Benefits Of Physiotherapy For Osteoarthritis Patients!

With age our body begins to show signs of wear and tear, wrinkles appear on the skin, movement slows down etc. Osteoarthritis is one such condition that is a result of advancing age. This is a musculoskeletal condition where the cartilage between the bones at a joint gradually wears down and disintegrates. As a result, the bones have no cushioning and moving the joint becomes hard and painful. There is no cure for osteoarthritis and no way to prevent it either. However, physiotherapy can help improve the patient’s quality of life.

Here are some of the benefits of physiotherapy for osteoarthritis patients.

• Better pain management: A doctor may prescribe painkillers but these narcotics are addictive and hence should not be used for long-term pain. Instead, physiotherapy exercises and massages should be used to reduce and relieve pain in the joints. Heat and cold therapy can also help. This also helps reduce inflammation around the joint.
• Increased range of motion: As the cartilage disintegrates, the amount of motion possible for a joint reduces. Many people suffering from this condition find themselves unable to close their fist completely or have a lot of pain while walking. Physiotherapy exercises can help preserve the cartilage between bones and increases the range of motion.
• Stability: Along with exercises, massages etc., physiotherapists also employ aids and support devices such as walkers, canes, braces, and splints. Depending on the patient’s condition, a physiotherapist can help identify the support device best suited for the patient and teach him or her how to use it. This keeps the patient safe while walking and promotes stability.
• Weight management: Controlling weight becomes difficult when moving is painful. Many osteoarthritis patients find themselves putting on weight as the amount they exercise reduces. However, this only aggravates the problem. Being overweight puts more pressure and stress on joints and speeds up the disintegration of cartilage. Thus by teaching the patient the correct way to exercise and improving their range of motion, physiotherapists can help patients manage their weight better.

Physiotherapy must always be conducted by an experienced physiotherapist. It is equally important to listen to your body and to challenge it. Only a good physiotherapist will know when you can push your body out of its comfort zone and when you should simply rest. So do not overdo an exercise as it could harm the muscles and joint. If you experience any pain while exercising, it must be brought to the notice of the physiotherapist immediately.