Arthritis is commonly associated with “getting old” after a life of “working too hard”, but that’s not always the case.
There is plenty you can do to not only manage Arthritis, but also to prevent its onset no matter what age you are, or what kind of life you’ve led.
First, let’s take a closer look at what we’re dealing with. Arthritis is actually an umbrella term for a number of painful conditions involving the joints. When people discuss Arthritis they usually refer to the condition osteoarthritis which could mean any of the following:
> the smooth cartilage that lines bones (so they can glide smoothly within joints) has worn away
> there are bone growths emerging in/around the joints
> there is pain swelling due to damage concerning the tissue around the joint
How do I know if Osteoarthritis is what I’m dealing with?
Osteoarthritis is usually characterised by pain and swelling around the joints (including spine), limited range of motion and pain in the affected area. If you’re unsure, best to book an appointment with your GP or physiotherapist.
It sounds like exercise is out of the question, right?
Definitely not. Most people are surprised to find that exercise can be the best (and most inexpensive) protective factor for osteoarthritis and an excellent way to manage it. Exercise is also a fantastic way to keep those pesky risk factors at bay, such as obesity (or being overweight), having low bone density and lower muscle and ligament function (where your body could easily be strained).
If moving hurts so much, why would I bother exercising?
Exercising can definitely be uncomfortable if you are already suffering with osteoarthritis, but the improvements will mean less pain in the long term. Resistance training is the perfect way to start, but here is what our aims are:
> better body composition, and a manageable weight – to take the pressure off the joints
> higher quality soft tissue, including muscles and ligaments mean more flexibility, range of motion and circulation to the areas affected
> higher bone density – to help regeneration of tissues in the area, and prevent further damage
Resistance training does all these things and more! Swimming, pilates, yoga, cycling, lifting weights, using resistance bands and even leisure activities like golf, paddle boarding and even a brisk walk are fantastic options because they also provide the opportunity to raise your heart rate AND provide all the benefits listed above.
Overall, the idea is that by encouraging your body to become stronger, you can not only prevent the chronic condition osteoarthritis, but become a more active (and less pain-stricken) version of yourself, regardless of your age!
The team at Progressive Sports & Spinal Physiotherapy are experienced in a range of areas including tailored exercise programs for individuals with chronic conditions like osteoarthritis. Contact the practice today on (02) 4721 7798, email info@progressiverehab.com.au or click here to book an appointment today.
At Progressive Sports and Spinal Physiotherapy Penrith, we are able to assess, treat, educate and manage all musculoskeletal injuries. We focus on hands-on treatment, exercise prescription and self management techniques tailored to your specific needs. We utilise evidence based treatments to maximise your outcomes.
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Elin, is an alumni of St. Edward’s University and holder of a Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology, furthered her academic journey by attaining a Doctor of Physiotherapy from Macquarie University in 2022.
Her passion for sports, particularly football (soccer), is evident in both her academic pursuits and personal endeavors. Specialising in the comprehensive well-being of athletes, Elin focuses on restoring them to peak performance while actively preventing future injuries.
Elin’s professional expertise is centered on musculoskeletal rehabilitation, with a specific emphasis on addressing and preventing knee injuries. Her approach integrates expert treatment with a commitment to educating and empowering patients, fostering their active involvement in enhancing their health and overall quality of life.
As an active participant in NPL football with SD Raiders, Elin brings firsthand experience and a profound understanding of the sport’s demands. Beyond the field, she extends her influence by contributing sports coverage over the weekends.
Christopher (Chris) Han graduated from the University of Sydney with a Bachelor’s Degree in Occupational Therapy, and then completed the Doctor of Physiotherapy program at Macquarie University in 2018. Chris is currently undertaking his PhD at the University of Sydney and Institute for Musculoskeletal Health in the field of low back pain and is due to complete this in early 2024.
Chris is currently an assistant Physiotherapist for the NRL Referees. Chris has previous experience as the head Physiotherapist at Panthers Premier League Netball and a number of elite sporting athletes in the private setting.
Through Chris’ experiences, he has a particular interest in all areas of the body and musculoskeletal physiotherapy, sports, vestibular rehabilitation, and Men’s Health (pre and post prostate surgery).
Suzanne graduated from Western Sydney University with a Bachelor of Health Science (Sports and Exercise Science) in 2015. She then went on to continue her studies at Macquarie University graduating from the Doctor of Physiotherapy post-graduate degree in June 2019.
Since graduating, Suzanne has worked in the local Penrith area in both private practice and Sports Physiotherapy. Suzanne has worked with sporting teams including Penrith District Netball Association, Mt Druitt Rangers (NPL), Penrith Valley Figure Skating Club, and local dance and cheer schools.
Suzanne has a particular interest in working with artistic athletes including cheerleaders and dancers. She has a professional background in both cheer and dance and has previously worked as both a cheer coach and dance teacher. Suzanne’s previous experiences are an invaluable resource to her as a physiotherapist, as she has a thorough understanding of the level of physical fitness and skill acquisition that these athletes must have in order to be successful on stage and in competition.
Suzanne’s other areas of clinical interest reside in lower limb musculoskeletal injuries, spinal pathologies and women’s health.
Nathanial graduated as a physiotherapist in 2012 which saw him work in private practice and hospital settings gaining experience in all areas of physiotherapy including hand therapy, splinting/casting, pre/post-operative care, Men’s Health and general musculoskeletal, occupational and sports physiotherapy. Since then he has gone on to complete further studies in physiotherapy enabling him to be the only dual titled Musculoskeletal, Sports and Exercise Physiotherapist in Penrith.
Nathanial has a strong background in sports physiotherapy achieving accreditation with NSWIS as a service provider and working with many elite sports teams.
Nathanial has a particular interest in working with elite athletes, complex cases and in particular assessment and management of knee, hip and shoulder pain.
Andrea graduated from the Australian Catholic University completing her Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science in 2018 and Master’s of Clinical Exercise Physiology in 2020. After graduating she attained accreditation with ESSA as an Exercise Physiologist.
During her studies she gained clinical experience in both hospital and private practice settings, in cardiac rehabilitation, neurological conditions, cancer and chronic musculoskeletal injuries.
Since working at Progressive, Andrea has a specialist interest in treating musculoskeletal injuries, helping people in the mid-late stage of rehab to get them to return to sport or work. As well as helping people manage chronic conditions such as arthritis, osteoporosis and diabetes.