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Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic condition that involves the entire joint—including bone, cartilage, ligaments, and tendons. While it was once described simply as "wear and tear," modern research reveals a more hopeful story: OA is actually the body’s active attempt to heal and repair its joints.

Although it can affect any joint, it is most common in the hands, spine, hips, knees, and shoulders.

The Reality of Osteoarthritis

  • Prevalence: It affects millions globally, particularly those over the age of 45.

  • Demographics: Statistics show that approximately two-thirds of those living with OA are female.

  • Surgical Trends: There has been a significant rise in hip and knee replacement surgeries over the last two decades, highlighting the need for better non-surgical management.

  • Quality of Life: Many people with OA report poor general health, often due to the "vicious cycle" of pain and inactivity.

The "Vicious Cycle" of Joint Pain

Without the right guidance, it is easy to fall into a cycle that causes the condition to progress:

  • Pain & Fear: A flare-up leads to a fear of movement.

  • Activity Avoidance: To protect the joint, you stop moving, but this leads to muscle loss (atrophy).

  • Weight Gain & Load: Inactivity often leads to weight gain. This is a "double hit"—it increases physical pressure on joints and allows fat cells to release proteins (cytokines) that chemically damage cartilage.

  • Decline: The joint loses its muscular support, inflammation increases, and function drops.

Reversing the Cycle: The Evidence-Based Approach

The latest clinical guidelines and international research (such as the GLA:D® programme) prove that this cycle is reversible. Physiotherapy is now considered the "front-line" treatment for managing symptoms and improving joint health.

1. The Power of Movement

Research into neuromuscular exercise programmes shows that targeted, supervised movement can lead to:

  • An average pain reduction of over 30%.

  • A significant decrease in the use of pain medication.

  • The ability for many patients to delay or entirely avoid surgery.

2. The "4-to-1" Rule of Joint Loading

Weight management is about more than just aesthetics; it is about mechanical relief. Evidence shows that for every 1kg of body weight lost, there is a 4kg reduction in the peak load placed on the knee joint during daily activities.

3. Strength as "Natural Medicine"

When you exercise, your muscles release myokines—anti-inflammatory proteins that help protect the joint environment. By strengthening the muscles around a joint, you create "natural shock absorbers" that reduce the stress on the bone and cartilage.

How Physiotherapy Helps You Recover

A physiotherapist helps you move from the "Vicious Cycle" into a Recovery Cycle. Our evidence-based approach includes:

Intervention Benefit Education -Helping you understand that "Hurt does not always equal Harm," allowing you to exercise with confidence.

Customised Exercise - Progressive strengthening to support the joint and improve "joint chemistry."

Manual TherapyHands-on techniques and taping to manage flare-ups and improve range of movement

.Long-term StrategyReversing risk factors to improve function and long-term health.

Take Control of Your Joint Health

Osteoarthritis is a journey, but it doesn't have to lead to a loss of independence. By shifting from avoidance to active management, you can reduce pain and return to the activities you love.