Make time for exercise!
What is Osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis. It mostly affects people over the age of 45 years. It involves the degradation and loss of cartilage in joints, which causes joint pain and stiffness. These symptoms lead to reduced activity, which in turn can lead to loss of muscle strength and flexibility, as well as negatively impact on participation and quality of life.
Exercise can help!
There is a well-established base of research evidence that demonstrates clear benefits of exercise for people with osteoarthritis. You can read more about this evidence in plain-language summaries:
Regular low-impact exercise can reduce pain, relieve joint stiffness, improve range of motion, tone up weak muscles and boost physical confidence. Exercise can be very safe and appropriate for people with osteoarthritis, as long as the right approach is taken, and aggravating factors such as heavy loaded movements are avoided. Physiotherapists are experts at prescribing therapeutic exercises that are safe for people with osteoarthritis, and are able to provide a wide range of progressions and options to suit your needs, even during times of aggravation or inflammation.
Combined with treatment from your doctor and specialist, physiotherapy guided exercise can positively affect your physical wellness and improve your quality of life.
Arthritis Victoria provides high quality information for people with arthritis, in simple and clear language, and is a great resource for people who want to understand their condition. They suggest several evidence-based exercise options for people, including:
- swimming or water exercise classes
- tai chi
- walking or Nordic walking (walking with Nordic poles)
- chair exercises
- low-impact aerobics
- strength training
- dancing
At Thompsons Road Physiotherapy, we provide supervised low-impact strengthening exercises in our pilates and exercise rehabilitation classes. Many of our clients with osteoarthritis enjoy attending classes, as they are able to participate safely and move effectively. We can also provide advice about how to manage your pain and move safely in your day to day activities and other chosen exercise activities such as hydrotherapy.
Tips for managing painful joints:
- short-term rest (when experiencing aggravation)
- ice packs for inflammation
- hotpacks for stiffness/muscle tightness
- gels and creams such as fisiocrem or Volaren emulgel
- light support brace
- taping
- TENS
- manual therapy
- gentle low-impact movement
- GP-prescribed analgesics and anti-inflammatories
- maintaining healthy weight / weight loss
Our physiotherapists are always happy to discuss how they might be able to help you. Please call the clinic on (03)9850 4437 to ask us your questions!
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