Advanced practitioner physiotherapists Krystian Dawiec and Tom Causebrook discuss recent developments in the management of osteoarthritis in primary care
Module summary
NICE guidelines on osteoarthritis now place an emphasis on exercise in its management. In practice, the pain and mobility problems faced by patients with osteoarthritis can make regular exercise a challenge.
Here primary care physiotherapists Krystian Dawiec and Tom Causebrook explain how exercise can help in managing osteoarthritis and how it can be safely and effectively implemented. They also discuss the role of other interventions in osteoarthritis management and what pharmacological options are now recommended.
Learning objectives:
- Understand the management options in osteoarthritis, including the central role of exercise
- Be able to confidently advise patients on how exercise can help manage pain and improve mobility
- Gain an understanding of the key pharmacological adjuncts
- Appreciate the role of psychological support and weight loss
- Recognise when surgery is appropriate and how this is accessed
Authors: Krystian Dawiec is an advanced clinical practitioner and musculoskeletal clinical lead based in primary care and is also a consultant physiotherapist in private practice.
Tom Causebrook is an advanced physiotherapy practitioner splitting his time between first contact physiotherapy clinics in primary care and orthopaedic interface services, as well as managing a busy sports and orthopaedic clinic.
Date module published: 4.07.2024
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