Osteoarthritis also known as degenerative joint diseas, occurs when the cartilage that covers the tops of bones, known as articular cartilage, degenerates or wears down. This causes swelling, pain, and sometimes the development of osteophytes — bone spurs — when the ends of the two bones rub together.
Osteoarthritis, or OA, is the most common cause of physical disability in older adults. It can also be described as wear and tear or called degenerative joint disease. The shoulder is a joint commonly affected by the condition.
A joint is where two bones meet. These contacting areas of bone are covered with a tissue called cartilage. It’s smooth design with no nerve supply, allows low friction, pain-free movement of the joint.
OA occurs when this cartilage starts to thin. It can wear significantly enough to expose the roughened surfaces of bone beneath, becoming stiff and painful.
There are various reasons why you might develop osteoarthritis. Women are a little more likely to develop OA. Previous joint injury or structural abnormalities also increase your likelihood of developing the condition.
Repetitive use of your shoulder in poor postures can increase the likelihood of developing shoulder OA in the future.
With some simple management, it is possible to significantly decrease your pain, improve your activity & function, and reduce your need for oral painkillers.
Exercise is key. The worst thing you could do by your shoulder is to stop using it. Address the activities that particularly provoke your symptoms. It may be necessary to temporarily cut back.
Degeneration causes stiffness, so ensure you continue to move your shoulder through its entire range of movement.
The weaker the muscles, the more excess stresses, and strains are placed on the cartilage.
Keeping the muscles of your shoulder, upper back, and trunk strong will help you to protect your joints.
Monitor your posture, holding your arm relaxed by your side with your shoulder blades gently pulled back. Whilst lying in bed, try to keep this same position with your arm.
Using a pillow by your side can help to achieve this.
Finally, degenerative conditions have good days and bad days. It is highly recommended to consult your trusted physiotherapist to help treat and put the pain at bay.
Perform your gentler exercises on these days, and restrict yourself from doing things that you know will make your pain worse.
Don Kelly Physiotherapy & Acupuncture Treatment for Osteoarthritis
Relevant artices about osteoarthritis
Interested in learning more about this treatment- feel free to reach out at don@donkellypainrelief.com or you can give me a ring 089 273 4307
My treatment plan is the result of my experience and knowledge in treating chronic pains and injuries over the last 20 years. This is the holistic plan to guarantee pain relief, prevent recurring pains, and faster recovery.
EVALUATION/ASSESSMENT
PHYSIOTHERAPY PLAN BASED ON MY ASSESSMENT
HOMECARE EXERCISE/PLAN
ACUPUNCTURE
EXERCISE PROGRAMME
DRY CUPPING/DRY NEEDLING
MASSAGE
