“My doctor told me it’s bone-on-bone. I’m not sure anything can help.” As osteopaths and physiotherapists we hear this kind of statement a lot—and it’s completely understandable. Osteoarthritis (OA) can sound scary, but here’s the truth: OA is common, manageable, and not a one-way ticket to a life of pain and inactivity.
🧠 Let’s Rethink Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis isn’t just “wear and tear” from getting older or using them too much. It’s a complex condition that affects the whole joint, including:
- The cartilage (the smooth cushioning at the ends of bones),
- The bone underneath (which can change shape or harden),
- The soft tissues around the joint (which can get irritated),
- And even your body’s overall health, like inflammation linked to weight or metabolic conditions.
The good news? OA is not a life sentence. You have more power than you think. At our clinic, our osteopaths and physiotherapists want to help you understand what’s really going on—and how you can take back control.
✅ 9 Reassuring Facts (and Myths Busted)
1. How much damage you have on a scan doesn’t equal your pain level.
That phrase often sounds scarier than it is. Joints are dynamic and adaptable, and pain doesn’t always match what’s seen on a scan. Some people with lots of changes on X-rays feel fine. Others with only mild changes feel more discomfort. You are not your scan.
2. Exercise won’t wear your joints out more.
In fact, moving helps nourish your joints and reduce pain. The right exercises can make joints feel better, not worse. One of the best ways to manage symptoms is through movement. The right movement can help to reduce pain and maintain the health of the cartilage.
3. OA pain can improve.
It might seem surprising, but with the right approach – movement, strength, lifestyle tweaks – many people feel better over time.
4. Surgery isn’t the only option.
Joint replacements can help in some cases, but most people don’t need surgery and do very well with conservative care.
5. Pain is complex – but manageable.
Pain is affected by many things – stress, sleep, mindset, fitness. It can be overwhelming to know where to start but we can help you untangle it and find what works for you.
6. Your body is still strong and capable.
You are not fragile. Muscles love a challenge, and stronger muscles mean happier joints.
7. OA doesn’t mean you have to stop doing what you love.
It might mean doing things differently—but not giving them up.
8. Being active is safe.
It’s one of the best treatments for OA. You’ll likely feel better, move better, and gain confidence.
9. You’re not alone.
We’re here to help you make sense of it all, and provide tailored treatment to reduce pain and improve joint mobility.
🛠️ So, What Can You Do About It?
Here are some simple, proven strategies to help manage OA:
- Keep moving: Aim for regular, gentle activity. Walking, swimming, and cycling are great places to start.
- Strengthen muscles: Focus on the area around your joints. Stronger muscles = better support and less strain.
- Find your pace: Alternate activity with rest. Avoid the boom–bust cycle of overdoing it, then needing days to recover.
- Look after your whole self: Good sleep, healthy eating, managing stress, and staying socially connected all help manage pain.
- Give us a call to see if we can help your individual symptoms, with treatment and/or advice.
- Stay positive: Your joints are not crumbling. Many people live well with OA.
🙋♀️ How We Can Help
If you’re feeling stuck or unsure, that’s where we come in. As osteopaths, we:
- Help you understand what’s happening,
- Guide you through safe, effective movement,
- Help improve your symptoms, including managing pain and improving mobility
- And support you with hands-on care and lifestyle advice tailored to you.
You don’t have to figure it out alone. Let’s work together to help you feel stronger, more confident, and in control again.
