Joint pain can affect people of all ages and may interfere with walking, exercise, work, sleep, and daily activities. Arthritis is one of the most common causes of joint pain and occurs when joints become inflamed, stiff, or damaged over time.

Common symptoms may include:

• Pain during movement or at rest
• Joint stiffness, especially in the morning
• Swelling or inflammation
• Reduced mobility or flexibility
• Weakness around the joint
• Difficulty with walking, stairs, gripping, or exercise

Arthritis can affect many joints including the knees, hips, shoulders, hands, spine, and ankles. The most common forms include osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Physiotherapy can play an important role in managing symptoms, improving mobility, and helping you stay active.

How Physiotherapy Can Help

Physiotherapy treatment focuses on reducing pain, improving movement, and restoring function. A personalised treatment plan can help you move more comfortably and maintain your independence.

Benefits of physiotherapy for joint pain and arthritis may include:

• Reduced pain and stiffness
• Improved flexibility and joint mobility
• Increased muscle strength and stability
• Better balance and coordination
• Improved walking and physical function
• Support to return to exercise and daily activities
• Education on managing flare-ups and protecting joints

Physiotherapy Assessment for Joint Pain & Arthritis

Your physiotherapist will complete a thorough assessment to understand your symptoms and identify contributing factors.

The assessment may include:

Detailed History

• Your symptoms and pain patterns
• Previous injuries or surgeries
• Daily activities and lifestyle
• Exercise habits
• Medical history and arthritis diagnosis

Physical Examination:

• Joint movement and flexibility
• Muscle strength
• Swelling and inflammation
• Walking and balance
• Posture and alignment
• Functional movements such as squatting, stairs, or reaching

Goal Setting:

Together, we create a treatment plan based on your goals, whether that is:

• Walking more comfortably
• Returning to exercise
• Reducing pain
• Improving mobility
• Staying active and independent

Treatment is tailored to your condition, symptoms, and activity level.

Exercise Therapy:

Specific exercises help improve:

• Strength
• Flexibility
• Joint stability
• Balance and endurance

Exercise is one of the most effective treatments for arthritis and chronic joint pain.

Manual Therapy:

Hands-on treatment may help:

• Improve joint mobility
• Reduce stiffness
• Relieve muscle tension
• Improve movement quality

Pain Management:

Your physiotherapist may use:

• Activity modification advice
• Heat or ice recommendations
• Taping or bracing
• Education on pacing and flare-up management

Mobility & Functional Training:

Treatment may focus on improving:

• Walking mechanics
• Stair climbing
• Balance and confidence
• Everyday movement patterns

Education & Self-Management:

Understanding your condition is important for long-term management. We provide guidance on:

• Safe exercise
• Joint protection strategies
• Weight management and activity levels
• Managing symptoms at home

Common Conditions We Treat

We commonly help patients with:

• Knee arthritis
• Hip arthritis
• Shoulder pain and arthritis
• Hand and wrist arthritis
• Neck and back joint pain
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Osteoarthritis
• Post-surgical joint rehabilitation