Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease, the most common form of arthritis, marked by the breakdown of joint cartilage and underlying bone. It affects millions of people in the UK and can impact any joint, but most commonly the hands, knees, hips, and spine. Though often associated with ageing, osteoarthritis can result from joint injury, overuse, obesity, and genetic factors.
Living with the pain of osteoarthritis on a daily basis can have a huge impact on both mental and physical wellbeing. For many that pain can be alleviated and managed with the help of physiotherapy. Imagine having a professional by your side, guiding you through exercises and treatments tailored just for you, helping you move better, feel better, and live better. That’s the power of physiotherapy. It’s not just about exercises; it’s about understanding your body’s needs and addressing them in a way that’s both effective and nurturing.
So what are the benefits of physiotherapy for osteoarthritis and joint pain?
1. A Friendly Hand in Pain Relief
Physiotherapy serves as a beacon of relief, offering a range of treatments from specialised exercises to heat and ice therapies, and even massage or acupuncture. These methods work in harmony to alleviate the discomforts associated with joint pain and osteoarthritis, making each day more manageable and enjoyable. Crucially, a physiotherapist will work with you to understand firstly your pain and then how to manage it and often overcome it. This can range from a number of different ways including tailoring your life to avoid the pain but also strengthening certain parts of your body to take the load of the joints that might otherwise be causing pain.
2. Stepping Towards Improved Mobility
Imagine being able to move more freely, without the shackles of stiffness or pain. Physiotherapists are like mobility experts, using their skills to manipulate and encourage your joints to move. They tailor their approach to fit your specific needs, ensuring that every step you take is a step towards better mobility. Often a physiotherapist will work with you in sessions to teach you exercises to help improve mobility but will also help you understand how to do exercises at home and what types of physical exercise will best suit your specific needs. You will soon find the more you stay active, the more your joints begin to feel more mobile and have less pain.
3. The Investment in Your Well-being
While physiotherapy is an investment in one’s health, it’s worth considering the long-term benefits it brings, including improved mobility and pain management. It’s advisable to consult with a GP about the possibility of physiotherapy on prescription, as this could offer a cost-effective route to accessing these valuable services. You will often find that if you have been diagnosed with osteoarthritis or recurrent joint pain that you are entitled to free physiotherapy sessions on the NHS. What is great about this is they will help you better understand your condition while guiding you towards a lifestyle that will better support your joints.
4. Keeping the Rhythm of Daily Life
Joint pain and osteoarthritis can turn everyday activities into daunting tasks. Physiotherapy helps you maintain the rhythm of your daily life, ensuring that you can continue doing what you love, with less pain and more ease. Importantly, a physiotherapist will help find ways for your joints to move that are not painful, once they have diagnosed this they will be able to direct you to forms of exercise that will help you to keep those joints moving and therefore greatly help reduce the pain. It could be anything from walking to swimming, even a little gardening can do joints a world of good if done in the correct manner, this is exactly what a physio will help achieve.
5. The Bonus Benefits
Beyond the basics, physiotherapy can offer you a treasure trove of additional benefits. From the calming touch of massage to the ancient art of acupuncture, these treatments provide extra layers of pain relief and relaxation, making your physiotherapy experience even more rewarding.
6. A Journey Tailored to You
Your physiotherapy journey is just that—yours. It starts with understanding where you’re at and where you want to be. From there, your physiotherapist crafts a personalised program that includes everything from specific exercises to aquatic therapy, all aimed at enhancing your strength, flexibility, and overall well-being. Their aim is to ensure that you are able to move your joints as much as possible in a way that you feel comfortable. With this in mind it’s essential you have an open dialogue with your physiotherapist, be clear about what you want to achieve while also being honest about what you can and cannot do.
7. Accessing the World of Physiotherapy
Diving into physiotherapy is easier than you might think. Whether through a referral from your GP, self-referral to an NHS department, or even exploring private practice options, the path to better mobility and less pain is well within your reach. Remember to ensure your physiotherapist is registered with the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy for the best care.
A Step Towards a Better Life
Physiotherapy is more than just treatment; it’s a pathway to a better, more active, and less painful life. Embracing physiotherapy means discovering your body’s potential and pushing beyond the limitations imposed by joint pain and osteoarthritis. With drug-free FlexiSEQ by your side, we can make each step a little easier, a little less painful, and a lot more hopeful.
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