World Physiotherapy Day is observed on the 8th of September every year. This day is celebrated to establish the significance of physiotherapy in our lives. Physiotherapy plays an important part in keeping our bodies healthy and fit. Several conditions can be cured with the help of Physiotherapy. The physiotherapist can treat the injuries and deformities in a case and make their damaged body part functional. The Theme for World Physiotherapy Day 2022 is Prevention and Management of Osteoarthritis ( the most common form of arthritis). The day focuses on raising mindfulness about the pivotal part of physiotherapists in the forestallment of Osteoarthritis and the way through which the condition can be managed. Mentioned below are a many exercises which can be done by people suffering from osteoarthritis.
Initially, get started with simple strengthening exercises without resistance and then progress by using flexible tubing, weights up to 1 or 2 kgs 12 to 15 times in 2 or 3 sets.
Shoulder Stretches:
- Sit with forearms in front of the body.
- Bring the elbows back to the “hands up” position, with palms facing forward.
- Stretch the arms overhead as far as possible, but keep the elbows in line with the side of the body.
Forward arm reaches:
- Sit or stand with arms at the side, elbows bent and thumbs pointed back toward the shoulders.
- Stretch arms overhead.
- If one of the arms is weak, then help it by placing the hand under the elbow and assisting the arm to the overhead position.
- Finally, lower the arms slowly and bring them to the starting position.
Finger walk thumb circles:
- Sit with hands on the table and fingers pointing ahead.
- Slide thumbs toward each other.
- Then slide each finger towards the thumb, one by one.
- After the little finger has completed the “walk”, lift the hands and put them down straight. Then, move the fingers toward the thumb. Then rotate the thumbs.
Biceps curls:
- Start with elbows bent by the sides.
- Keep the upper arm at the side, and bring one dumbbell up to the shoulder.
- Lower to the starting position and repeat the same exercise with the opposite arm.
- Continue to alternate between sides.
Triceps extensions:
- Hold the weight overhead by using both hands.
- Keeping the elbows pointed upward, lower the weight behind the head. (Make sure not to hit the back of the neck).
- Raise weight overhead again.
- Return and repeat.