Osteoarthritis Management

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis and can also be called degenerative joint disease or “wear and tear” arthritis. It occurs most frequently in the hands, hips, and knees but can affect your spine and shoulders as well.

With OA, the cartilage within a joint begins to break down and the underlying bone begins to change. These changes usually develop slowly and get worse over time. OA can cause pain, stiffness, and swelling causing reduction in function and limit your work and play. There is no cure for the degeneration of the cartilage of the joints but many of the worst symptoms of osteoarthritis can be resolved without any need for surgery. Like most things, the sooner you start, the better your results.

Physiotherapy can help individuals with osteoarthritis by providing pain management techniques, designing exercise programs, using hands-on techniques, providing education and self-management strategies, prescribing assistive devices, guiding lifestyle modifications, and facilitating post-surgical rehabilitation. At Empower Physiotherapy, you will receive a personalized treatment plan based on your individual needs and condition severity.

Benefits:

• Pain management

• Decreased swelling

• Decreased stiffness

• Increased joint function

• Increased flexibility

• Increased strength

• Avoid or prolong surgical intervention

All our physiotherapists are skilled with treatment and management of Osteoarthritis.