Osteoarthritis
Even with normal age related changes in the joints, people may experience pain, stiffness, swelling, reduced movement, and discomfort that radiates into surrounding areas. It can become difficult to do everyday tasks – not just because of pain, but because the joint feels unreliable or uncooperative.
What Is Osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis is often referred to as “wear and tear,” but that oversimplifies what can be a complex and frustrating condition. It can affect any joint in the body – commonly the knees, hips, shoulders, hands and spine – and causes a gradual breakdown of the smooth cartilage that allows your joints to move easily and pain-free.
Even with normal age related changes in the joints, people may experience pain, stiffness, swelling, reduced movement, and discomfort that radiates into surrounding areas. It can become difficult to do everyday tasks – not just because of pain, but because the joint feels unreliable or uncooperative.
What Are The Symptoms Of Osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis symptoms vary based on the joint affected, but common complaints include:
- Stiffness that’s worse in the morning or after rest
- Joint pain during or after activity
- Swelling, heat, or a “grinding” feeling in the joint
- Difficulty with movements like walking, climbing stairs, reaching overhead, or getting up from a chair
- Muscle weakness around the affected joint due to reduced use
Some people are told to rest or rely on painkillers – but that approach often leads to increased stiffness and weakness, making the condition harder to manage in the long run.
What Is Our Approach To Fixing/Treating Osteoarthritis?
At Chadwick’s Physiotherapy, we believe that osteoarthritis doesn’t have to mean constant pain or giving up your lifestyle. In fact, many people with severe arthritis on X-rays experience little or no pain when they maintain their strength and mobility. We focus on helping you do more, not less – safely and sustainably.
Our approach includes:
- Comprehensive Assessment – We identify which joints are affected, what movements are limited, and which muscles have weakened. We also take into account your goals and daily activities.
- Manual Therapy – Gentle hands-on techniques help restore movement, reduce stiffness and ease discomfort in the affected joints.
- Personalised Strengthening Programmes – We guide you through exercises that gradually build strength around the joint. Stronger muscles provide more support and reduce strain on the joint itself.
- Mobility and Flexibility Work – We help you safely regain your range of motion, allowing for smoother, easier movement.
- Advanced Therapies – Where appropriate, we use shortwave diathermy, ultrasound, and Stimpod technology to promote healing, ease inflammation, and improve function.
- Surgical Prevention – Our goal is always to delay or avoid surgery wherever possible. We’ve helped clients go from struggling to get out of a chair to walking comfortably through National Trust gardens – all through targeted physiotherapy.
No two people experience osteoarthritis the same way, so every plan is tailored. Whether you’re trying to stay active, return to hobbies, or simply move through the day with less pain, we’ll build a strategy that fits your body and your life.
Download Free Report
You don’t have to live on painkillers or settle for sitting things out. With the right treatment and support, you can take control of your osteoarthritis and get back to doing the things you enjoy. Download our free Osteoarthritis Pain Report for expert advice, practical exercises, and insights into how to reduce pain and move better – naturally and effectively.