Osteoarthritis is a common condition that causes the joints to become painful and stiff as a result of mechanical degeneration, often referred to as ‘wear and tear’.
Almost any joint can be affected by osteoarthritis, but the condition most often causes problems in the knees, hips, and small joints of the hands.
Osteoarthritis occurs when there is damage in and around the joints causing loss of cartilage and extra bone growth. Osteoarthritis usually develops in people over 45 years of age, although younger people can also be affected.
Osteoarthritis is a long-term condition and can't be cured, but it doesn't necessarily get any worse over time and it can sometimes gradually improve.
A treatment plan will be tailored to your needs as an individual, because the type, severity and impact of arthritis varies from person to person. We have one of the few purpose built hydrotherapy pools in south Wales that allows exercises to be done in warm water, putting less pressure and strain on your joints. A low-impact exercise programme and hydrotherapy are recommended treatments for the management of arthritic pain (Arthritis Research UK, 2014). Local steroid injections are also suitable for controlling joint pain and helping to maintain function and exercise. These injections can be offered via the physiotherapy service.
At the Centre for Clinical Physiotherapy we offer a wide range of services, knowledge and expertise to effectively treat and manage arthritic pain. Treatments are delivered by highly skilled and experienced physiotherapists who are passionate about delivering a quality service and the best possible results for you.
