Before I Get Arthritis: Pre-Osteoarthritis
David’s four-hour drive was only half-way through when he needed to stop for gas. When he stepped out of the car, he had to hobble into the gas station to get a cup of coffee. His knees and hips were so stiff it took him a few steps before he could straighten up. He told himself that this was not a big deal, after all, it did not hurt and who needs to be able to run anyway.
Osteoarthritis is a common problem, but this is not David’s issue. Osteoarthritis (OA) is the erosion and inflammation of a joint. It is common in the knees, hips, and the hands. The medical definition of hip OA is when someone is stiff for 60 minutes upon waking in the morning, has difficulty putting on their shoes and socks, and not able to flex the hip past 115 degrees when bringing the knees to the chest. OA is a more progressive condition than the symptoms David is experiencing.
You may not have OA but you could be on your way to being diagnosed with it in the future. You have Pre OA. You are stiff in the morning, a little but not for 60 minutes. Sure, putting on your socks is not great but you can get there. You may have to put one foot at time up on a chair to put your sock on, and hold onto something while you put on your underwear, but you can still do it.
The good news is that Pre OA can be treated through specialized physical therapy at the FYZICAL Hips for Life™ program. No guarantees, but decreased flexibility, joint range of motion, and muscle weakness can be stopped…or at least slowed down. Everyone is different, and the results will vary.
There is substantial evidence supporting physical therapy intervention for this type of condition.
The Hips for Life™ program is designed to improve on your current status and hopefully you will be able to see a change within 3 weeks or 9 visits. If you address these issues now, you may be able to stop, delay, or slow down the process.
Did you know that we offer free assessments through FYZICAL First? If you are wondering if you could have pre-osteoarthritis or want to know more about the Hips For Life™ program