OA can slowly worsen over time, leading to pain, stiffness, and swelling.

Risk factors for developing OA include age, female gender, obesity, anatomical factors, muscle
weakness, and joint injury (occupation/sports activities).
Physiotherapists can help people understand and manage their OA. Physiotherapy is beneficial
in reducing OA pain and increasing strength, motion, and balance. These improvements can
positively impact a person’s movement function and reduce the chances of falling.
Physiotherapists can also teach people about healthy lifestyle choices that may positively
impact OA. Physiotherapists are movement experts. They improve quality of life through hands-
on care, patient education, and prescribed exercises.

Exercise therapy is the core for conservative Treatment. Muscle strengthening and programs
containing combinations of strength, flexibility, and aerobic exercises, mind-body exercises
such as Yoga and Tai Chi are helpful for pain relief ,improving physical function and disability
than general activity (e.g., walking). It helps decrease fear of activity and improve patient
engagement in exercise programs.

TOP TIPS!

– Low contact sports are effective to manage OA, it prevents maximum joint stress and
improves muscle strength and joint stability. High contact sports are avoided.
– Mind and body exercises such as Tai Chi and yoga.
– Gait aids.
– Cryotherapy that is an adjunct along with land-based exercises.
– Electrotherapy treatments : IFC, TENS, Laser and Ultrasound therapy can help with
managing acute symptoms.
– Balance Exercises help reduce fall risk
– Hydrotherapy: Exercises which are performed in water are known as aquatic exercises or hydrotherapy. Blood circulation is improved by constant water temperature and hydrostatic pressure. It even helps in reducing muscle spasm and fatigue. Water resistance acts in the opposite direction of the body motion, which needs greater muscle activity. The buoyancy reduces the weight bearing which helps in reducing wear & tear of the joints. 

– Joint protection principles require the use of a series of positive techniques that can
help to preserve your joints and reduce pain. It is a “style of life” that once learned becomes second nature. It is not designed to make life complicated, but to encourage independence.

What is the best way to protect your joints?

– Use joints in a good position.
– Avoid activities that do not allow for a change in position.
– Respect pain.
– Avoid tight grips or gripping for long periods.
– Avoid actions that may lead to joint deformity.
– Use one large joint or many joints.

 – Energy conservation refers to the approach in doing activities to minimize muscle fatigue, joint stress, and pain. By using the body efficiently and sequentially doing things, you can save energy.

How can you conserve your energy?

– Balance rest and activity.
– Organize and arrange space.
– Modify activities or parts of them.
– Reduce the amount of weight you put through your joints.
– Use equipment that saves energy.

There is Hope!

A common misconception is that a painful joint requires rest. However, not enough movement can cause muscle weakness, worsening joint pain and stiffness. Light or moderate physical activity protects joints by strengthening the muscles around them, increasing blood flow to the joint and helping promote normal joint regeneration. Participating in a properly designed exercise program is a great way to help alleviate the discomfort caused by arthritis. Therapeutic exercise can reduce pain and fatigue, improve mobility and overall fitness. It can also help improve mood and state of mind by allowing you to actively participate in your own treatment.

Remember, MOTION IS LOTION!

Osteoarthritis Physiotherapy at Curezone Physiotherapy:

Are you looking for the best knee brace for osteoarthritis? Or the best knee sleeve for severe osteoarthritis? Or wondering about the approach adopted by your expert therapists at Curezone Physiotherapy to bring about the best approaches to thrive osteoarthritis?

If you are looking for the best exercises and stretches for osteoarthritis, look no further! We aim to be YOUR best physiotherapist in Mississauga and Oakville areas, and are here and ready to teach you how to thrive from the symptoms of osteoarthritis.

Physical Therapy for Osteoarthritis, Mississauga:

Physiotherapy Clinic Mississauga – Curezone Physiotherapy, Heartland Mississauga.

Physiotherapy Clinic Erin Mills – Curezone Physiotherapy, Erin Mills Mississauga.

Physical Therapy for Osteoarthritis, Oakville:

Physiotherapy Clinic Oakville – Curezone Physiotherapy, Burloak Oakville.