Can Physiotherapy Help Osteoarthritis?

Did you know that an astonishing 500 million people worldwide suffer from Osteoarthritis? To put things into perspective, that’s almost 7% of the global population! If you’re one of the many dealing with this, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and discouraged. You might think that enduring the pain is inevitable until a joint replacement becomes your only option. But there’s hope. With the right physiotherapy, you can find relief and improve your quality of life. 

 

What is Osteoarthritis?

You’re probably familiar with the word ‘arthritis’, but might not realise that it’s an umbrella term. In reality, there are over 100 different forms of arthritis and related conditions with varying symptoms and causes. That’s why it’s important to narrow down the specifics.

Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis. So, what exactly is it? Think of the cartilage in your joints as a cushion that protects the ends of your bones. In osteoarthritis, this cushion starts to wear away, causing your bones to rub against each other. This can lead to pain, stiffness, and swelling.

 

Common Causes and Risk Factors

Osteoarthritis doesn’t just happen overnight. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

• Age: As we get older, our joints naturally wear down.
• Genetics: If your parents had osteoarthritis, you might be more likely to develop it too.
• Joint Injuries: Past injuries can increase your risk, even if they happened years ago.
• Obesity: Carrying extra weight puts more stress on your joints, especially your knees and hips.
• Repetitive Stress: Jobs or hobbies that put repeated stress on a particular joint can lead to osteoarthritis.

 

Symptoms and Their Impact on Daily Life

Living with osteoarthritis can be tough. The symptoms can vary, but they often include:

• Pain: This can range from mild to severe and usually worsens with activity.
• Stiffness: Especially in the morning or after periods of inactivity.
• Swelling: Your joints might become swollen and tender to the touch.
• Reduced Flexibility: You might find it harder to move your joints through their full range of motion.

 

The Role of Physiotherapy in Managing Osteoarthritis 

When we think of physiotherapy, many of us picture exercises and stretches, but it’s so much more. Physiotherapy involves a variety of treatments designed to improve movement, reduce pain, and restore function. At Cairnhill, we offer a holistic, personalised approach where a trained physiotherapist assesses your specific needs and tailors a plan just for you.

 

How Physiotherapy Helps Alleviate Symptoms 

So, how does physiotherapy help with osteoarthritis? These are the three main areas where patients report improvement:

• Pain Relief: Physiotherapists use techniques such as manual therapy, ultrasound, and exercises to help reduce pain. These methods can help decrease inflammation and improve joint function.
• Improved Mobility: Targeted exercises strengthen the muscles around your joints, providing better support and increasing your range of motion. This makes everyday activities easier and less painful.
• Education and Advice: Physiotherapists also provide valuable advice on posture, movement, and activity modification. For example, many patients exercise to make their joints stronger, but without professional guidance can end up overexercising and further aggravating their condition. 

 

According to a study published in the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), physiotherapy has shown significant benefits in managing osteoarthritis symptoms. Patients who engaged in physiotherapy reported reduced pain and improved function, highlighting the effectiveness of this approach. Some of the advantages the study found were: 

• Enhanced Quality of Life: By reducing pain and improving mobility, physiotherapy helps you stay active and engaged in your favourite activities, enhancing your overall quality of life.
• Delay in Disease Progression: Regular physiotherapy can slow the progression of osteoarthritis, potentially delaying the need for surgical interventions like joint replacements. This is especially important considering there’s no pharmaceutical ‘cure’ for osteoarthritis. 
• Better Joint Health: Strengthening the muscles around your joints provides better support and stability, reducing the risk of further injury and wear.

 

The NCBI study also found that patients who continued with their physiotherapy routines experienced sustained improvements, proving that consistency is key.

 

Physiotherapy Techniques for Osteoarthritis 

Manual Therapy

Manual therapy is a hands-on approach where the physiotherapist uses their hands to manipulate your joints and soft tissues. This can include techniques like joint mobilisations, massage, and stretching. The benefits of manual therapy are numerous:

• Pain Relief: By reducing muscle tension and improving joint movement, manual therapy can significantly alleviate pain.
• Improved Mobility: Gentle manipulation can help restore your range of motion, making daily activities easier and more comfortable.
• Enhanced Circulation: These techniques boost blood flow to affected areas, promoting healing and reducing inflammation.

 

Exercise Programs 

Exercise is often considered the cornerstone of physiotherapy for osteoarthritis. Here are some types of exercises and how they help:

• Strengthening Exercises: These focus on building the muscles around your joints to provide better support and reduce strain. Think of it as building a strong foundation for your joints.
• Flexibility Exercises: Stretching routines help maintain or improve your range of motion, preventing stiffness and allowing you to move more freely.
• Aerobic Exercises: Activities like walking, swimming, or cycling improve overall cardiovascular health and can help with weight management, reducing stress on your joints.

 

Hydrotherapy 

Hydrotherapy involves performing exercises in a warm water pool. The buoyancy of the water supports your body, reducing the stress on your joints. Here’s why it’s beneficial:

• Reduced Pain: The warm water helps soothe aching joints and muscles.
• Improved Mobility: The buoyancy allows for greater freedom of movement, helping you perform exercises that might be too painful on land.
• Enhanced Strength: Water resistance provides a gentle yet effective way to strengthen muscles without putting additional pressure on your joints.

 

Other Popular Techniques 

Physiotherapy for osteoarthritis can also include advanced techniques like electrotherapy and ultrasound therapy:

• Electrotherapy: This involves using electrical impulses to stimulate nerves and muscles, helping to reduce pain and promote healing.
• Ultrasound Therapy: High-frequency sound waves are used to penetrate deep into tissues, increasing blood flow and reducing inflammation.

 

Holistic Management of Osteoarthritis 

While physiotherapy in its many forms is highly effective, the best way to manage osteoarthritis is through a multidisciplinary approach. Combining physiotherapy with diet, lifestyle changes, and complementary treatments can make a world of difference. Here are the top ways you can improve your Osteoarthritis just by changing a few habits: 

• Diet: Eating a balanced diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods can help reduce joint pain and inflammation. Think of it as fueling your body with the right nutrients to support your joints.
• Lifestyle Changes: Incorporating regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding activities that strain your joints can significantly improve your symptoms.
• Complementary Treatments: Techniques like massage, and yoga can provide additional relief and enhance your overall well-being.

 

Conclusion

It’s easy to feel nervous when it comes to coping with osteoarthritis. We understand – being told there’s no cure aside from surgery can be daunting. But you don’t have to live in discomfort. Come in and consult the team at Cairnhill. One of our experts will assess the severity of your condition and provide a personalised recommendation aligned with your goals. Let’s work together to bring comfort and mobility back into your life.