Osteoarthritis, or degenerative joint disease, is a common type of arthritis that affects the joint surfaces. It impacts the entire joints including bones and joints that carry the weight, such as knees and hips. Over time, Osteoarthritis can worsen, leading to pain, stiffness, swelling and reduced mobility. Physical therapy can help ease osteoarthritis pain, improve mobility and balance and also reduce the risk of falls. Physical Therapy For Osteoarthritis is one of the most effective non-invasive and non-surgical treatments for improving joint stability and function.
What is Osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis is a common condition that affects the joints in the body. It happens when the cartilage that lines the joints is worn down and the bones rubes against each other. With the part of the cartilage thinning, the surface becomes rougher, which means that the joints are not moving as smoothly as they should. If you have been diagnosed with Osteoarithis, the physiotherapist in Vadodara at Physiobliss can tailor a treatment program to reduce pain, strengthen joints and muscles, ease symptoms and support healing and recovery.
Osteoarthritis can affect any joints in the body but is commonly developed in:
- Knees
- Hands
- Hips
- Lower back
- Neck
Types of Osteoarthritis
- Primary Osteoarthritis: This is a common type of form of osteoarthritis that develops in the joints over a period of time. It is usually caused due to natural wear and tear of joints.
- Secondary Osteoarthritis: This is known as degeneration of articular cartilage that can be caused post-surgery, post-trauma, congenital disease or rheumatoid arthritis.
Physical Therapy For Osteoarthritis
Physical therapy is proven to be very effective for osteoarthritis, relieving stiffness and strengthening muscles around the affected area. Although the symptoms of osteoarthritis for all patients are different, this is why our physiotherapist in Baroda tailors targeted exercises to improve symptoms and slow down the impact of this condition on your bones and joints.
The osteoarthritis physiotherapy treatment can include:
- Manual Therapy
Manual therapy addresses joint and soft tissue stiffness and flexibility. Along with hands-on techniques, the treatment program includes therapeutic exercises to help:
Improve range of motion by stretching quadriceps, hamstrings and calf muscles.
Strengthen hips with exercises such as standing leg raises, lateral step-ups, sit-to-stand on a chair and bridging.
- Range of Motion
ROM refers to the ability to move the joints through full motion. The osteoarthritis physiotherapy treatment includes exercises for the arthritis shoulder, like gentle stretching and movements to maintain and improve the flexibility of joints.
- Strengthening
This includes neuromuscular training to improve joint proprioception with the help of balance activities. These activities are performed with weight or bands to even body weight, working against gravity to maintain and improve muscle strength.
- Aerobics
This physical therapy includes walking, bicycle or elliptical machines to strengthen muscles, reduce fatigue and maintain a body weight that increases pressure on joints.
All these physical therapies are beneficial for patients with osteoarthritis. It helps to improve mobility, ease stiffness and range of motion and strengthen muscles and support joints. For physiotherapy for chronic pain, at Physiobliss, we provide an individualized treatment program for your condition. To schedule an appointment with our physical therapist, call us.
