Details of (OA)

Question 1

What is (OA) ?

Answer 1

This is a Chronic Degenerative condition that affects joints, Specifically Articular cartilage and underlying bones.

Question 2

What are the joints that are most commonly affected by (OA)?

Answer 2

This includes:
Weight bearing joints. 
Hip, Knees, SI, Facet Joints, L5 S1. 
Small joints of hands and feet. 
Lumbar and Cervical Spine joints.

Question 3

What are some possible Causes for (OA)?

Answer 3

(RA).
Trauma (Fracture, Dislocation and sprains).
Bony Disorders (
Metabolic Disorders.
Hereditary conditions of Collagen (Weakness).

Question 4

What are Early Symptoms of (OA)?

Answer 4

This can include:
Dull achy pain that is hard to localize.
Joint pain related to activity that is relived by rest.
Morning stiffness relived by 30 mins or more of movement.
Spasms surrounding joint (TP’s), Hypertonicity.
Slight Decrease in ROM.
Early onset of capsular Pattern.
No swelling.

Question 5

What are Late symptoms of (OA)?

Answer 5

This can include:
Increase in frequency in pain. 
Pain at rest with activity. 
Morning pain not relived by activity. 
Joints affected by Barometric pressure. 
Muscle wasting due to inactivity. 
Bony end feel due to Osteophytes. 
Decreased ROM and capsular pattern. 
Palpable Audible Crepitus. 
Uneven Gate and Posture. 
May have joint Replacement (arthroplasty).

Question 6

What are CI’s related to (OA) for massage?

Answer 6

No (PF ROM) in the late stage.
No frictioning if Inflamed.
Shorter treatments.
No direct work on inflamed joints.

Question 7

What are things people can do as Home care for (OA)?

Answer 7

Self Hydrotherapy. 
Rest from aggravating factors. 
Educate client.
Pain free stretch and strengthening. 
low impact exorcise and AF ROM. 
Refer to other Health care profs that can help as well.

Question 8

What are the Treatment Goals for someone who has (OA)?

Answer 8

Decrease, pain, Hypertonicity, TP’s, Spasms and increase circulation.

Question 9

How would you treat a client that has (OA) during a flare up?

Answer 9

The type of work you would do is light work to the hypertonic tissue using:
Effleurage, petrisage, rocking and shaking.

Question 10

How would you treat a client with (OA) that has a severely degenerated Joint?

Answer 10

Cool hydro on inflamed joints. 
Grade 1 & 2 Joint mobilization. 
Decrease joint stiffness. 
AF, AA, Mid range PR ROM. 
Decrease muscle atrophy. 
Vibrations. 
Decrease joint deformation.

Question 11

How could you treat a client with (OA) between flare ups?

Answer 11

Decrease joint stiffness. 
AF, AA, or mid range PF ROM.
Grade 1 or 2 mobilization. 
Conservative stretching. 
Alternative activity with rest periods. 
Decrease pain, hypertonicity, TP's, increase circulation. 
Gental massage to Hypertonic Muscles.

Question 12

How could you treat a client that has a Severely degenerated joint from (OA) that is CHRONIC?

Answer 12

Contrast hydro or Deep moist heat (if it does not worsen the condition).
Grade 1 or 2 joint mobilization.
Gentle circular frictions of affected ligaments (do not compromise stability).
Gentle tapotement.