Use it or lose it!

26 July 2013

Use it or lose it!

Arthritis New Zealand welcomes the results of new studies that back up mounting international evidence that exercise is the most effective treatment for early osteoarthritis, Chief Executive Sandra Kirby said today.

She was referring to research released by the University of Otago this week, which concluded that physiotherapy and regular exercise make a significant difference for people with painful osteoarthritis in the knee and hip joints, and are cost-effective treatments.

“The outcomes of more exercise are less pain and more mobility, and these are the really important gains for people living with arthritis,” said Ms Kirby. “And given the challenges of exercising whilst managing pain and protecting joints, there is a key role for physiotherapy in helping people create and implement a sustainable exercise programme.”

“It is important to note that treatment of chronic conditions like osteoarthritis is more than just having surgery and taking painkillers. Yet community based programmes like physiotherapy, exercise classes and green prescription programmes, are often neglected in funding decisions.”

“We want people to know that it is never too late to start exercising. Although if you do have osteoarthritis, advice from a physiotherapist will ensure you are helping your affected joints not making things worse,” Ms Kirby concluded.

Arthritis is New Zealand’s leading cause of disability. Arthritis New Zealand is the national organisation focussed on raising awareness of the more than 140 different forms of arthritis, advocating for those with the condition, and providing advice and support. Over 530,000 New Zealanders are living with one or more forms of arthritis, and it is estimated that more than 305,000 of them have osteoarthritis.

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