WORLD PHYSIOTHERAPY DAY 2022
It’s #worldphysiotherapyday and the theme for this year is “Osteoarthritis” and the role of Physiotherapists in the management of Osteoarthritis.
- Arthritis is a general term that means inflammation of the joints, and ‘osteo’ means bone.
- Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common type of arthritis, commonly known as “wear and tear arthritis.”
- Osteoarthritis can affect any joint, but it commonly affects weight-bearing joints like the knees, hips and spine.
- The exact cause is unknown, but there are predisposing factors such as; Older age, Obesity, Previous joint injuries, repeated stress on the joint, and genetics.
- Some symptoms of Osteoarthritis are pains in the joint, stiffness, tenderness, swelling, and crackling sounds in the joint on movement.
You may ask, “Can I exercise with Osteoarthritis?
The answer is Yes. Exercise is appropriate for ALL people with Osteoarthritis, irrespective of the age, severity of osteoarthritis symptoms or level of disability.
Exercise is a first-line treatment for OA. A physiotherapist can provide advice and education about pain relief and ways to manage OA. Physiotherapists teach people with OA how to improve joint movement and strengthen muscles. It is essential for people living with OA to keep active as much as possible, as this can help relieve pain and other symptoms.
Speak to a physiotherapist to ensure your exercise is achievable and safe.
#worldptday #worldptday2022
