Dr. Vaishali Suri (P.T.)
Osteoarthritis: India's Most Common Joint Disease
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis and the leading cause of disability in older adults in India. It affects approximately 15% of Indians over 60, with the knee being the most commonly affected joint, followed by the hip, spine, and hands. In Faridabad, with its large ageing and working population, OA is one of the most frequent conditions we treat at Realign Rehab Clinic.
OA is characterised by progressive degradation of articular cartilage — the smooth covering on joint surfaces — along with bony changes (osteophytes, subchondral sclerosis), synovial inflammation, and soft tissue changes. It is not simply "wear and tear" from normal use; it is a complex disease process influenced by genetics, obesity, previous injury, and muscle weakness.
The OA-Muscle Weakness Cycle
One of the most important and actionable insights from OA research is the muscle weakness cycle: OA causes pain → pain inhibits muscle activation → muscle weakness increases joint loading → cartilage damage accelerates → more pain. This cycle can be broken by physiotherapy-directed strengthening — the most powerful OA treatment available.
Key Physiotherapy Treatments for OA
Strengthening Exercise
Multiple randomised controlled trials demonstrate that progressive strengthening reduces OA pain as effectively as NSAIDs — with zero side effects and lasting benefits. For knee OA: quadriceps strengthening (the most important intervention), hip strengthening (reduces knee valgus loading), and calf strengthening. For hip OA: gluteal and hip external rotator strengthening.
Aerobic Exercise
Low-impact aerobic exercise (walking, cycling, swimming) reduces OA pain, improves function, and reduces systemic inflammation. The key is finding activities that can be performed without significant pain exacerbation. We help patients find and progress appropriate aerobic exercise.
Manual Therapy
Joint mobilisation maintains and improves the range of motion that OA progressively reduces. Soft tissue techniques reduce the muscle guarding and spasm that amplify OA pain. Regular mobilisation slows the progression of joint stiffness.
Weight Management
Every kilogram of body weight reduction removes approximately 4 kilograms of force from the knee joint. Physiotherapy supports weight management through exercise prescription and activity modification.
Electrotherapy
TENS, IFT, and laser therapy provide effective short-term pain relief that enables more effective participation in exercise therapy. Heat therapy before exercise, cold therapy for flare-ups.
Assistive Devices
Walking sticks (used on the opposite side to the affected joint), unloader knee braces, and appropriate footwear modifications reduce joint loading and improve safety.
Physiotherapy vs. Surgery for OA
For mild to moderate OA, physiotherapy is consistently recommended as the first-line treatment by all major clinical guidelines (NICE, OARSI, ACR). Surgery (knee replacement, hip replacement) is reserved for severe OA where conservative management has failed. Even for patients who will eventually need joint replacement, physiotherapy before surgery (prehabilitation) significantly improves outcomes.
OA Physiotherapy in Faridabad
At Realign Rehab Clinic, NIT-5, Faridabad, we help OA patients at all stages — from early OA through to post-surgical rehabilitation. Our OA programmes combine evidence-based strengthening, pain management, and lifestyle advice for lasting functional improvement. Book your free consultation today.