Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis that affects the muscles, tendons, ligaments and cartilage of the major joints of the body. This degenerative disease creates pain and stiffness in the joint as a result of tissue inflammation, cartilage breakdown, muscle weakness, ligament deterioration and formation of bony spurs.
While many of the symptoms of OA are mechanical, including pain and stiffness, reduced ability to walk, swelling, reduced flexibility and ‘cracking’, OA has a significant psychosocial impact on one’s life. The management of Osteoarthritis often prevents people from engaging in activities of daily living which impact their work, leisure and relationships. Pain and reduced movement limits one’s ability to nurture relationships and socialise which negatively impacts their social health, self-efficacy and general wellbeing.
Due to there being no current cure of OA, many people hold the belief that the pain, stiffness and compromised mental health is something they have to live with. This is not true! Exercise Physiology is a significant method of managing OA through reducing severity of symptoms and increasing activities of daily living. Evidence has shown that exercise can help to:
- Reduce joint pain
- Increase muscle strength and mobility
- Improve balance
- Return to hobbies pain free
- Improve mental health
- Improve weight maintenance
- Increase walking tolerance
Exercise Physiology is a great tool to manage Osteoarthritis. By creating a rehabilitation plan with you, that centre around you and your goals, it provides the perfect environment to improving one’s physical and mental health. Below is the structure we use to shape your OA management.
You shouldn’t have to live your life in pain every day. If you are experiencing any joint pain and would like to try exercise physiology, you can contact me to book an initial consultation at info@sydneyinjuryspecialists.com.au