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OSTEOARTHRITIS

GROUP PHYSIO

What is Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is a joint condition where the protective cartilage between bones breaks down, causing pain, stiffness, and swelling. It often affects the knees, hips, hands, and spine. This wear and tear usually comes with age or overuse but can also result from injury or genetics. While there's no cure, treatments like exercise and therapy help manage symptoms.

The 6 main symptoms of osteoarthritis include:

  1. Joint pain – worsens with activity and improves with rest.

  2. Stiffness – especially in the morning or after periods of inactivity.

  3. Swelling – around the affected joints.

  4. Loss of flexibility – reduced range of motion in joints.

  5. Grating sensation – feeling of bones rubbing against each other.

  6. Bone spurs – hard lumps that form around the joint.

Osteoarthritis & Strength Training

Builds Joint Support with Strength Training

Strength training improves the muscles around the joints, offering better support and reducing joint strain. Stronger muscles act as shock absorbers, which is particularly beneficial for joints affected by osteoarthritis.

Enhances Joint Stability with Plyometrics

Plyometric exercises, focused on explosive movements, increase muscle power and enhance joint stability. While osteoarthritis patients should avoid high-impact plyos, modified versions like low-impact jumps or explosive step-ups can improve balance and joint function without excessive stress.

Improves Range of Motion

Strength training, combined with controlled explosive movements, helps maintain and improve joint flexibility and mobility. By training the muscles to move powerfully and efficiently, joints remain more functional and less stiff.

Supports Weight Management

Resistance and plyometric exercises aid in burning calories and maintaining a healthy weight. Reduced body weight puts less stress on joints, especially in weight-bearing areas like the knees and hips, minimizing pain and slowing the progression of osteoarthritis.

Boosts Explosiveness for Daily Activities

By training explosiveness with safe plyometric drills, people with osteoarthritis can improve their ability to perform quick, powerful movements in daily life, enhancing overall functional strength and mobility.

Enhances Mental Health and Motivation

Strength training and explosive exercises release endorphins, boosting mood and mental resilience. This helps osteoarthritis patients stay motivated and manage chronic pain more effectively.

Only at Umana Health can you find group osteoarthritis classes in Etobicoke!

Participate in our group physiotherapy sessions for a cost-effective and individualized method to improve strength, mobility and overall well-being.

We offer a private, clean boutique space and small group sizes (6 individuals) to ensure we are providing the best experience for all of our participants. Many of our experienced instructors are also health professionals!

Our second series starts Wednesday, November 27th, 2024

What you'll get:

  • 8 Weeks of sessions PTA* led and supervised by Physiotherapist

  • Assessment/reassessment with a physiotherapist

  • Home Exercise Program

  • Weekly Scaffolded Curriculum

  • Weekly education component

  • Small group setting (max. 6 people)

  • Billable through insurance

  • Ongoing support from your physiotherapist

Only for

$320*

assessment

included

*Any unused sessions are eligible for refund.​

**Physiotherapist will determine after the assessment if visits will qualify as physiotherapy

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