Arthritis
Manage arthritis pain and stiffness and keep your joints moving, strong and independent for the long term.
Arthritis causes joint pain, stiffness and reduced function, most commonly in the knees, hips, hands and spine. Osteoarthritis — the 'wear and repair' form — is the most prevalent, and while it can't be reversed, the right exercise and management make a genuinely enormous difference to pain, mobility and independence.
It's a common myth that exercise 'wears out' arthritic joints. In fact the opposite is true: appropriate strengthening and movement nourish the joint, reduce pain and improve function. Inactivity, on the other hand, leads to weaker muscles, stiffer joints and more pain — a cycle we work hard to reverse.
Our physiotherapists design a sustainable program that strengthens the muscles supporting your joints, maintains mobility and gives you the confidence to stay active — which is the single most effective thing you can do for arthritis.
Common causes
- Osteoarthritis — age-related joint wear and change
- Previous joint injuries or surgery
- Reduced muscle strength around the joint
- Inactivity and being above a healthy weight
- Inflammatory forms of arthritis (assessed and co-managed)
Signs & symptoms
- Joint pain and stiffness, often worse with rest
- Stiffness first thing in the morning that eases with movement
- Reduced range of movement and strength
- Difficulty with stairs, walking or daily tasks
- Occasional swelling or a grinding sensation
How we treat arthritis
A clear, step-by-step path from settling your symptoms to lasting recovery — tailored to you at every stage.
Assess your joints & goals
We evaluate the affected joints, your strength and the activities you want to get back to, and build a realistic plan around them.
Reduce pain & stiffness
Manual therapy, gentle mobility work and load advice ease symptoms and get you moving more comfortably.
Strengthen the support
A tailored, progressive strengthening program builds the muscle that protects and offloads your joints — the cornerstone of arthritis care.
Long-term self-management
We equip you with a sustainable routine and activity strategy so you stay strong, mobile and independent for years to come.
What to expect
Strengthening programs for arthritis typically produce noticeable reductions in pain and improvements in function over six to twelve weeks, and these gains are maintained as long as you keep the routine going.
Exercise and physiotherapy are recommended worldwide as the first-line treatment for osteoarthritis, and can delay or even avoid the need for joint-replacement surgery. If surgery does become appropriate, we'll prepare and rehabilitate you for the best outcome.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about arthritis and how we treat it.
Will exercise wear my joints out faster?
No. Appropriate exercise reduces arthritis pain and improves function — it's protective, not harmful. Inactivity is what accelerates problems.
Do I just have to live with the pain?
Not at all. While arthritis can't be cured, the right program can substantially reduce pain and keep you active and independent.
Can physio help me avoid surgery?
Often, yes — for many people exercise delays or avoids surgery. And if surgery is needed, prehab and rehab improve the result.
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Your recovery starts with one appointment
Book online in under two minutes, or call us and we'll find a time that works. Most extended health plans accepted with direct billing.