A view from a clinical practitioner: Non-pharmacological, non-surgical management of OA musculoskeletal pain

Osteoarthritis (OA), the most common form of joint disease, results in high levels of human suffering and poses an economic burden on the healthcare and disability support systems. Pharmacological and surgical approaches to the management of pain and disability from osteoarthritis continue to advance; however many have unforeseen side effects and complications that do not become evident until years after implementation. Managing these side effects ultimately adds to the direct costs incurred by the disorder.

As population risk factors and comorbidities (eg, age and obesity) rise, so will the demand for conservative and cost effective treatment options. Ultimately, the best strategy is disease prevention, but osteoarthritis is not completely avoidable. There are a number of non-pharmacological and non-surgical therapies that may compliment, or even replace, traditional pharmacological and surgical management strategies for some patients with osteoarthritis. This session will present approaches to OA from a clinical practitioner point of view using non-pharmacological, non-surgical management methods to help relieve the pain of OA and maintain the highest level of physical function.

This presentation discusses doctor-patient level approaches including primary, secondary and tertiary prevention measures: patient education regarding risks and prevention; education in nutrition for weight management and therapeutic usage of food; nutritional recommendations; education in movement, physical activity, exercise, and flexibility; use of language in patient education about OA to lessen patient suffering; manual therapies to improve joint and muscle function; ergonomic training for comfort during activities of daily living; safety training for the home environment; and bracing and supports.