Arthritis

Arthritis can be a painful problem that diminishes your quality of life. But in truth, it doesn't have to be this way. Degenerative joint changes affect everyone to varying degrees, its just a part of being human and getting older. Physiotherapy can help you manage the pain and reduced movement that is associated with arthritis, often having a real and positive impact on people lives.

Myths:

• Arthritis always causes pain and disability.
• Exercise and loading arthritic joints makes them worse.
• My doctor said I have arthritis and I ‘just have to live with it’.
• Arthritic joints should avoid activity.
• Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis are the same thing.

Facts:

• Many people show signs of ‘wear and tear’ on scans and have no pain whatsoever. The amount of arthritis on a scan is a poor predictor of pain and disability.
• Excess body weight, disuse, weakness and reduced confidence are more reliable predictors of disability.
• Improving the strength and condition of the muscles around an arthritic joint can reduce pain and improve function.
• Restoring normal movement patterns will help.

How can the team at Belmont City Physiotherapy help you?

• We can identify biomechanical and lifestyles issues that contribute to your pain.
• We can help you improve your flexibility, strength and confidence.
• We can set you up with long term management strategies that really help.
• If needs be, we liaise with other health care professionals to get you the BEST results.