The study, commissioned by Arthritis Research UK, revealed that almost half of the UK public believe that arthritis simply means ‘aches and pains when you get old’ and 68 per cent don’t know that children under the age of 10 can be affected.
National Arthritis Week, held from 8 to 14 October, aims to educate the public and tackles popular myths about the condition, including the common misconception that people with arthritis should avoid exercising.
The initiative highlights the importance of regular exercise for healthy joints. It aims to raise awareness of the impact and prevalence of arthritis and draws attention to the treatments and self-help management options available.
Commenting on the role of physiotherapy in treating arthritis patients, CSP campaigns and communications director Lynne Stockbridge said: ‘There is strong evidence that physical activity can help to manage some of the symptoms of arthritis.
‘Physiotherapy staff can provide advice and education on exercise for arthritis, pain relief and self-management strategies.’
To coincide with the campaign, Arthritis Research UK produced a video to highlight the work of Dr Nicola Walsh. She is an arthritis research fellow and senior lecturer in physiotherapy at the University of the West of England, Bristol.
Dr Walsh talks about both the importance of exercise for arthritis patients and her work in providing appropriate educational resources for exercise professionals and practitioners.
The film follows patients at a community exercise class held at Devizes Community Hospital, Wiltshire, which is funded by the CSP Charitable Trust.
- To view the film, visit: www.youtube.com/embed/OI46zoaX-vs
- Advice for patients with arthritis is available at: www.csp.org.uk/your-health/conditions/osteoarthritis
- Exercise advice leaflets are available at: www.csp.org.uk/publications/common-pains-conditions
- The CSP’s Physiotherapy works: rehabilitation factsheet is available at: www.csp.org.uk/publications/physiotherapy-works-rehabilitation
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