Spinal Arthritis: Keep Your Spine Moving

Is spinal arthritis cramping your style? If so, you’re not alone! It affects millions of people worldwide. Osteoarthritis is the leading cause of spinal stiffness, pain, and limited movement. The good news? Physiotherapy can be a game changer, helping you manage symptoms and maintain mobility. Why not make an appointment with us at Hunters Hill Physiotherapy? Just call (02) 9816 5092. We’ve got your back – quite literally. But first, let’s explore how physiotherapy can bring some flexibility back to your life.

Understanding spinal osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage between the small ‘facet’ joints of the spine breaks down over time, leading to degenerated joint surfaces, poor movement, pain and stiffness. This condition is prevalent among older adults and often results from chronic strain on the spinal joints. However, with the right physiotherapy interventions, we may alleviate your symptoms and maintain your mobility.

Physiotherapy techniques for spinal arthritis relief

• Strength and stability exercises: Tailored exercise programs from our physiotherapists get you working to strengthen the muscles around your spine. By improving muscle support, you reduce the load on arthritic joints, relieving pain and preventing further deterioration. Low-impact activities, such as walking or swimming, also support cardiovascular health without straining your joints.
• Posture and movement training: Good posture plays a critical role in managing spinal OA. Poor alignment can exacerbate pain by placing additional stress on affected joints. Our physiotherapists teach techniques to maintain a neutral spine during daily activities, like lifting and bending. Better posture awareness can significantly decrease pain and enhance your overall comfort.
• Hydrotherapy: Exercising in warm water through hydrotherapy provides excellent relief for those with severe stiffness. The buoyancy of water alleviates stress on the spine, promoting easier movement. Additionally, the warmth of the water can soothe sore joints, enhancing flexibility and making movement more enjoyable.li>
• Manual therapy and soft tissue techniques: This is where the magic happens. Manual therapy, including gentle mobilisation of the spinal joints, improves range of motion and alleviates stiffness. Our physiotherapists also employ soft tissue release techniques, targeting surrounding muscles to relieve tension and reduce pain. This hands-on approach enhances circulation and promotes faster recovery, allowing you to remain active.
• Lifestyle adjustments for better outcomes: Physiotherapy extends beyond exercises; it encompasses essential lifestyle changes. Maintaining a healthy weight is vital, as excess weight places additional strain on the spine, particularly in the lower back. Our physiotherapists guide you on pacing activities, breaking tasks into manageable parts, and ensuring you rest before pain escalates. This balanced approach fosters effective long-term management of spinal arthritis.

Physiotherapy’s role in pain management

While physiotherapy cannot “cure” osteoarthritis, it can play a significant role in pain management and help to reduce progression of the disease. Living with spinal arthritis doesn’t mean sacrificing your favourite activities or living in pain. Our dedicated physiotherapists will equip you with the tools needed to stay active and improve your quality of life.

To begin your journey toward enhanced mobility, contact Hunters Hill Physiotherapy at (02) 9816 5092.

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Information provided here (including text, graphics, images, outbound links, and other material) is for informational purposes only. It is general in nature and is not to be used or considered as a substitute for personalised professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified allied health provider regarding any symptoms, medical conditions, or treatments and before undertaking any new health care regimen.