Arthritis and Osteoporosis

Physiotherapy can significantly improve the quality of life in older adults with arthritis.

You may have stiffness, swelling or pain surrounding one or more joints. Certain movements may have become more difficult and your walking and balance may be affected.

There are several types of arthritis with the main one being osteoarthritis. This is where the cartilage starts to roughen and break down, bony growths caused osteophytes can develop, and you may feel a grating sensation when you move the joint. Osteoarthritis can develop in any joint with the most common areas being the knees, hips, and hands.

There is no cure for arthritis and it can be managed with the right advice and exercise. Exercise is an important part of managing arthritis but sometimes it can be hard to know what exercise is right for you. Exercise and movement can help reduce your pain and symptoms while also improving muscle strength and reducing stiffness.

Your physiotherapist will assess your affected joint/s and surrounding muscle strength and flexibility as well as your walking and balance. They can provide a tailored exercise programme to help strengthen surrounding muscles and improve the capacity of the joint. Regular exercises can help to reduce pain and improve stiffness.

 In older adults with osteoporosis, physiotherapy can significantly help by strengthening bones and muscles.

Osteoporosis is a condition where your bones lose strength and weaken making it more likely to fracture a bone with a minor injury. Osteoporosis is more common in older people and can be a cause of falls. Your physiotherapist will look at your movements, walking and strength and will devise a suitable strengthening exercise programme to help strengthening your muscles and bones preventing further deterioration.