Are you suffering from osteoarthritis? Ever feel like your knee or hip are stiff and painful when you are walking, climbing stairs, or even just sitting on the couch? Have you gone to see your GP and been diagnosed with ‘osteoarthritis’ but are still unsure how to get through day-to-day life pain free?
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common disease that can affect any joint in your body. These structural changes that occur at your joints can cause pain and limit your ability to move. There are many factors that can influence the development of OA including age, genetics, hormonal and inflammatory factors. Common symptoms include stiffness or swelling in the joints, pain with movement and muscle weakness. There are many treatment options, which you may have previously trialed yourself including medication, exercise and in some cases surgery can ‘clean up the knee’ to help reduce your painful symptoms.
In the updated guidelines of managing hip and knee OA, General Practitioners have indicated that non-drug and non-surgical options are the best forms of management for hip and knee OA. This means that focusing on increasing exercise, promoting weight loss and positive thoughts are the best type of treatment for you!
If you have OA and need help in beginning an exercise-based management plan, come in for an appointment with any of the physiotherapists at Glen Eira Physiotherapy for an assessment and specific exercise program for you. At Glen Eira Physiotherapy Carnegie the main focus of treatment is reaching your goals. You can also speak to any of the physiotherapists about beginning movement based therapy – an enjoyable way to get you moving and help reduce your OA symptoms.
If you would like to speak to one of our team members or make an appointment, please call us on (03) 9571 2111 or book online now.
Others also read: How Physiotherapy Can Help Pelvic Pain
