Osteoarthritis doesn't mean you have to stop moving.
While osteoarthritis can cause pain, stiffness and reduced function, exercise remains an important treatment option.
What are my treatment options?
There isn't one treatment that works for everyone. Depending on your symptoms, goals and severity of osteoarthritis, treatment may include:
Exercise and strengthening
Education and self-management
Weight management where appropriate
Pain-relieving medication
Injections in selected cases
Other conservative treatments
Surgery for some people with more severe disease
The key is finding an approach that fits you and your goals, rather than simply treating an X-ray or MRI.
But I was told I need surgery?
Being told you have osteoarthritis or even that you may eventually need a joint replacement doesn't necessarily mean surgery is your only option right now.
Exercise can be used to improve your strength, physical function and confidence while helping you remain active.
However, exercise isn't a replacement for surgery in every situation.
The decision should therefore be individualised, considering your symptoms, function, goals, severity of osteoarthritis (OA) and how you respond to conservative treatment (exercise & lifestyle management).
What should I do when my pain flares?
A flare doesn't necessarily mean you've damaged your joint.
Instead of stopping everything, consider:
Reducing the load, don't necessarily remove it.
Temporarily reduce exercise intensity or volume
Choose lower-impact activities such as walking, cycling or swimming
Break larger activities into smaller sessions
Continue gentle movement within your tolerance
Gradually rebuild your normal activity as symptoms settle
The goal is to find the level of activity your joint can currently tolerate and progressively build from there.
How Can a Physiotherapist Help with Osteoarthritis?
At Doreen Physio & Sports Medicine, we can help design an exercise program around your symptoms, lifestyle and goals.
This may include:
Strengthening the muscles around the affected joint
Improving mobility and physical function
Building your tolerance to walking, running, gym or sport
Adjusting your training during flare-ups
Education about osteoarthritis and pain
Developing a long-term plan to keep you active
Most importantly, your program should focus on finding the right amount of exercise for you, progressing it over time and helping you stay active.
Osteoarthritis doesn't have to mean giving up the activities you enjoy.
If you’d like support managing osteoarthritis while continuing to stay active and do what you love, book an appointment with a physiotherapist at Doreen Physio & Sports Medicine to develop an approach that works for you and your goals.