One of the most common complaints we treat with physiotherapy on a day-to-day basis is osteoarthritis. It is a condition that affects the joints of the body – usually on one side – causing pain, stiffness and deformity. As a result, the person’s movements, activities of daily living and quality of life are severely limited. There is no cure for osteoarthritis, but with the skilled intervention of physiotherapy, one can live a fairly independent life.
Your first visit to the clinic will involve a thorough assessment of your physical strength, range of motion, transfer capability, gait and ambulation. If the condition is affecting the hands or upper part of the body only, you may be placed in the care of an occupational therapist who will conduct a similar evaluation with greater emphasis on the upper extremities. Following the evaluation, a treatment plan will be drawn up that is suited to your needs and abilities.