By Álvaro, physiotherapist at Nordicfysio
If you’re reading this, you or someone close to you may be living with osteoarthritis. That often means waking up with stiff joints, feeling pain when walking too far, or being afraid of losing mobility.
The good news is that there’s a lot you can do — and living on the Costa Blanca gives you an advantage.
Why the Costa Blanca can help
The climate here plays a big role. Warm temperatures can help relax tight muscles, and the air here usually has less moisture (humidity) than in northern Europe, which can help lower joint inflammation — that’s the swelling and pain you feel inside a joint.
But climate alone is not enough. When you combine it with the right treatment, you can feel much better.
What is osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis is a condition that affects the joints. It’s not just about getting older or “wearing out” your body. In this condition, the cartilage — the soft material between bones — breaks down over time. This can lead to the bones rubbing against each other, which causes pain.
But the pain doesn’t always come from the joint itself. Often, it comes from how your body moves to avoid that pain. This can create muscle imbalances or bad movement habits that lead to more discomfort.
What helps — and what doesn’t
After working with many patients, I’ve seen what tends to help most — and what doesn’t.
What usually doesn’t help:
- Staying still or resting too much (this can make your muscles weaker)
- Only using painkillers (they help temporarily, but don’t solve the problem)
- Avoiding movement (can make stiffness and pain worse over time)
What usually helps:
- Manual physiotherapy — hands-on treatment to improve joint movement
- Strength exercises — especially for the hips and knees
- Neuromodulation — we use a method called Scenar to reduce pain signals
- Education — when you understand how your body works, you move better and with more confidence
Small changes make a big difference
If you live here or spend the winter on the Costa Blanca, this is the perfect time to take action. Even a short treatment program — just two weeks — can bring noticeable improvements.
At Nordicfysio, our goal is not only to reduce your pain, but to help you feel strong, confident, and in control of your body again — so you can enjoy life more fully.
Ready to take the first step? Let’s talk.– Álvaro