Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a common condition that affects the joints and can cause pain, stiffness and changes in movement. It is associated with changes within the joint over time and commonly affects areas such as the knees, hips, hands and spine.
Although osteoarthritis is often described as “wear and tear”, this can oversimplify the condition. Many people with osteoarthritis can improve their strength, mobility and confidence with the right combination of movement, exercise and support, even when changes are visible on scans or X-rays.
Common Symptoms
Osteoarthritis can cause joint pain, stiffness, reduced movement and difficulty with particular everyday activities. Symptoms can vary from day to day and do not always closely match the amount of joint change visible on an X-ray or scan.
Possible Causes
Osteoarthritis develops through a combination of factors and becomes more common with age. Previous joint injury, genetics, loading, muscle strength and other individual factors can all influence how a joint changes and how symptoms are experienced.
How Physiotherapy Can Help
Physiotherapy can help you remain active by improving strength, movement and confidence in using the affected joint. Your programme can be adapted around your current abilities and goals, with practical advice for managing symptoms and progressing activity.
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Personalised care, built around you.
Every person is different, so the right approach starts with understanding your individual symptoms, circumstances and goals. Your physiotherapist will carry out a thorough assessment, talk through what may be contributing to the problem and answer any questions you have.
From there, we’ll recommend a personalised treatment and rehabilitation approach based on your needs, helping you move forward with a clear plan and the right level of support.