​Osteoarthritis is an inflammatory process that occurs within the body which usually results in the pain, swelling and stiffness in a joint.
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It is one of the most common joint problems with 595 million people being affected by it as of 2020.[1] Within Australia, 1 in 5 over the age of 45 have osteoarthritis.[2] Those with this condition may talk about pain that is gradual in onset and worsens with activity, feels stiff (reduced range of motion), increased swelling, and pain after prolonged sitting or resting.
 
Research shows many factors can contribute to Osteoarthritis including injury to the joint, pre-existing joint diseases, obesity, thoughts and even gut health.
 
The latest research demonstrates a new approach can bring hope that pain can be reduced, function can be improved, and the progression of Osteoarthritis be slowed down by specific rehabilitation and input. It is estimated that approximately 344 million are experiencing severity levels of moderate or severe levels of Osteoarthritis who could benefit from this type of specific rehabilitation.[3] This could be to avoid or delay joint surgery or pre-habilitation prior to joint replacement surgery being considered or undertaken.

​There are 3 inter-related areas that have been described in 'The Knee Osteoarthritis Handbook' by Mosely, Butler & Stanton (2023), as being key to assisting in the management of this condition including:

• Increasing physical activity - build strength and mobility in the affected area to be able to feel stronger and fitter, reduce inflammation and lose weight
• Decreasing inflammation within the body - improve capacity for movement, improve the healthiness of your joints and body
• Increasing knowledge within the area (if you’ve read up to this point, you’re already starting this process!) - enhance your capacity to problem-solve and plan for the ways to achieve you functional goals and aspirations, as well as reduce your body’s stress and inflammatory response.

You may have seen the headlines recently about a new trial giving hope to millions suffering from back pain. This research was assessing to see if there were different outcomes between participants who received ‘Cognitive Functional Therapy’ (CFT) and those who received ‘usual care’.

(if you are interested you can read the abstract of the article on this link https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(23)00441-5/fulltext)

Low back pain costs the Australian health system 4.8 billion annually (1) with the overuse of medicines, spinal surgery and passive treatments that focus on short term relief.

Historically our treatment options for persistent low back pain haven’t been very good…

Pain medications, bed rest and surgery are now recognised to have a limited role in helping most cases of low back pain. In fact, in some cases, these options can delay recovery and sometimes lead to further loss of capacity.
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However, there is hope and management is getting better…

Strength training, also known as weight or resistance training, isn’t just for body builders! In fact, everyone can benefit from strength training as it helps prevent the natural loss of lean muscle mass that comes with ageing, and it is suitable for all ages and fitness levels!

The Australian Physical Activity and Fitness Guidelines list strength training as an essential part of maintaining good physical & mental health and wellbeing, with a recommended 2 sessions per week. This doesn’t always need to involve lifting weights in the gym, although helpful, it can consist of bodyweight or resistance exercises that can just as easily be completed at home. 

What I love about physio:
I enjoy being able to help people, seeing them improve, becoming stronger and returning to pain free activities and returning to their normal abilities. Another great aspect about being a physiotherapist is you meet lots of different and interesting people with everyday being different and you are always challenged. I also enjoy how many different areas there are in physiotherapy; for example you can have the opportunity to travel with an elite sports team or instruct a Clinical Pilates class the next week. I love how there is so much variety and opportunity.

I love to travel. When I was 19, after I finished my first year of university, I decided to travel around the world on my own. I started in India and made my way across to Egypt, England, Europe, Canada and Hawaii. It was one of the best and most surreal experience I have ever had because I was able to see so many different sights, cultures and meet so many great people along the way. Two of my favourite places were Egypt and India as they are so different from Western society with their culture, food and historic landmarks. Visiting the Taj Mahal in India and the Pyramids and Valley of the Kings in Egypt were three highlights of my 12 week adventure. To see and stand in the tombs of famous Egyptian Pharaohs with their mummified bodies in perfect condition thousands of years later was simply fascinating and an amazing experience.

One of my passions is athletics. I have been competing as an athlete for the last 19 years at State and National levels, as well as being an active member of the West Beach Athletic Club.  I have been lucky enough to travel the country competing in different state teams over the years, and have met lots of inspiring people along the way and been able to train and learn from Olympians and Commonwealth Games athlete representatives.