The Physio Diary

Introduction “I'm getting old, so the pain is normal.” This is a statement I hear often. A man in his sixties once told me, “Physio, my knees have served me well. They have retired before I have.” We laughed, but beneath the joke was a belief many people hold: that aging automatically means becoming weak, dependent, and unable to move freely. The truth is far more encouraging.  Growing older doesn't mean growing weaker. And even if you have osteoarthritis, one of the most common conditions affecting older adults, movement can still be your friend–not your enemy. If you're new to osteoarthritis and would like to understand the condition better, check out our detailed guide here . The Dangerous Myth: “Rest Is Best” When a joint hurts, the natural reaction is to avoid using it. It makes sense. If your knee hurts when you walk, walking less seems like the solution. Unfortunately, prolonged inactivity often creates a vicious cycle: pain - less movement - muscle weakn...

Introduction Last week, a woman walked into the clinic and said, “Doctor, every day, I need about 10 minutes before my knees remember to move.” We both laughed. But she's not alone. Many people wake up feeling stiff, slow, uncomfortable – especially in their knees, hips and hands.  If that's you, keep reading.  Because sometimes, it’s not just “old age” or “sleeping wrong”. One common reason behind this kind of morning stiffness is a condition called Osteoarthritis (OA). Let’s talk about it. What is Osteoarthritis? Osteoarthritis is one of the most common joint conditions in the world. Your joints have a smooth covering that helps your bones move easily when you bend, walk, climb stairs, or pick things up. Over time, this covering can wear down; and when this happens, the joint doesn't move as smoothly as it should. This could lead to:  Stiffness Pain Swelling; and the knees, hips, hands, and lower back are some of the areas most commonly affected.  Expla...