Treatments, options and pricing
Common Q&A about Osteoarthritis Physiotherapy
Our FAQ section is designed to address common questions you may have, from how our treatments work to what you can expect during and after your session.
Our team is always available to provide additional support if you need more personalised guidance, ensuring that you feel informed and confident every step of the way.
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease characterized by the breakdown of cartilage, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. Physiotherapy helps by strengthening the muscles around affected joints, improving flexibility, reducing pain, and promoting better joint function and mobility.
The main goals of physiotherapy for OA are to:
- Reduce joint pain and inflammation.
- Improve range of motion and flexibility.
- Strengthen muscles supporting the joints.
- Enhance balance and stability.
- Help patients maintain or regain functional independence in daily activities.
Physiotherapy for OA involves low-impact exercises like:
- Strengthening exercises to build muscles around the joints.
- Range-of-motion exercises to improve joint flexibility.
- Aerobic exercises, like walking or cycling, to maintain cardiovascular health.
- Stretching and mobility exercises to reduce stiffness.
- Hydrotherapy (water-based exercises) is also beneficial for joint mobility with reduced impact.
Yes, physiotherapy can reduce pain by strengthening the muscles around affected joints, improving joint alignment, and promoting better movement patterns. Techniques such as manual therapy, heat/ice application, and electrical stimulation (e.g., TENS) may also be used to relieve pain.
Improvements in pain and mobility may be noticed within a few weeks, but the duration of treatment depends on the severity of the osteoarthritis and the patient's overall health. A typical physiotherapy program may last several months, with ongoing exercises needed for long-term management.
Physiotherapy is often the first line of treatment for managing osteoarthritis symptoms and may help delay or avoid the need for surgery in many cases. However, if OA becomes severe and conservative treatments are no longer effective, surgery may be recommended, with physiotherapy playing a crucial role in post-operative recovery.
While physiotherapy cannot stop the progression of osteoarthritis, it can help slow down joint degeneration by promoting proper movement, strengthening muscles, and improving joint stability. This can reduce the strain on the joints, minimizing further damage and discomfort.
In addition to physiotherapy, lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy weight, following a balanced diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods, staying physically active with low-impact exercises, and using proper joint protection techniques (e.g., avoiding high-impact activities) can help manage OA symptoms and improve quality of life.
Physiotherapy for OA is generally safe and low-risk. However, some patients may experience mild soreness or discomfort during or after exercise sessions. A trained physiotherapist will ensure that exercises are appropriate for your condition and will monitor progress to avoid overloading the joints.
You should consider seeing a physiotherapist if you experience persistent joint pain, stiffness, or reduced mobility that interferes with daily activities. Early intervention can help manage symptoms, improve function, and slow the progression of osteoarthritis.
