Réhabital
Arthritis Treatment in Côte Saint-Luc
Osteoarthritis is the progressive wearing down of the cartilage that cushions joint surfaces; it most commonly affects the knee, hip, hands and spine, causing pain, stiffness and a gradual loss of mobility. While it is a chronic condition that cannot be 'cured', appropriate care slows its impact on function and helps you stay active longer. At Réhabital in Côte Saint-Luc, we assess the joint involved, the surrounding muscle strength and your functional limitations before building a plan that combines osteopathy, physiotherapy and self-management guidance. We also stay alert for signs of inflammatory arthritis, which requires separate medical evaluation.
Book an AppointmentUnderstanding This Condition
Knee osteoarthritis presents with pain that worsens with walking, going down stairs and after prolonged sitting, often with mild swelling and a grinding sensation. Hip osteoarthritis causes deep pain in the groin or buttock, with marked morning stiffness and difficulty putting on socks or shoes. Hand osteoarthritis typically affects the distal finger joints and the base of the thumb, leading to reduced grip strength and sometimes small nodular deformities. Facet joint osteoarthritis of the cervical or lumbar spine causes morning stiffness that improves with movement, then returns by the end of the day. These presentations differ from inflammatory arthritis — rheumatoid arthritis, gout, spondyloarthritis — which typically presents with warm, red swelling, morning stiffness lasting more than an hour, symmetric involvement of multiple joints, fatigue and sometimes fever. These signals point toward medical evaluation and blood work before starting rehabilitation, since inflammatory arthritis often requires specific medication. Our role is to distinguish carefully between these presentations, treating mechanical osteoarthritis while promptly referring cases suggestive of systemic inflammation.
Common Symptoms
Common Causes
Age-related mechanical wear
Cartilage gradually loses its elasticity and thickness over the years, reducing its shock-absorbing capacity. This natural process accelerates with repeated joint overuse.
Excess body weight
Every extra kilogram multiplies the load transmitted to the knees and hips during walking. This increased pressure speeds up cartilage wear over the years.
Previous joint injuries
A poorly healed sprain, fracture or old ligament surgery alters joint mechanics and promotes premature, localized cartilage wear.
Weak surrounding muscles
Insufficiently strong muscles around a joint, such as the quadriceps for the knee, leave the joint to absorb more load directly, accelerating degeneration.
Genetic predisposition and inflammatory factors
Some people develop osteoarthritis earlier due to hereditary factors. In other cases, an underlying autoimmune disease such as rheumatoid arthritis causes a distinct joint condition requiring medical follow-up.
Our Treatment Approach
Our evaluation begins with a detailed symptom history, joint range-of-motion testing, muscle strength testing, and screening for signs of systemic inflammation (warm swelling, symmetric involvement, prolonged morning stiffness) that would warrant prompt medical referral. Osteopathy, with Shahram Ghasemi, improves overall mobility of the joint and adjacent structures, reduces postural compensations and eases myofascial tension that aggravates pain. Physiotherapy, with Colin Teghen Tamuton, targets specific strengthening (quadriceps for the knee, gluteus medius for the hip), gentle joint mobility exercises, manual therapy and education on managing daily load. Massage therapy relaxes the compensatory muscles often tight around an arthritic joint. For foot osteoarthritis or gait-related issues, a podiatry evaluation may be recommended. The plan is adjusted based on progress and effort tolerance.
What to Expect at Your First Visit
The first visit lasts about 60 minutes and includes an assessment of mobility, strength and functional level, along with screening for inflammatory signs. You leave with a clear plan, initial exercises and load-management guidance. Follow-up visits adjust the program based on your progress.
At-Home Self-Care Tips
- Maintain a healthy weight to reduce joint load.
- Move regularly rather than staying immobile for long periods.
- Favor low-impact activities such as swimming or cycling.
- Strengthen the muscles around the affected joint.
- Apply heat for stiffness and cold after activity.
- Use ergonomic aids to protect the small joints of the hands.
Prognosis & Recovery Timeline
Osteoarthritis is a chronic condition that progresses slowly, but an exercise and manual therapy program significantly reduces pain and improves function for most patients within 6 to 8 weeks. Gains require long-term maintenance of physical activity and muscle strengthening to stay stable.
When to See Us at Réhabital
Come see us if joint pain limits your daily activities or persists despite rest. See a physician promptly if you notice warm, red swelling, morning stiffness lasting more than an hour, symmetric involvement of multiple joints, fever or marked fatigue, as these signs suggest inflammatory arthritis requiring blood work and specific medication.
Why Réhabital Clinic
In Côte Saint-Luc, our team combines osteopathy, physiotherapy and massage therapy to help people living with osteoarthritis maintain their mobility and independence. We are also trained to recognize signs of inflammatory arthritis and refer promptly to a physician when needed.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Address
D4-5800 Cavendish Blvd
Côte Saint-Luc, QC H4W 2T5
Phone
(438) 842-3550Hours
Mon–Fri: 10AM–8PM
Sun: 10AM–4PM
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