Osteoarthritis is a condition that affects the whole joint, including bone, cartilage, ligaments and muscles. Although it's often been described as 'wear and tear', this is not an accurate description. It is now thought to be the result of a joint working extra hard to repair itself.
The most common symptoms are pain and stiffness. These symptoms may affect your ability to do your normal activities such as walking, climbing stairs or keeping up with the grandchildren, which can be very frustrating, but there's a lot you can do to improve your symptoms and we are here to help.
Exercise is one of the best treatments for osteoarthritis. Most types of exercise are safe (they will not make your osteoarthritis worsen) and will help reduce pain in the long term. At OHL, our expert team of physiotherapists can advise you on the best exercises for you and how to do them safely.
There's a great deal of evidence that being overweight increases your risk of developing osteoarthritis and makes it more likely that it will get worse over time. The good news is that only a small amount of weight loss can significantly reduce pain and disability. No special diet has been shown to help specifically with osteoarthritis, but our experienced Dietician can help guide you through the overwhelming amount of food information out there and support you with the right advice.
Living with a long-term condition like osteoarthritis can lead to anxiety and stress. Your thoughts and feelings play an important role in the amount of pain you experience and how it affects you. You may notice that your pain levels are worse when you are feeling stressed or worried. Talking through your concerns with our qualified psychologist can help manage stress and, in turn, assist you in managing your pain.
There are many advantages of incorporating bike riding into your exercise regime. Physiotherapists recognise its therapeutic impact on joint health, emphasising range of motion and lubrication of the lower limb joints through low-impact motion. Bike riding is also a strength-building activity that engages major muscle groups and contributes to cardiovascular fitness. Additionally, the social and mental well-being aspects of cycling are highlighted, underscoring its role as a versatile and strategic tool in the physiotherapist's toolkit for a holistic approach to well-being.
“When can I throw again?” is one of the most common questions asked by any overhead athlete post a shoulder injury or surgery. The answer to this question is multifaceted, as it depends on the timeframe from the injury, certain subjective and objective measures, as well as the athlete’s willingness. However, the simple answer is when the athlete is fully ready, and not before. This blog will highlight the prerequisites and the process of progressive return to bowling for cricketers after they’ve injured their shoulder.