Therapeutic exercise and weight management
Practitioner-ledTherapeutic exercise, including muscle-strengthening and aerobic work, is core first-line treatment for osteoarthritis and improves pain and function comparably to anti-inflammatory painkillers like ibuprofen or naproxen at three to six months, without their gastric or cardiovascular risks; weight management is recommended for people with BMI over 25.
What it involves
Enrol in a therapeutic exercise programme with muscle-strengthening (particularly quadriceps) and aerobic components
For hip osteoarthritis where land-based exercise is limited by pain, substitute aquatic exercise
Implement weight loss where BMI is over 25
Develop a personalised self-management plan with an individualised exercise prescription
Educational information, not a prescription. Any amount named in a study or on a pack is for a pharmacist, GP or qualified practitioner to confirm for you.