Why Strength Training Matters in Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is often associated with pain, stiffness and reduced movement. It’s understandable that when a joint is painful, the instinct can be to rest it.

But one of the things we regularly explore through our CPD at Alba Physiotherapy is the role of progressive strength training in managing osteoarthritis.

Stronger muscles, better support

When we develop osteoarthritis, it can become harder to use a joint normally. Pain and stiffness can lead to reduced activity, which in turn can lead to muscle weakness.

This can create a frustrating cycle: less movement → less strength → reduced confidence and function → even less movement.

Strength training can help to break that cycle.

Building strength around an affected joint can improve the body’s ability to perform everyday activities, from getting out of a chair and climbing stairs to walking, running or returning to sport.

But what about pain?

One of the most important things we consider clinically is that exercise does not necessarily mean damaging the joint.

Some discomfort during or after exercise can occur, particularly when someone is starting a new programme. The key is understanding the individual’s response and progressing exercise appropriately rather than avoiding movement altogether.

This is where physiotherapy can be particularly valuable. Exercise needs to be tailored to the person, their symptoms, their goals and their current level of strength and function.

Progress rather than perfection

There isn’t one perfect exercise for osteoarthritis.

A good rehabilitation programme might include strengthening exercises, aerobic activity, balance work and functional movements, depending on the individual.

The important thing is that the programme is progressive. As strength and confidence improve, exercises can be gradually adapted to continue providing an appropriate challenge.

Our ongoing CPD helps us keep reviewing the evidence around exercise and osteoarthritis so that the advice we give reflects current understanding rather than outdated ideas about simply “resting” an arthritic joint.

The takeaway

Osteoarthritis doesn’t automatically mean that you need to avoid exercise.

In many cases, the right exercise can be part of the solution — helping improve strength, function, confidence and quality of life.

At Alba Physiotherapy, we can help you work out where to start and how to progress safely towards the activities that matter to you.

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Brid Walsh

Brid qualified in 2004 with a BSC Honours Degree in Sports and Exercise Science from the University of Limerick, Ireland. In evaluating her future path, she spent a summer in Alaska with the Hope Foundation supporting disabilities of various sorts. Her further work experience in the Rehabilitation Centre in Dun Laoghaire, Dublin convinced her that Physiotherapy was the direction she wished to specialise in. In 2007 she subsequently qualified from the Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen with an MSC in Physiotherapy.