Text Box: PHYSIOTHERAPY ONE OF THE MOST COMMON FORMS OF ARTHRITIS IS OSTEOARTHRITIS. IT DAMAGES YOUR JOINTS THROUGH WEAR AND TEAR. IT CAN BE PAINFUL AND DEPRESSING.THERE IS NO CURE, BUT THERE ARE WAYS OF MANAGING THE CONDITION AND MAKING LIFE EASIER. PHYSIOTHERAPY IS AN IMPORTANT PART OF THAT MANAGEMENT. AUSTRALIAN PHYSIOTHERAPY ASSOCIATION www. p h y s i o t h e r a p y . a s n . a u Move well. Stay well. © 2003 Australian Physiotherapy Association. ABN 89 004 265 150

ARTHRITIS

HOW PHYSIOTHERAPY CAN HELP

 

Physiotherapists are highly qualified in the assessment and treatment of the effects of osteoarthritis.   Physiotherapy can:

 

• Reduce pain.

• Improve movement and posture.

• Strengthen muscles.

• Improve independent function.

• Assess and treat biomechanical problems that may exacerbate symptoms.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

HOW YOU CAN HELP:

• Always respect pain.

• Avoid over stressing joints.

• Avoid jerky/sudden movements.

• Don't overload joints.

• Take care with lifting.

• Watch your weight.

• Improve your body alignment to take stress off              any arthritic joints.

• Use splints or walking aids as advised.

• Use labour saving devices.

* Don't overdo activity or exercises.

 

 

EXERCISES - HOW DO THEY HELP?

 

Exercises for people with osteoarthritis should be

individually prescribed. Your Physiotherapist can devise a programme of exercises to suit your condition. As a general rule remember if any exercise hurts then DON'T DO IT.

Recent physiotherapy research has consistently shown exercise to be effective in management of osteoarthritis of the knee.

 

EXERCISES HELP BY:

• Maintaining or increasing movement.

• Improving joint lubrication and nutrition.

• Restoring muscle balance.

• Improving circulation.

• Improving strength and stability.

• Improving poor posture.

Don't forget to maintain your GENERAL FITNESS LEVEL— this helps you feel better and retain your healthy joints. Gentle regular exercises such as swimming, exercising in water (hydrotherapy), walking or cycling are recommended.

 

REST:

 

Rest is an important part of managing your osteoarthritis.  Usually rest is balanced with exercises and activity. In particular rest is required when joints are HOT, SWOLLEN OR PAINFUL.

 

GENERAL:

 

Physiotherapists also work in public hospitals and community health centres. Physiotherapists in private practice are listed in the Yellow Pages. Check to see if a Physiotherapist is a member of the APA. Members of the APA are bound by a professional Code of Ethics and have access to extensive and continuing postgraduate education programmes.

 

HEALTH REBATES:

 

You may consult a Physiotherapist either directly or by referral from your medical practitioner. Most private health insurance funds offer rebates for physiotherapy treatment.
Text Box: HOW DOES OSTEOARTHRITIS AFFECT PEOPLE? Most people develop some degree of osteoarthritis especially as they get older. The changes are permanent and will exist even when there are no symptoms. Osteoarthritis affects people in varying degrees. Some people may be symptom-free or suffer only mild or intermittent pain provoked by episodes of increased use or minor trauma. For some people symptoms can be disabling and, when it involves the larger joints of the body such as the hip or the knee, the severity of the problem may require surgical treatment. Wear and tear of our joints may occur due to aging, injury, prolonged poor posture, over use of joints, or excess weight. DIAGNOSIS Osteoarthritis is one of 150 different forms of arthritis for which there are different treatments. Your general medical practitioner can make a diagnosis. Treatment may include anti-inflammatory medication and/or physiotherapy. Treatment methods may include gentle passive movement, heat, electrical treatments, muscle stimulation, hydrotherapy, splints and advice on preventing further joint damage. Specific exercise prescription is also a proven therapy in the management of arthritis. SYMPTOMS AND SIGNS • Recurring pain or tenderness in a joint. • Stiffness, particularly early morning stiffness. • Swelling in a joint. • Obvious redness or heat in a joint. • Inability to move a joint.