Osteoarthritis
The Silent Wear That Restricts Movement
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis and, according to NHS England, affects millions of people across the United Kingdom, particularly from the age of 45 onwards. Medically, it is defined as a degenerative joint disease in which cartilage — the smooth, elastic tissue covering the ends of bones — gradually wears away. As this protective layer deteriorates, bones begin to rub directly against each other, causing pain, swelling, and loss of mobility.
The British Medical Journal emphasises that this process rarely develops overnight. Instead, it typically evolves over years due to a combination of factors: natural ageing, mechanical overloading of the joint, previous injuries, excess body weight, and genetic predisposition. In its early stages, the condition may present as morning stiffness that eases with movement; over time, the pain becomes more frequent and may persist even at rest.
About
Osteoarthritis
How It Develops
With every step, jump, or movement, cartilage acts as a shock absorber, distributing load and protecting the underlying bone. Over the years, and with repetitive motion or heavy strain, cartilage loses water content, becomes thinner, and develops cracks. The exposed bone reacts by forming osteophytes (small bony growths), which restrict movement and increase friction. As described in The Lancet Rheumatology, this process triggers chronic low-grade inflammation within the joint, worsening damage and perpetuating the cycle of pain.
Everyday Realities
Anna, 52, once walked to work daily. Now, persistent knee pain forces her to take the bus even for short distances. Climbing stairs is a slow, deliberate task, always with one hand gripping the rail.
Peter, a retired carpenter, wakes each morning with stiffness in his hands. Opening a jar or holding a hammer brings discomfort, forcing him to limit activities he once loved.
Margaret, a devoted gardener, can no longer spend hours weeding. After just 20 minutes, her hips compel her to stop and rest.
The Numbers in the UK
According to Arthritis Research UK and NHS England:
Over 8.5 million people in the UK live with osteoarthritis.
Knees are the most commonly affected joints, followed by hips and hands.
It is one of the leading causes of physical disability in older adults and accounts for a substantial proportion of long-term work absences.
Beyond the Physical Impact
Osteoarthritis limits far more than movement. The constant pain and gradual loss of independence can take a heavy emotional toll, leading to frustration, anxiety, or even depression. The British Orthopaedic Association highlights that many individuals are forced to modify — or entirely give up — activities that bring meaning and joy, from working and dancing to playing with grandchildren.
Before
After
The Prosalud Vibrotherapy Solution
How Daily Physiotherapy with Vibrotherapy and Heat Transforms the Lives of People with Osteoarthritis
Living with osteoarthritis is not only about coping with pain; it also means facing stiffness in the morning, reduced mobility, and the fear that your joints may stop responding when you need them most. According to the British Medical Journal, one of the most effective ways to maintain joint function and reduce discomfort is daily physiotherapy tailored to the individual — and when vibrotherapy with heat is incorporated, the benefits are significantly amplified.
Therapeutic heat works directly on the muscles and tissues surrounding the affected joint. By increasing blood flow, it improves oxygenation and nutrient delivery, reduces stiffness, and prepares the area for movement. Studies reviewed in The Lancet Rheumatology show that daily heat application reduces pain, improves flexibility, and primes the joint for exercise, lowering the risk of injury from sudden or unprepared movements.
Controlled vibrotherapy adds another crucial element: it stimulates sensory and muscle receptors, improving proprioception (the ability to sense and coordinate movement) and reducing muscle spasms associated with chronic pain. Research published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine indicates that, in patients with knee and hip osteoarthritis, targeted vibration therapy strengthens muscles, decreases inflammation, and promotes a more stable gait, reducing the risk of falls.
The impact, however, is best understood in real-life situations. Helen, 67, once struggled with knee pain every morning. After incorporating daily heat and vibrotherapy sessions before her exercises, she now walks through the park without having to stop every few minutes. Charles, 72, had stopped playing with his grandchildren due to hand pain and weakness. After just four weeks of daily heat and vibrotherapy sessions — 30 minutes, twice a day, in the comfort of his own home — he can now lift his grandchildren and throw them a ball without hesitation.
This approach does not replace traditional physiotherapy; it enhances it. Heat prepares and relaxes the tissues, vibration stimulates and activates them, and together they break the cycle of pain, stiffness, and fear of movement that often accompanies osteoarthritis. Applied daily, it not only eases current symptoms but also preserves joint function, improves quality of life, and gives people back the freedom to move with confidence.
Medical Advice & Supporting Research
Osteoarthritis in the UK: Not Inevitable — but Common
Osteoarthritis (OA) remains one of the most prevalent musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions across the UK, affecting an estimated 10 million people—approximately 6 million women and 4 million menCKS. Knee and hip OA are particularly widespread, with around 5.4 million affected by knee OA and 3.2 million by hip OACKS. In primary care, nearly 10% of all attendees present with OA, underscoring how central this condition is to NHS workloadbjgp.org. Despite its prevalence, OA doesn’t have to be an inevitable part of getting older—lifestyle factors play a determinative role.
The Power of Lifestyle: Weight & Activity
Both the Arthritis Foundation and the NHS agree that staying active, keeping a healthy weight, and preserving functional movement dramatically cut the risk and slow OA’s progression. NHS guidance recommends at least 150 minutes/week of moderate aerobic activity (like brisk walking or cycling), plus strengthening exercises two or more days weeklynhs.uk+1. The Arthritis Foundation echoes this, advising 150 minutes moderate or 75 minutes vigorous activity weekly (“think 30-minute brisk walks five times a week”)Arthritis Foundation.
Obesity heightens the strain on joints; up to two-thirds of UK adults are overweight or obese—68% among men, 60% among womenNHS England DigitalWikipedia. Tackling obesity, therefore, represents one of the most impactful strategies for OA prevention and management.
Evidence-Backed Benefits and Safety
Numerous studies show lifestyle interventions can significantly alter OA outcomes:
A 2014 review found that even modest weight loss—around 11 lb—can slash the risk of knee OA progression by up to 50%Verywell Health.
Combining regular low-impact exercise with healthy eating helps reduce joint pain, preserve muscle strength, and manage weight effectivelyBritish Dietetic AssociationVerywell Health.
Daily, varied movement even within sedentary contexts helps maintain joint health by ensuring synovial fluid circulation—critical for lubrication and nourishment of jointsThe Sun.
Clinical Guidance: Meds, Diet, and Supports
While lifestyle remains central, clinical treatments and support complement self-management:
Paracetamol is often recommended first for short-term pain, though its effectiveness can be limited. If needed, NSAIDs (often alongside proton pump inhibitors) are used for inflammation but require medical oversightnhs.uk.
Other self-management tactics include appropriate footwear, walking aids, and posture correction—like ergonomic seating and regular movement breaksnhs.ukNHS England.
The British Dietetic Association offers dietary advice such as:
Aim for a healthy BMI (18.5–25 kg/m²); target a 10% body-weight reduction if overweight,
Eat oily fish 1–2 times/week (or consider supplements),
Use monounsaturated oils (e.g., olive or rapeseed),
Ensure sufficient vitamin D (10–25 µg/day in low sun months),
Include vitamin K and antioxidant-rich foodsBritish Dietetic Association.
Key Takeaways & Practical Steps
Osteoarthritis may be common, but it's not a foregone conclusion. Early recognition, along with weight management, exercise, and timely intervention, can preserve mobility and reduce pain.
Key actions to consider:
Exercise smartly and regularly: 150 mins moderate aerobic activity per week plus strengthening exercises.
Manage weight: If you're overweight, a 10% weight loss can halve knee OA risk.
Improve diet: Healthy BMI, oily fish, unsaturated fats, vitamin D in winter, antioxidants from fruit and veg.
Seek support: Visit your GP or physiotherapist before starting a program.
Use aids & posture strategies: Ergonomics, walking aids, and supportive footwear help reduce joint strain.
The Prosalud Company massager is engineered as a therapeutic instrument for home use, combining low‑frequency vibration that activates deep muscle fibres with controlled heat to maximise relaxation and circulation.