Osteoarthritis Treatment at Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease that occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of your bones gradually wears down over time. This condition can lead to pain, swelling, stiffness, and decreased range of motion, particularly in weight-bearing joints like the knees, hips, and spine. At Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health, we offer a multidisciplinary approach to help manage osteoarthritis symptoms, improve mobility, and enhance overall quality of life. Through physiotherapy, exercise physiology, occupational therapy, and speech therapy, we can support you in living well with OA.

What is Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, affecting millions of people worldwide. It is characterized by the breakdown of cartilage in the joints, which causes the bones to rub against each other, resulting in pain, swelling, and stiffness. Over time, OA can affect the function of the joint, making it difficult to perform everyday tasks.

The main symptoms of Osteoarthritis include:

• Joint pain, especially after activity or at the end of the day

• Swelling and tenderness around the joint

• Stiffness, especially after rest or in the morning

• Decreased range of motion

• Joint deformities (in advanced stages)

Although OA primarily affects older adults, it can also impact younger individuals, especially if there is a history of joint injury or genetic predisposition.

How Physiotherapy Helps Manage Osteoarthritis

Physiotherapy is essential in the management of Osteoarthritis. Our physiotherapists at Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health tailor treatment programs to help manage pain, improve mobility, and reduce the impact of OA on daily life. Physiotherapy interventions for OA include:

• Joint mobilization: Techniques to increase joint flexibility and reduce stiffness.

• Strengthening exercises: Focusing on building strength in the muscles surrounding the affected joints to improve stability and support.

• Range of motion exercises: Promoting flexibility in the joint and reducing stiffness through gentle movement exercises.

• Pain management: Methods such as heat and cold therapy, TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation), and other modalities to alleviate discomfort.

• Education: Providing advice on posture, ergonomics, and activity modification to minimize joint stress and prevent further damage.

How Exercise Physiology Supports Osteoarthritis Management

Exercise is a vital component in the management of Osteoarthritis, helping to strengthen muscles, improve joint function, and reduce pain. At Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health, our exercise physiologists develop safe, individualized exercise programs for people with OA to improve their strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular fitness. These programs include:

• Aerobic exercise: Low-impact activities like walking, swimming, or cycling to improve cardiovascular health without placing excessive stress on the joints.

• Strengthening exercises: Focused on strengthening the muscles around the affected joints to reduce the load on the cartilage and improve function.

• Flexibility training: Stretching exercises to maintain or increase joint flexibility and reduce stiffness.

• Balance and coordination exercises: Designed to prevent falls and improve stability, which can be affected by joint pain or deformities in advanced OA.

Occupational Therapy for Osteoarthritis

Occupational therapy helps individuals with Osteoarthritis continue to perform daily activities with minimal discomfort. At Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health, our occupational therapists evaluate how OA affects a person’s daily life and offer strategies and tools to make tasks easier. Interventions include:

• Adaptive devices: Recommending tools like splints, braces, or assistive devices (e.g., jar openers, grab bars) to make daily tasks more manageable and reduce strain on affected joints.

• Joint protection techniques: Teaching methods to perform tasks in ways that minimize joint stress and conserve energy.

• Energy conservation strategies: Helping patients manage fatigue by pacing themselves during activities and incorporating rest periods.

• Ergonomics: Advising on proper body mechanics and workstation adjustments to reduce strain on joints during work or leisure activities.

Speech Therapy for Osteoarthritis: Addressing Indirect Effects

Though speech therapy is not typically associated with Osteoarthritis, it may be relevant in some cases where OA affects the jaw, neck, or upper body, leading to difficulties with speech or swallowing. Speech therapy interventions might include:

• Swallowing therapy: Addressing difficulties in swallowing that may arise due to TMJ (temporomandibular joint) involvement or neck stiffness caused by OA.

• Speech exercises: If jaw involvement affects articulation, speech therapy can help maintain clear communication.

• Breathing exercises: Teaching techniques to improve breathing, especially if OA affects the chest or upper body posture.

A Multidisciplinary Approach to Osteoarthritis Treatment

At Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health, we provide a multidisciplinary approach to Osteoarthritis treatment. Our team of physiotherapists, exercise physiologists, occupational therapists, and speech therapists work together to offer a comprehensive, holistic approach. By addressing all aspects of the condition, we aim to help individuals manage pain, maintain independence, and improve their overall quality of life.