Do you have hip or knee pain? Have you been told you have osteoarthritis (OA)?

Did you know that the latest research reveals that a physiotherapist is the best person to see FIRST for advice and treatment.

You may not need an x-ray or medication to begin with and you do not need to wait for your GP to refer you.

A physiotherapist is a health professional trained in assessing, diagnosing, treating and preventing a wide range of movement disorders and health conditions, including osteoarthritis. Physiotherapy helps reduce stiffness and pain, increase mobility and improve quality of life and the great news is that science strongly supports this.

What is Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a slow and mild inflammatory process that affects the whole joint including the muscles, tendons, ligaments as well as the cartilage and bones.

This process is changeable, symptoms are reversible and surgery is not always needed as the first port of call. In fact, recent studies show that with the appropriate knowledge, exercise program and weight management, surgery may be delayed for many years and quality of life greatly enhanced.

Let’s look at the facts:

OA is not reversible but symptoms are reversible
Exercise might delay joint replacement surgery
Physiotherapy and exercise are as effective as pain relief medication/drugs
Losing 5kg of body weight can make a significant reduction in pain and load through your hip and knee as well as reduce inflammation.

“Arthroscopic knee surgeries, which have commonly been performed on OA patients over the past two decades, should be considered a last resort treatment for severe cases only. In many instances it is at best a placebo treatment and at worst puts the patient at risk of further complications and delayed recovery. Similarly, opioid management is not recommended.” APA

How can The Physio Clinic help my hip and knee pain?