Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis, affecting millions of people worldwide. It occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of your bones wears down over time.
Although the damage to the joints can not be reversed, Osteoarthritis symptoms can be effectively managed through exercise, remaining active, and maintaining a healthy weight.
What is OsteoArthritis
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a well-known term to the general population representing joint pain. Some define OsteoArthritis as “bone on bone” others “wear and tear of the joint”, either way most of us have heard of it, and none of us want it. Unfortunately though Arthritis is common with statistics showing greater than 2 million Australian’s having either hip or knee OsteoArthritis. But there is good news! A research team in Denmark have been tirelessly investigating the management of OsteoArthritis and have developed a highly effective treatment plan for hip and knee OsteoArthritis – GLA:D (Good Life with Osteoarthritis Denmark).
Symptoms of OsteoArthritis
Signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis include:
- Swelling. Often caused by soft tissue inflammation around the hip and knee joints
- Pain. Affected areas may hurt during and after exercises
- Tenderness. When you apply light pressure to your join this may feel tender.
- Loss of flexibility. Full range of motion may be difficult for you.
- Stiffness. Joint stiffness is usually most noticeable upon awakening or following periods of inactivity.
- Bone growth. Extra bits of bone, which can feel like hard lumps, can form around the affected joint.
How can GLA:D help OsteoArthritis?
GLA:D is a physiotherapy provided treatment plan that focusses on first line treatment; Exercise, Education and Weight loss. Through focusing on first line treatment GLA:D has statistical shown that the program will improve one’s functional capacity and quality of life when living with knee or hip OsteoArthritis. The even better news is the GLA:D program is now accessible in Townsville with The Physio Movement now running the program with highly trained GLA:D Physiotherapists.
What is GLA:D?
GLA:D is a 6 week block exercise program which involves 2 x group physiotherapy supervised exercise classes weekly and 2 x hour long educational sessions on OsteoArthritis. The exercise sessions focus on improving lower limb neuromuscular control and strength while the educational sessions touch on the truths of Arthritis and what really is. Functional outcome measures are taken before and after our 6 week block to log your functional and subjective outcomes. The GLA:D program is fun and simply the best thing to do if you have knee or hip pain or OsteoArthritis.
Learn more about GLA:D at The Physio Movement here.
Our arthritis specific exercise program at TPM can assist with slowing progression of the disease and help improve joint and pain function.
If you would like to begin living a life of freedom with reduced pain, Join our GLA:D program today.
Contact the friendly team at The Physio Movement.
