Importance Of Early Physiotherapy In Preventing Long-Term Bone And Joint Degeneration
Last Updated:August 04, 2025, 10:03 IST
With the growing incidence of early-onset joint issues, physiotherapy stands as a cornerstone in both prevention and recovery
With the growing incidence of early-onset joint issues, physiotherapy stands as a cornerstone in both prevention and recovery
The bone asked the joint, “Why do I degenerate so soon?” And the joint replied, “Because you either underuse or overuse me.”
“This paradox remains central when it comes to joint degeneration. Early arthritis caused by wear and tear is commonly seen in weight-bearing joints like the hips and knees. The shoulders often follow, particularly in individuals with comorbidities like diabetes. Overuse injuries are also common especially in athletes leading to premature joint degeneration,”says Dr Hina Jain, Associate Professor, Department of Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy, K J Somaiya College of Physiotherapy, Mumbai.
The underlying causes of degeneration are often linked to lifestyle and physiological factors: sedentary habits, poor dietary choices, insufficient sun exposure, lack of strength training, and hormonal changes such as early menopause.
Alarmingly, signs of joint degeneration are now appearing as early as in one’s 30s. In such cases, non-pharmacological interventions are gaining greater relevance, with exercise emerging as one of the most effective yet still underrated tools in preventive care.
The Role of Physical Therapy
Physical therapy has made significant strides in improving bone and joint health. Interventions such as strength training, weight-bearing exercises, and guided lifestyle and dietary modifications have all shown positive outcomes.
Dr Jain explains what makes physical therapy essential in the management of degeneration:
Tailor-made exercise protocols designed for individual needs
Correct exercise form, frequency, and dosage prescribed by experts
Effective pain management through exercise and adjunct therapies
But physiotherapy is not limited to guiding exercise alone. It plays both preventive and rehabilitative roles:
Preventive Role
When introduced early even before symptoms appear physiotherapy can delay or prevent degeneration through targeted movements and muscle activation.
Rehabilitative Role
In cases where degeneration has already occurred, physical therapy helps manage symptoms and improve function and quality of life.
In Summary: PHYSIOTHERAPY IS THE KEY
With the growing incidence of early-onset joint issues, physiotherapy stands as a cornerstone in both prevention and recovery. It’s time we moved from reactive treatment to proactive care because stronger bones and joints begin with movement.
Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she’s a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl…Read More
Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she’s a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl… Read More
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