Osteoarthritis Clinic and Exercise Physiology!

Osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis, is a condition that can potentially affect any of the joints of the body. The tissues that are involved include joint cartilage, subchondral bone, joint capsule and synovial membrane. By association, any muscles that move the affected joint can become weak and nerves can become sensitised.

Scott with patient

Symptoms do not always progressively get worse, 12-30% of people see an improvement of initial presenting symptoms and in 35-60% of people, the symptoms do not worsen over time. In other words: a diagnosis of OA is not necessarily a death sentence for a rapidly deteriorating joint.

While a lot of people may worry that exercising with OA could harm the joint or cause further pain, research shows us that people with OA SHOULD exercise. In fact, exercise is considered the most effective, non-drug treatment for reducing the pain and symptoms experienced in patients with OA.

For those with OA, exercise can help:

  • Improve quality of life
  • Decrease joint stiffness
  • Reduce pain
  • Maintain/increase muscle strength
  • Diminish functional decline

Physio Connex patient on rowing machine

Here at Physio Connex our exercise physiologists are university trained professionals who have the skills and knowledge to design safe and effective exercise programs for people living with, or at risk of developing chronic health conditions such as Osteoarthritis.

Our exercise physiologists will work with you through evidence-based pre-screening and relevant fitness testing (based on OARSI*) in order to get an understanding of the health conditions you are living with; this will assist them prescribe an individualised exercise program based on your symptoms and needs. They will then provide education and guidance in our onsite functional rehab gym on how to perform these exercises safely and effectively in order to ensure the best possible outcome for you.

Did you know? The knees are particularly susceptible to excess weight because for each additional kilogram of body weight a person carries there is an extra 4 kilograms of force exerted through the knee joint with every step taken during the day.

With that in mind, an individualised exercise program can also help with weight management, decreasing risk of developing other chronic diseases and improving your cardiorespiratory fitness.

Buy an Exercise Physiology package and save 20% per session – to get started, book an initial consultation with an Exercise Physiologist – book online here or call 4314 5183.

 

*Osteoarthritis Research Society International – www.oarsi.org