What Is Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is a condition that involves gradual changes to the cartilage and surrounding structures within a joint. Cartilage helps joints move smoothly and absorb forces during movement, and changes to this tissue may influence how the joint moves or tolerates load.

Osteoarthritis most commonly affects weight-bearing joints such as the knees, hips, and spine, although it may also occur in other joints including the hands or shoulders. Diagnosis should be confirmed by a licensed medical professional.

Individuals May Experience:

• Joint stiffness, especially after rest or inactivity

• Pain during movement or weight-bearing activities

• Reduced range of motion in the affected joint

• Mild swelling around the joint

• Discomfort during activities such as walking, climbing stairs, or gripping objects

• A sensation of joint stiffness that improves with gentle movement

What Contributes to Osteoarthritis?

Several factors may influence the development or progression of osteoarthritis, including:

• Age-related changes in joint cartilage

• Previous joint injuries

• Repetitive loading of certain joints

• Muscle weakness surrounding the joint

• Reduced joint mobility

• Biomechanical imbalances during movement

Joint discomfort often develops when surrounding muscles and joints are unable to adequately support normal movement patterns.

How Manual Therapy May Help

Osteopathic Manual Therapy

Osteopathic treatment may focus on improving how the affected joint and surrounding structures move together.

Treatment may include:

• Assessing joint mobility in the affected area

• Improving movement in nearby joints

• Addressing fascial tension around the joint

• Supporting balanced load distribution through the joint

• Improving mobility in the spine or pelvis if related to the affected region

Osteopathic treatment considers how surrounding joints and tissues contribute to the overall mechanics of the affected joint.

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy rehabilitation may involve strengthening and movement strategies that support joint function.

Treatment may include:

• Strengthening muscles surrounding the joint

• Mobility exercises to maintain joint movement

• Movement retraining to reduce excessive joint stress

• Functional exercises to support daily activities

• Gradual progression of physical activity

These exercises aim to improve joint support and help individuals remain active while managing joint discomfort.

Massage Therapy

Massage therapy may help address muscular tension surrounding joints affected by osteoarthritis.

Treatment may include:

• Reducing muscle tightness around the joint

• Improving circulation in surrounding tissues

• Supporting relaxation of protective muscle guarding

• Addressing compensatory tension patterns

Massage therapy may help relieve muscle tension that develops as the body adapts to joint discomfort.

Book an Assessment

If joint stiffness or discomfort is affecting your daily movement, our team can assess joint mobility and surrounding muscle function to help guide an appropriate care plan.