Specializations
Osteoarthritis
osteoarthritis
Physical therapy can help reduce the symptoms to the point where there is no longer a hindrance during daily life.
Osteoarthritis is a condition in which the cartilage in your joint decreases in quality. Your joint sometimes becomes inflamed and the bone at the joint changes. Osteoarthritis occurs in your knee, hip, hand, foot or back, for example. Nearly 1.5 million people in the Netherlands suffer daily from osteoarthritis in one or more of these joints. Osteoarthritis is a chronic disease and the cause is not exactly known. We do know that it is more common later in life, in women, people who are overweight and with previous joint damage, such as an accident or injury.
Note: Many people often think that osteoarthritis means “wear and tear” and therefore nothing can be done about it. This is not true.
Getting and keeping moving helps reduce the pain and loss of function caused by osteoarthritis. As long as you do not overload your body with exercise, it is not harmful to your joint. Get advice from our therapists if you have questions about this, or are unsure.
osteoarthritis
The facts
- Osteoarthritis is a common form of rheumatoid arthritis in which the quality of cartilage in your hand, foot, knee, hip or back, for example, deteriorates. You can’t cure osteoarthritis
- Symptoms include pain and/or stiffness in the joint, often worst when moving after sitting or lying down for a while
- A healthy lifestyle is important to slow down aggravation of osteoarthritis and reduce associated (pain) symptoms and limitations
- It is good to keep moving. By doing so, you help keep your muscles and joints in good condition and reduce your symptoms
- Physical therapy can help you (keep) moving safely, prevent or delay surgery and regain confidence in your body
- There are no drugs that cure osteoarthritis, but there are treatments that reduce the symptoms and allow you to continue living and working
- Exercise therapy for osteoarthritis of the hip and knee is included in the basic package for up to 12 treatments. This involves exercise therapy under the supervision of a physical or exercise therapist, with treatment usually lasting eight to 12 weeks.
