Osteoarthritis Patients in Jämtland county Need Sustained Exercise Support, Rheumatics Association Says
ÖSTERSUND - the Rheumatics Association of Jämtland County is calling for increased and sustained support for physical therapy training for osteoarthritis patients, citing regional disparities in adherence to recommended exercise regimens. A recent statement from the association highlights data from the Swedish Osteoarthritis Register showing significant variation across regions in the percentage of patients maintaining sufficient physical activity three months after completing initial basic treatment.
Osteoarthritis remains the moast common joint disease in Sweden, with prevalence expected to rise alongside an aging population, increasing BMI, and more sedentary lifestyles. While access to early basic treatment – including patient education, supervised physical exercise with a physiotherapist, and weight management - is improving, the association argues that one-time gym sessions and informational leaflets are frequently enough insufficient.
“Many people need follow-up and personal support,” the association stated. “It is indeed rarely enough with a supervised review at the gym and a leaflet with tips on exercises and healthy food – many people need follow -up and personal support.”
The association advocates for ensuring all patients needing physiotherapy training have access to sufficient supervision and duration of care, alongside more equitable access to rehabilitation and assistive devices nationwide.
National efforts to improve osteoarthritis care have included the growth of osteoarthritis schools, digital care alternatives, national knowledge support systems, and the establishment of nationally recognized quality registers. A national programme area encompassing health authorities and patient organizations recently identified past limitations in patient access to self-care information and gaps in primary care knowledge regarding evidence-based osteoarthritis treatments.
