At MoveWise Home Physio, we understand that living with osteoarthritis (OA) and chronic pain can present daily challenges, impacting your mobility, independence, and overall quality of life. The good news is that these conditions are manageable, and with the right strategies, you can significantly improve your well-being.

Professor David Hunter, a world-renowned expert in osteoarthritis research and the Florance and Cope Chair of Rheumatology at the University of Sydney, consistently champions a holistic and non-pharmacological approach as the first line of defence. He emphasizes that understanding why OA developed in the first place, and focusing on non-medical and non-surgical treatments initially, is key to effective management.

Queensland Health also recognizes the significant impact of chronic pain and osteoarthritis, advocating for a multidisciplinary approach that includes education, self-management, and access to appropriate healthcare services.

Understanding Osteoarthritis (OA)

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, affecting millions globally. It's a condition where the cartilage cushioning the ends of bones in a joint gradually wears away. This can lead to pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced range of motion, most commonly in the hips, knees, hands, and spine. While often associated with aging, it's not an inevitable part of it; rather, it's a treatable condition.

Understanding Chronic Pain

Chronic pain is defined as pain that persists for three months or longer. It can stem from various sources, including conditions like OA, past injuries, or nerve damage. Unlike acute pain, which signals immediate injury, chronic pain can continue long after the initial cause has resolved, profoundly affecting both physical and emotional health, leading to fatigue, sleep disturbances, anxiety, and depression.

Effective Strategies for Managing Osteoarthritis and Chronic Pain

Both Professor Hunter and Queensland Health advocate for a comprehensive, multi-faceted approach to managing OA and chronic pain. Here are key strategies:

1. Prioritise Physical Activity and Exercise: This is perhaps the most crucial element. As Professor Hunter often highlights, "Exercise is the best treatment for osteoarthritis." Regular, appropriate physical activity is fundamental.

   • Improve Muscular Strength & Stability: Targeted exercises strengthen the muscles around affected joints, improving their stability and function.

   • Aerobic Fitness: Cardiovascular exercise not only improves stamina but also helps with weight management, which is vital for joint health.

   • "Motion is Lotion": Queensland Health reinforces that complete avoidance of movement is unhelpful. Specific, graded movement is safe and effective for those with persistent pain, helping to reduce pain and increase function.

2. Maintain a Healthy Weight: Professor Hunter states that losing just 10% of body weight can lead to a 50% improvement in knee OA pain. Queensland Health also notes that optimal weight management can reduce the likelihood of needing joint replacement surgery. Excess weight places considerable strain on load-bearing joints, exacerbating OA symptoms.

3. Pain Management Techniques:

   • Heat and Cold Therapy: Applying heat can relax muscles and improve blood flow, while cold can numb the area and reduce swelling.

   • Mindfulness and Pacing: Techniques like mindfulness and pacing activities (balancing activity with rest) are crucial for managing chronic pain, helping to reduce stress and prevent flare-ups. Queensland Health suggests that these approaches can calm or reduce stress and anxiety levels, which in turn can affect your experience of pain.

   • Medication Review: Discuss with your GP or pharmacist whether any medications might be contributing to your pain or other symptoms.

4. Physiotherapy – Your Essential Partner: This is where MoveWise Home Physio excels. Our home-based services are ideally suited to implement these strategies:

   • Personalised Exercise Programs: We design safe and effective resistance training, balance, and flexibility programs tailored to your specific needs, abilities, and home environment.

   • Self-Management & Education: We empower you with knowledge about your condition, teaching you practical pain management techniques and strategies to incorporate into daily life.

   • Home Environment Assessment: We can help identify and suggest modifications to your home to improve safety and ease of movement.

   • Manual Therapy & Assistive Devices: Where appropriate, we use hands-on techniques to reduce pain and stiffness and can advise on suitable aids like walking sticks or braces.

Working with Your Healthcare Team

Effective management of OA and chronic pain is a collaborative effort. Work closely with your GP, physiotherapist, and other healthcare professionals to develop a comprehensive, person-centred plan. Queensland Health offers specialist Persistent Pain Management Services for those requiring a team-based approach for complex pain conditions, and they encourage open communication with your healthcare providers.

You don't have to let osteoarthritis or chronic pain dictate your life. By embracing active self-management strategies, guided by experts like those at MoveWise Home Physio, you can significantly improve your pain levels, mobility, and overall quality of life.

If you're living with osteoarthritis or chronic pain and want to take proactive steps towards better management, talk to your GP about a referral to MoveWise Home Physio. We are here to support you in maintaining an active and fulfilling life in the comfort of your own home.

Contact us today to discuss how we can help.