Using Physiotherapy for Osteoarthritis Treatment and Managing Joint Pain

​Physiotherapy can be an effective treatment option for osteoarthritis and your overall bone health. Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most common natural occurring degenerative conditions of the body’s joints. People of all ages are affected, but it is more prevalent as we age.

It is characterised by a loss of cartilage around a joint, which helps to provide smooth gliding when the joint is in motion. If the cartilage begins to break down, this can result in pain and swelling as the joint loses its ability to work in a smooth fluid process. Whilst you cannot regain cartilage thickness, you can relieve symptoms of pain and swelling if managed appropriately.

Research indicates that 90% of people will have some type of osteoarthritic changes occurring in their weight bearing joints by the time they are 40 years of age. Not all of these conditions will have symptoms.

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People suffering from osteoarthritic conditions present regularly to their doctors or physiotherapists with joint pain and inflammation. These damaged joints can be irritated at work, during sport or in a home-related trauma. Different joints are affected depending on posture, injury, past history and a range of hereditary factors.

While osteoarthritis can affect any joint in the body, major weight-bearing joints such as the knees, hips, lumbar spine and ankles are more commonly affected than others. Pain is the most common symptom.

How Does Physiotherapy Help Osteoarthritis?

Physiotherapy treatment provides conservative but effective results with even severely damaged arthritic joints. A thorough assessment is vital for treatment prescription. 

Treatment may comprise of:

  • Joint mobilisation
  • Exercise prescription to develop an individualised plan of exercises to improve flexibility, strength, coordination and balance to achieve optimal physical function.
  • Electrotherapy modalities
  • Dry needling
  • Hydrotherapy
  • Supports/aids and education. These modalities:
    • Aim to reduce pain
    • Improve the range of movement and strengthen key muscle groups.
    • Teach you proper posture and body mechanics
    • Show you how to properly use assistive devices such as walkers and canes.
    • Recommend different treatment options, such as braces and splints to support joints, shoe inserts to relieve stress on the lower extremities, and hot and cold therapy to ease joint pain and stiffness.
    • Suggest modifications to your environment, such as ergonomic chairs or a cushioned mat in your kitchen, to relieve pain and improve function.

A home exercise program, if done regularly, will assist in reducing additional osteoarthritic flare-ups. Unfortunately, long term compliance with this management plan does not always occur. Many patients will discontinue exercising once the pain has subsided and function semi-restored until the next flare-up of pain. This can create further joint damage and deterioration, as well as increased likelihood of pain. Regular physiotherapy reviews can help to maintain joint range and strength, as well as reviewing, modifying and reinforcing the prescribed exercises. We also run several exercise classes that can help manage the symptoms of osteoarthritis.

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Don’t be Afraid to Reach Out for Help Managing Osteoarthritis!

The best people to understand the challenges you face are others with arthritis. They can commiserate with your difficulties, share encouragement, and give you tips that come from their own experiences. Sometimes, just sharing that you’ve had a hard day and having someone respond, “I understand completely” can help you feel better.

As for friends and family, be honest with them—let them know how you may need extra help. Tell your kids you need them to play quietly while you nap or tell your spouse that he or she is in charge of dinner. Remember that your loved ones want to support you, they just may not know how.

You can still go on living your daily life even with osteoarthritis. Joint pain and osteoarthritic flare-ups can be managed with the help of an effective physiotherapy treatment designed for combating your osteoarthritis and joint degeneration.

If you’d like to speak with one of our expert physiotherapists in Brisbane about how you can best manage osteoarthritis, call us on (07) 3278 1186 or book an initial consultation online.

Find us in the GRACEVILLE QUARTER BUILDING 2/296 Oxley Rd, Graceville, QLD

Book An Appointment
Call us on (07) 3278 1186
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