Joint Action

Is osteoarthritis preventable? with Dr Jackie Whittaker

Feb 27, 2022

41:18

On this episode of Joint Action, we are joined by Dr Jackie Whittaker to discuss osteoarthritis prevention, risk factors and prevention strategies.

Osteoarthritis is the most common joint condition, affecting more than 300 million people worldwide. There is currently no cure for OA and the current management strategies for OA are focussed on alleviating symptoms. Current management and include core treatments such as patient education, exercise and physical activity and weight loss or weight management if necessary. Given that there is no cure for OA, research into the field of osteoarthritis prevention has been emerging, and although there is still work to be done in the field, there has been new insights into modifiable risk factors such as obesity and joint injury.

Dr. Jackie Whittaker is an Associate Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy, at the University of British Columbia and is recognized as a Clinical Specialist in Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy by the Canadian Physiotherapy Association. She completed her BScPT degree at the University of Alberta, PhD in Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation at the University of Southampton (UK) and a post-doctoral fellowship supported by an Alberta Innovates Health Solutions Clinician Fellowship in injury prevention and epidemiology at the University of Calgary. She has been an Assistant Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy and Research Director of the Glen Sather Sports Medicine Clinic at the University of Alberta.

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