1: Comprehensive Assessment & Diagnosis
- A detailed discussion of your symptoms, medical history, and daily challenges. 
- A thorough physical examination to assess joint mobility, strength, and movement patterns. 
- Identification of contributing factors such as muscle weakness, joint instability, or biomechanical issues. 
- Referral for imaging (X-ray, MRI) if necessary to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other conditions. 


 

 2: Education & Understanding Your Condition 
- Clear explanation of OA, how it affects your joints, and why movement is essential. 
- Addressing common fears—understanding that movement does not "wear down" your joints but instead supports long-term joint health. 
- Guidance on pacing activities to avoid flare-ups while staying active.  

3: Personalised Exercise-Based Rehabilitation
A structured, progressive exercise program is the most effective long-term strategy for OA management. This includes: 
- Strengthening exercises: Targeted to support the affected joint and surrounding muscles. 
- Mobility exercises: To maintain or improve joint flexibility and reduce stiffness. 
- Balance and proprioception training: To enhance joint stability and reduce injury risk. 
- Aerobic exercise: Walking, swimming, or cycling to improve overall fitness and reduce joint load. 

Rehabilitation is tailored to each person’s needs, gradually progressing intensity while monitoring symptoms. 

4: Pain Management Strategies 
- Advice on appropriate pain relief (e.g., paracetamol, anti-inflammatory medication if suitable). 
- Heat or cold therapy to manage pain and inflammation. 
- Bracing or supports if needed to offload the joint and improve function. 
- Taping techniques to help support movement and reduce discomfort. 

5: Weight Management & Lifestyle Adjustments 
- If applicable, gradual weight loss can reduce stress on weight-bearing joints like the knees and hips. 
- Nutritional advice to support joint health. 
- Modifying daily activities to reduce joint strain while maintaining independence.

6: Manual Therapy & Hands-On Treatment 
- Joint mobilisations to improve movement and reduce stiffness. 
- Soft tissue techniques to relieve muscle tension around the affected joint. 

7: Injection Therapy

-If conservative management does not provide sufficient relief, we can administer Injection therapy (e.g., corticosteroid, hyaluronic acid) to manage persistent pain. 

  - Further investigations such as MRI or surgical opinion for joint replacement in severe cases where conservative treatment is no longer effective. 

Take Control of Your Recovery

Osteoarthritis doesn’t have to control your life. With the right rehabilitation plan, expert guidance, and progressive exercise, we can help you live a full and active life. 

No matter which joint is affected we can help. At Solent Specialist Physiotherapy, our team of experts ensures you receive the best treatment for your specific condition, getting you back to pain-free movement as quickly as possible. Let us help you get back to doing what you love!