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Osteoarthritis (OA) is a wear-and-tear condition that affects the joints, particularly as we age. It’s caused by the gradual breakdown of cartilage—the smooth tissue that cushions joints—as well as changes to the underlying bone, inflammation of the synovial lining, and the development of bony growths called osteophytes. Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis, and it’s one of the top reasons people experience pain and reduced mobility. According to The Lancet Rheumatology, more than 300 million people are affected with Osteoarthritis globally, and those numbers keep growing—especially among people who are overweight and lead inactive lifestyles. Lack of regular joint loading and physical activity can make symptoms worse and speed up joint decline.
Traditionally, managing Osteoarthritis meant taking painkillers and reducing activity until joint replacement became necessary. Patients were often told to “take it easy,” rest the affected joints, and wait it out. But the landscape has changed significantly. The latest evidence-based guidelines—such as those from the Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI, 2019)—hig
It used to be common advice to avoid weight-bearing activities altogether, for fear of making things worse. But we now know that’s not helpful—and in many cases, it’s actually harmful. Controlled joint loading and physical movement are essential for joint health. Movement helps circulate synovial fluid, which in turn nourishes the cartilage. This process, known as the trans-synovial pump, relies on regular movement to keep joints functioning well. There’s also a growing body of evidence showing that staying active helps manage pain levels and improves overall wellbeing. A 2021 review in Arthritis Care & Research even found that exercise was just as effective as medication for managing Osteoarthritis symptoms—without the side effects.
We see this modern thinking in action all the time at Remedium Wellness. One of our favourite stories involves an 85-year-old patient who came to us on the verge of a double knee replacement. He was in pain daily—but still cycling and walking without help. What made the biggest difference was his mindset. He accepted that some pain would always be present but refused to let it limit him. This type of psychological resilience can play a key role in pain modulation. Research in Pain (2020) and other publications shows that maintaining a positive mental framework, engaging in meaningful movement, and staying socially and physically active can reduce central sensitisation—the process where the nervous system becomes hypersensitive to pain. In other words, the more he kept going, the more he signalled to his nervous system that the pain wasn’t a threat.
At both our Hackney (Hoxton) and Worcestershire clinics, we take a hands-on, integrated approach to managing Osteoarthritis. Osteopathy is at the heart of what we do—using soft tissue techniques, joint mobilisation, and patient education to reduce discomfort, restore mobility, and optimise biomechanics. These treatments can help reduce muscular tension, improve circulation around the affected joints, and promote better overall movement patterns.
We also incorporate extracorporeal radial shockwave therapy (rESWT) as part of our treatment offering. Used appropriately, rESWT has been shown in recent studies to reduce pain and improve function in people with knee osteoarthritis. By stimulating tissue regeneration and modulating pain signals, this technique can be especially beneficial when used in combination with other manual therapies and rehabilitation exercises.
If you’re looking to take action at home, here are some simple, research-backed strategies to support your joint health:
Whether you’re a former athlete or someone who spends hours sitting at a desk, osteoarthritis doesn’t have to mean giving up the things you enjoy. At Remedium Wellness, we help people in Hackney and Worcestershire at all stages of Osteoarthritis find personalised, evidence-based strategies to stay active, reduce discomfort, and live fully.
Book an appointment today at our Hackney (Hoxton) or Worcestershire clinic and start taking control of your joint health—on your terms.
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