KNEE AND HIP
OSTEOARTHRITIS
Osteoarthritis is wear of the joint cartilage and most often affects the knees and hips. With Dr. Verbitskiy in Maribor, we use manual therapy to ease tension around the joint and improve mobility - as a complement to orthopaedic care.
Osteoarthritis is a gradual wear of the joint cartilage that changes the mechanics of the joint. It most often affects the knees and hips because they carry the body weight. Manual therapy does not restore cartilage, but tight muscles, stiff joint capsules and an altered walking pattern are often responsible for the pain as well - and we can influence those.
Why osteoarthritis occurs
Various factors contribute to its onset and worsening:
- 🔹 Age and natural wear of the joint cartilage
- 🔹 Previous injuries of the joint, meniscus or ligaments
- 🔹 Excess body weight that increases the load on the joints
- 🔹 Long-term overload in sport or heavy work
- 🔹 Tension and weakness of the muscles around the joint
- 🔹 An altered walking pattern or different leg lengths
How osteoarthritis presents
Common signs are:
- 🔹 Pain when walking, climbing stairs or standing up from a seat
- 🔹 Morning stiffness that eases after a few minutes of movement
- 🔹 Pain after prolonged strain that settles at rest
- 🔹 Reduced range of motion of the joint
- 🔹 Occasional swelling or a feeling of stiffness in the joint
- 🔹 Grinding or creaking on movement
How we treat osteoarthritis
The aim is to reduce pain and tension, preserve mobility and strengthen the muscles that stabilise the joint, so that you stay active for as long as possible.
1. Assessment of condition
Examination of joint mobility, muscles and walking pattern, and an assessment of what worsens the pain.
2. Manual therapy
Release of tight muscles and improved joint mobility with gentle techniques.
3. Strengthening and guidance
Exercises for joint stability, guidance on loading and on choosing footwear.
Knee and hip osteoarthritis we help with
People most often come to us with these problems:
- 🔹 Pain and stiffness when starting to move
- 🔹 Pain on stairs
- 🔹 Reduced mobility of the knee or hip
- 🔹 Pain after longer walking
- 🔹 Tension in the muscles around the worn joint
- 🔹 Instability or a feeling that the knee gives way
Signs that require immediate attention
Seek medical help if the joint suddenly hurts badly and swells, if it is red and warm or accompanied by fever, if it locks, or if you cannot put weight on the leg after a fall. These may be signs of inflammation, an injury or another urgent condition.
In advanced osteoarthritis an orthopaedic assessment is required, including on the question of surgery. Manual therapy does not remove joint wear, but as a complement it can reduce tension and improve mobility.
What our patients say
Verbitskiy, Manualna terapija - Osteopatija, diagnostika, rehabilitacija, d.o.o. · Maribor
Watch videos about manual therapy and osteopathy on our YouTube channel.
Visit YouTube channel →Frequently asked questions about knee and hip osteoarthritis
Does manual therapy repair a worn joint?
No, it does not restore worn cartilage. It can, however, reduce tension in the surrounding muscles, improve mobility and often reduce pain.
Is movement harmful in osteoarthritis?
Suitable, gentle and regular movement is usually beneficial, while rest can make the problems worse. What is right for you we judge after the examination.
Do insoles and suitable footwear help?
In some people they do, especially with altered walking mechanics. We judge after the examination whether they make sense.
When does surgery make sense?
The orthopaedic specialist decides this based on the degree of wear and the limitations in everyday life. Manual therapy can be used before or after an operation.
Do I need imaging?
Not necessarily, we carry out the examination without it. If you have scans, bring them; we will advise on further tests if needed.
How many treatments do I need?
It depends on the degree of the problems; some patients feel relief after the first visits, others need a longer programme with exercises.
Contact us
Get in touch with any questions or to book an appointment.
Please bring one large towel with you to your appointment.
Please confirm your appointment by phone or WhatsApp one hour beforehand, or two hours beforehand if you are travelling a long way. This way you avoid a wasted trip if an appointment has to be rescheduled at short notice.