What Is Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition caused by the breakdown and eventual loss of cartilage in the joints. When cartilage deteriorates you may feel pain and stiffness and be less able to perform daily activities.

Locations

Osteoarthritis appears at various joints throughout the body, including the hands, feet, spine, shoulders, hips and knees.

Causes

Osteoarthritis is considered a “wear and tear” disease because the cartilage in the joint wears down with repeated stress and use over time. As the cartilage deteriorates and gets thinner, the bones lose their protective covering and eventually may rub together, causing pain and inflammation of the joint.

An injury may also lead to osteoarthritis, but may not develop symptoms until years later.

Complications

Some patients with osteoarthritis also develop a bone spur (a bony protrusion) at the affected joint. Bone spurs can also limit the movement of the joint.

Using TENS therapy for Osteoarthritis pain

After a diagnosis of osteoarthritis , your pain management plan will include several methods of pain relief and should offer drug-free options.

ActivBody is the TENS machine we suggest for Osteoarthritis pain

ActivBody electrotherapy can be used everyday - outside the clinic - for drug-free, on-demand pain relief, reduced stiffness and mobilization of joint.

How to use ActivBody for arthritis

User Guide

Please read the User Guide that comes with your TENS machine.

Pad placements - arthritis

The objective is to place the pads either side of the spot where your arthritis pain is at its worst. The signal passes from one electrode to the other, therefore passing through the site of pain.

These are examples only. Please phone us if you need further advice.