Winter has arrived, along with your June newsletter! This month, you can read five tips for managing osteoarthritis in the cooler months, and find out key results from the GLA:D exercise program for osteoarthritis. Then head to The Education Quarter to have all your physiotherapy FAQs answered. Grab a (hot) cuppa and enjoy!
5 tips for managing osteoarthritis in the cooler months
If you find that your osteoarthritis pain flares up during the cooler months, you’re not alone. Many patients living with arthritis report an increase in their pain during winter. This could be linked to barometric pressure fluctuations, changes in our body circulation and nerve responses in the cold, or even due to the lower mood many people experience during winter (for some, this is known as seasonal affective disorder!).
Here are five tips for managing osteoarthritis in winter:
- Stay active: It’s harder to get outdoors to exercise during the winter months, so it’s a great time to try something new. Swimming at the local indoor (heated!) pool, or an indoor exercise class (check out the GLA:D program here) can be great ways to stay active, meet new people and keep moving. Exercise is one of the most effective ways to manage osteoarthritis symptoms.
- Eat healthy: Cold weather can have us reaching for comfort food, but focusing on eating healthy can give your immune system a much-needed boost during the winter months. It’s a great time to dig out the slow cooker or crockpot! Soups, stews, and roast veggies are all great options to get your daily veggie count up.
- Layer up: Dress in layers, especially when heading outdoors. A light wool layer close to your skin will help to trap heat close to your core, keeping your body warm. Fleece or down outer layers will keep you toasty warm even when it’s freezing outside. Gloves, scarves, and beanies also make great layers to avoid losing heat from your hands, neck and head.
- Stay hydrated: Did you know that dehydration can make you more sensitive to pain and also reduces blood flow in the brain? Most adults need between 2-2.5L of water a day. During winter, you could try including herbal tea in your routine as a way to boost your daily water intake, with the bonus of a warm mug to keep your hands toasty.
- See your physio: If you’re having trouble managing your osteoarthritis symptoms, or need guidance on exercising with osteoarthritis, we’re here to help. Contact us to book an appointment.
GLA:D Program for Osteoarthritis
Over 10,000 people participated in the GLA:D program in Australia between January 2018 and December 2021.
Here are key outcomes of the Australian GLA:D program in 2021:
- Average age is 65 years old, 71% women and average BMI is 29.9 (boarding on the overweight/obese categories)
- Reduced pain (31% less for knees, 27% for hips)
- Reduced medication (50% less for knees, 48% for hips)
- Improved quality of life (38% more for knees, 24% for hips)
- Increased physical activity participation (9% for knees, 6% for hips).
If you’d like to learn more about GLA:D you can find out more here. Or contact us today to find out how to enrol in the program.
Have you ever experienced Thoracic Outlet Syndrome?
Have you experienced numbness or weakness in the arm and hands that seems to run from your upper chest all the way down your arm? If you also have trouble lifting objects over your head, thoracic outlet syndrome could be to blame!
Thoracic outlet syndrome is the term used when the thoracic outlet (found in your upper chest) is compressed, irritated or injured. Sometimes the thoracic outlet becomes too narrow and can compress the muscles, nerves, and blood vessels (ouch!).
Head to our latest blog to find out more about thoracic outlet syndrome, the signs and symptoms, and how it is treated.
The Education Quarter
PHYSIOTHERAPY FAQs
In this blog, we’re bringing you the answers to questions we’re frequently asked as physiotherapists. Read on to find what we do and how we can help you and your family.
What is physiotherapy?
Physiotherapy is the use of physical techniques to improve movement, restore function, reduce pain and promote recovery from an injury, illness or disability.
Other important facts about physiotherapy:
- It is a government-registered healthcare profession, requiring a university qualification.
- As physiotherapists, we work to prevent as well as manage injury, disease, and disability.
- We assess and diagnose your condition and develop a treatment plan that is specific to you.
What conditions does a physio treat?
Physiotherapists assess, diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions including:
- Back and neck pain and stiffness.
- Aches, sprains, and strains: from your hands to your hamstrings!
- Sports injuries including preventative strengthening and conditioning.
- Recovery from fractures – we’ll come up with a treatment plan to help to restore function and promote healing.
- Managing diseases including diabetes, osteoarthritis and osteoporosis.
- Promoting safe movement.
- Rehabilitation after surgery.
And so much more…
Is physiotherapy suitable for children and adolescents?
A physiotherapist can treat people of any age. Some physio’s may choose to specialise in treating newborns or young children (i.e. paediatrics) or women’s health and pregnancy-related conditions.
Others may solely work in a sports setting, working closely with a team or club. You will also see physios working within the aged care setting. We are very versatile!
What techniques are used in physiotherapy?
Depending on your symptoms, some of the treatment methods we may use include:
- Exercise programs to build strength and improve mobility.
- Massage/soft tissue mobilisation.
- Acupuncture and dry needling.
- Therapeutic taping.
- Joint manipulation and mobilisation.
- Hydrotherapy.
- Muscle re-education.
We develop a treatment plan that is specific to you and your needs.
How does physiotherapy help?
We can help you to have pain-free movement, restore function and prevent chronic diseases. We aim to help you to get the most out of life!
If you have any questions about what we do and how we can help you, please contact us and we’ll do our best to answer.
