Research shows that Physiotherapy is a key part of managing Osteoarthritis. It helps keep joints mobile and gives you the confidence to keep moving. Usually Physiotherapy involves some exercises to keep your joints strong and improve the amount of movement in it, advice on keeping active and pain relief techniques. All treatments should be worked around your needs.
What is Physiotherapy?
Physiotherapists look at your joints and muscles to see if there are any problems. They are experts in analysing how people move. Physiotherapists will offer you advice and exercises to help you feel more confident to manage your condition and improve your quality of life.
A Physiotherapist will help you:
- Understand your condition. Research shows that understanding your condition will help you manage it better
- Give you advice on how to manage your condition
- Advise you on pain relief techniques
- Improve your fitness
- Keep your joints moving well so you feel stronger and more flexible
- Advise you on walking aids such as sticks. Click here for more advice on choosing a walking aid
A Physiotherapists will fist complete a thorough assessment, inclduding asking about your medical history and looking at how you move. They will then set a treatment programme, based on your goals.
Some Examples of Physiotherapy Treatments:
Ice Packs: These will relieve hot and swollen joints
Heat Packs: These will help to relax tight tissue
TENs: This device helps to block pain signals being sent to the brain and changes your perception of pain
Massage: Helps to relax tense muscles
Exercises: Stretch and strengthen affected joints. Exercises should be specific for your needs and it is important to pace yourself, particularly if you haven’t exercised for a while.
How to Access Physiotherapy
Your GP or consultant can refer you to Physiotherapy on the NHS. Private Physiotherapists are also available to help.
Severn Physiotherapy offer home visits. If you think that Physiotherapy could help you and you’d like to discuss your needs, click here to get in touch.
