Physio for Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis — often described as 'wear and tear' or 'degenerative changes', and also known as spondylosis when it affects the spine — is a health condition that's characterised by pain and stiffness in the joints.

Osteoarthritis can affect virtually any of the joints in your body, but it is most commonly felt in the knees, hips and hands. While the condition can affect young people, you become more likely to develop osteoarthritis the older you get.

Common symptoms of osteoarthritis include:

• Pain on weight bearing (if in lower limbs or lower back)
• Pain on movement (if in upper limbs or neck)
• Restricted movement of the joint
• Stiffness, particularly on waking or after rest
• Swelling around the joint

Secondary symptoms may include muscle spasm and weakness, which can add to your pain. If the arthritis is in the spine, this may cause referred pain in your limbs, or nerve pain such as sciatica.

We at David Bolwell Physiotherapy Services can treat osteoarthritis symptoms in our Whitchurch and Barry clinics.

If you have severe osteoarthritis, surgical intervention may be required. However, physiotherapy can often reduce pain and other osteoarthritis symptoms through graded mobilisation of the joints, soft tissue techniques, and strengthening exercises / stretches.

Maintaining movement and muscle strength will help you to keep the joint healthy and continue as normal with your day-to-day activities.

Many patients also find acupuncture helpful in reducing the symptoms of osteoarthritis.

Contact us to book your first physiotherapy session>