With an ageing population, joint replacements are becoming more common in the UK, especially for hips and knees affected by osteoarthritis. But waiting lists are long, and recovery can be a struggle. If you’re approaching the need for a replacement, you might wonder what you can do to support yourself in the meantime. Osteopathy can help in three ways: reducing the need for surgery in the first place, supporting you while you wait, and helping your rehabilitation afterwards.
Preventing the Need for Joint Replacement
Not all arthritis leads inevitably to surgery. Osteoarthritis is a condition affecting the health of cartilage in joints. Over time, the cartilage becomes less hydrated and the surface becomes more rough. This in turn causes pain, reduced movement, and a loss of shock absorption. In the early stages of OA, improving joint movement can keep nutrients flowing into the cartilage and flush out waste products. This can slow the cycle of stiffness and pain that leads to further degeneration.
Osteopaths use gentle techniques to reduce muscle tightness, improve circulation, and restore movement in the affected joint. We also provide exercise plans to strengthen the supporting muscles, which can reduce load on the joint and improve long-term function. The earlier you start this type of care, the more chance there is to preserve joint health and potentially delay or avoid replacement altogether.
Support While Waiting for Surgery
For many people, ultimately surgery will still be the solution. But with waiting lists stretching into months or years, managing pain and mobility in the meantime becomes essential. Long periods of time spent adapting to pain can cause additional aches and pains elsewhere, which we would actively look for to nip in the bud.
Even the cartilage in later stage OA can still respond to treatment. By easing muscle tension and addressing compensations elsewhere in the body, we aim to minimise excess pressure on the affected joint. This in turn should make everyday activities more comfortable. A common compensatory pattern would be back pain developing from the adaptions made for an arthritic hip. Left unmanaged, that could develop into upper back tension and headaches. Treating those areas can help reduce overall discomfort and keep you more mobile.
We can also advise on ergonomics, walking aids, or simple lifestyle adaptations, so you can stay as active as possible without unnecessarily straining the area.
Prehabilitation: Preparing for Surgery
“Prehab” describes the work done before surgery to get your body in the best possible shape. A strong and mobile body has a better chance at a smooth and speedy recovery after the operation.
Your osteopath can help by improving movement in stiff joints, strengthening weaker muscles, and ensuring your posture and gait are as efficient as possible. Reducing compensations ahead of time means that when you begin to walk on your new joint, there are fewer bad habits to unpick. We’ll also give you advice and exercises to continue at home, so you feel confident and better prepared when the time for surgery arrives.
Rehabilitation After Joint Replacement
After surgery, you’ll usually be given a physiotherapy plan to follow. This is crucial, but you may also benefit from additional osteopathic support. We can help monitor your progress, adapt your exercises as you improve, and treat any secondary aches and pains that arise during recovery. Sometimes subtle movement patterns, like a mild limp, can persist without you noticing. Your osteopath can spot and address these early, reducing the risk of long-term issues.
If you suspect you’re on your way to a joint replacement, make an appointment in Horley or Crawley here.
