What is osteoarthritis? 

Osteoarthritis is a condition which is characterized by joint pain and stiffness due to a disruption in articular cartilage. Joint cartilage is a tough yet flexible material that is designed to allow smooth joint movement and absorb load. Over time this cartilage loses its structure which reduces its ability for shock absorption and can increase load across the joint. Osteoarthritis can significantly impact quality of life, so it is important to know what management strategies are available to optimise your capacity to keep up with the activities you enjoy . Having a better understanding of the condition and the treatments available can help people continue to do activities that are most important to them like walking, running, hiking or even mountain biking.

Common symptoms of knee osteoarthritis include:

  • Gradual onset/aching pain which worsens with activity
  • Joint swelling and stiffness
  • Pain after extended periods of sitting or rest
  • Crepitus or cracking sounds when moving the joint
  • Muscle weakness

How does physiotherapy help arthritis?

Physiotherapy can help guide the management of arthritis through three major outlets.

Education:

  • Understanding what OA is

  • Explaining pain

  • Explain long term management of OA

  • Education regarding activity modification

  • Role of weight loss

  • Promote active, healthy lifestyle

Exercise – The benefits of guided exercise are numerous and include but are not limited to:

  • Reducing knee pain and inflammation.

  • Normalising knee joint range of motion.

  • Strengthening the lower limbs

  • Reducing risk of cardiovascular disease

  • Improving proprioception, agility and balance.

  • Promoting overall physical function

Acute Pain Relief – Your physiotherapist will also be able to provide manual therapies that can assist in acute pain management and help you to continue exercising with less discomfort. This is including but not limited to:

  • Massage

  • Trigger point release

  • Dry Needling

  • Bracing

  • Taping

  • PNF manual therapies

Physiotherapy Exercises for Arthritis:

Exercise is essential in the management of arthritis however different types of exercise will be better suited to each individual. Your physiotherapist will be able to complete a thorough assessment and tailor your exercise program accordingly. Generally it is recommended to complete low impact strength and mobility exercises regularly throughout the week.

Different types of exercises your physiotherapist may recommend for you include:

  • Pilates: Pilates combines strength, mobility and flexibility into manageable and tailored exercises that are low impact and perfect for all levels of fitness.

  • Strength Training: Strength training, as the name suggests, helps build muscle strength and support painful joints. It can also help improve mobility and quality of movement and ease joint pain. Strength training, when prescribed by a physiotherapist, can be tailored to each individual to get the best results.

  • Stretching: Stretching helps maintain mobility and prevent muscles and joints from becoming restricted.

  • Walking/cycling: Walking and cycling are great low impact cardio exercises that help maintain mobility and strength in the legs.

For more information or if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to get in contact with us on (07) 3399 3318, or book an appointment. Visiting PEAK may be the first step you take towards taking control of your health and reaching goals you never thought possible.

Rhys Burgess

Physiotherapist and Coach

PEAK

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