DO YOUR JOINTS ACHE MORE IN WINTER?

Arthritis is a condition where the space between your joints becomes narrowed and extra boney growths called osteophytes form. Most people over the age of 30 will have some degree of degeneration or arthritis in their joints but the good news is, that just like a bike with a rusty chain, if you maintain your joints and keep them well-oiled, they will work for years and years without giving you too much trouble.
As we are living longer these days and having to work until later in life, it is imperative that we take good care of our joints. Ideally, everyone over the age of 30 should be doing daily mobility and strengthening exercises to keep their bodies moving effectively, especially in the colder winter months when everything tends to stiffen up.
You can minimize damage to your joints by taking care with lifting, watching your weight, avoiding jerky/sudden movements, improving your posture, respecting your pain, avoiding over-stressing your joints, not overdoing activity and using splints or walking aids when required.
Our Physiotherapists are highly qualified in the assessment and treatment of arthritis and can prescribe specific exercises to improve your posture, mobility, strength and flexibility. They can also perform specific techniques to relieve your pain, mobilize your joints, massage your muscles and provide you with tailor-made exercises to improve your overall function.
Exercises can help by maintaining or increasing mobility, improving joint lubrication and nutrition, restoring muscle balance, improving circulation, improving strength and stability and improving poor posture. However, it is important that these exercises are individually prescribed by a Physiotherapist to suit your condition.
There is no need to get a referral from a doctor to see one of our Physiotherapists unless you are claiming through Medicare, Work cover, Veteran’s Affairs or third party insurance. You may be eligible for a rebate through your private health fund if you have Physiotherapy extras cover, leaving little to no out of pocket expense.
For more information or to book an appointment call 5504 7000