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Stages of Osteoarthritis & Evidence-Based Physiotherapy Management | Physio360 Chennai.

  • Writer: PHYSIO 360
    PHYSIO 360
  • Jun 1
  • 3 min read


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INTRODUCTION;

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a progressive degenerative joint disorder that primarily affects the cartilage, bones, and surrounding tissues. It can significantly reduce mobility and quality of life if left unmanaged. The good news? With evidence-based physiotherapy, you can control pain, delay progression, and restore function at every stage.

At Physio360 Chennai, our expert physiotherapists use clinically proven techniques to manage osteoarthritis from early onset to advanced stages, promoting pain relief, joint health, and active living.


What is Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is the wear and tear of the joint's cartilage and underlying bone, most commonly affecting the knees, hips, hands, and spine.

🧬 It occurs due to:

  • Age-related changes

  • Joint overuse or injury

  • Muscle weakness

  • Genetic predisposition

  • Obesity and metabolic syndromes


The 4 Stages of Osteoarthritis

🟢 Stage 1: Minor (Early Stage)

  • Cartilage is minimally damaged

  • Possible joint space narrowing

  • Mild discomfort or stiffness after activity

🧠 Physiotherapy Goals:

  • Education & Ergonomic Advice

  • Posture correction

  • Low-impact exercises (e.g., walking, cycling)

  • Strengthening of muscles around the joint (e.g., quads, glutes)

  • Joint preservation techniques

📚 Evidence: Studies show early strength training can reduce joint load and prevent structural decline (Huang et al., 2003).


🟡Stage 2: Mild

  • Noticeable cartilage damage

  • Increased bone spurs

  • Frequent joint pain and stiffness, especially after long periods of inactivity

🧠 Physiotherapy Goals:

  • Manual therapy for pain relief and joint mobilisation

  • Neuromuscular training to improve coordination and balance

  • Isometric and resistance exercises to support joints

  • Stretching routines to maintain flexibility

  • Weight management guidance

📚 Evidence: Bennell et al. (2015) show that tailored exercise programs reduce pain and improve joint function significantly in mild-to-moderate OA.


🟠 Stage 3: Moderate

  • Significant cartilage loss

  • Joint space is visibly reduced on X-ray

  • Increased inflammation, swelling, and pain during normal activities

🧠 Physiotherapy Goals:

  • Pain management techniques: ultrasound, TENS, heat/ice therapy

  • Assistive devices: braces, taping, or walking aids to reduce the load

  • Closed-chain kinetic exercises (e.g., step-ups, wall sits)

  • Gait training for better walking mechanics

  • Aquatic therapy to reduce joint stress

📚 Evidence: American College of Rheumatology recommends physical therapy as a first-line non-pharmacological treatment in moderate OA.


🔴 Stage 4: Severe

  • Almost complete cartilage loss

  • Bone-on-bone contact

  • Constant pain and restricted movement

  • Likely candidate for joint replacement

🧠 Physiotherapy Goals (Pre/Post-Surgical or Non-Surgical):

  • Prehab to build strength before surgery (if planned)

  • Pain reduction through modalities (IFC, cryotherapy)

  • Joint protection education

  • Post-op rehab: range of motion, strengthening, proprioception

  • Functional training (e.g., stair climbing, sit-to-stand)

📚 Evidence: Pre and post-op physiotherapy improves surgical outcomes and reduces hospital stay (Villadsen et al., 2014).




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The Role of Physiotherapy in Long-Term OA Management

At Physio360 Chennai, we take a multi-disciplinary, evidence-based approach to osteoarthritis management.

🔍 Comprehensive Assessment🧘 Tailored Exercise Prescription🤝 Patient Education & Self-Management🛠 Manual Therapy + Electrotherapy📉 Progress Tracking & Outcome Monitoring


Frequently Asked Questions

❓Can OA be reversed with physiotherapy?

🟩 No, but physiotherapy can delay progression, reduce pain, and restore function.


❓Is surgery the only option in severe cases?

🟧 Not always. Many patients improve significantly with structured physiotherapy programs.


❓How long should OA rehab take?

📆 Depends on the stage, but even 8–12 weeks of consistent therapy can show measurable improvement.


Why Choose Physio360 Chennai for Osteoarthritis Care?

✔ Team of expert ortho-physiotherapists

✔ Individualised rehab plans for every OA stage

✔ Manual therapy, taping, dry needling & modern modalities

✔ Prehab & post-op joint replacement rehab

✔ Affordable pricing with convenient locations in Chennai



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📍 Visit Physio360 for OA Management That Works!

Don’t wait until joint pain takes over your life. Early intervention makes a BIG difference.

📞 Book your OA assessment today at Physio360 Centre in Chennai📍 Centers: Gerugambakkam | Porur | Medavakkam🌐 www.physio360.in

💬 You don’t have to live with joint pain.

Get moving again — safely and confidently — with Physio360 Chennai.


REFERENCE AND RESEARCH ARTICLE;

1.Physical therapy as a promising treatment for osteoarthritis: A narrative reviewhttps://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9614272/


2.Physiotherapy Management in Patient with Knee Osteoarthritis through Three Tract Reasoning: A Case Reporthttps://www.researchgate.net/publication/348802264_Physiotherapy_Management_in_Patient_with_Knee_Osteoarthritis_through_Three_Tract_Reasoning_A_Case_Report.


 
 
 

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