Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis and one of the leading causes of joint pain and stiffness. It can affect almost any joint in the body, but it’s most commonly seen in the knees, hips, hands and spine. Many people worry that an arthritis diagnosis means they should stop exercising or that they’ll inevitably need surgery—but that’s rarely the case.
At Great Northern Physiotherapy, we take an evidence-based approach to managing osteoarthritis. Our experienced physiotherapists will assess your symptoms, identify the factors contributing to your pain and create a personalised rehabilitation programme to help you move more comfortably, build strength and stay active for the long term.
Symptoms
Osteoarthritis symptoms often develop gradually and can vary from person to person. Some people experience only mild discomfort, while others find their symptoms begin to affect everyday activities.
Common symptoms include:
- Joint pain during or after activity
- Morning stiffness that eases with movement
- Reduced joint flexibility
- Swelling around the joint
- Clicking or grinding sensations during movement
- Difficulty walking, climbing stairs or standing from a chair
- Reduced strength around the affected joint
- Pain that worsens after prolonged activity or inactivity
Symptoms often fluctuate, with periods where the joint feels relatively comfortable followed by flare-ups.
Causes
Osteoarthritis is a natural process involving changes to the joint over time. The smooth cartilage that covers the ends of the bones gradually becomes thinner, while the quality of the lubricating joint fluid (hyaluronic acid) also changes. These changes can lead to pain, stiffness and reduced movement.
Several factors can increase the likelihood of developing osteoarthritis, including:
- Increasing age
- Previous joint injuries
- Repetitive loading through work or sport
- Family history
- Excess body weight
- Muscle weakness
- Joint instability
- Previous surgery
Importantly, osteoarthritis isn’t something you can catch, and having arthritis doesn’t necessarily mean your joints are “wearing out.” Many people continue to live active, healthy lives with the condition.
Diagnosis
A detailed physiotherapy assessment is often all that’s needed to diagnose osteoarthritis.
During your appointment, we’ll discuss:
- Where your pain is located
- When symptoms occur
- Activities that aggravate or relieve your pain
- Previous injuries or surgeries
- Your work, hobbies and activity levels
- Your recovery goals
We’ll also assess:
- Joint movement
- Muscle strength
- Balance
- Walking pattern
- Functional movements
- Joint stability
- Overall biomechanics
Although X-rays can show arthritic changes, they don’t always match the amount of pain someone experiences. Many people have significant arthritis on imaging but little or no pain, while others have relatively minor changes but noticeable symptoms. For this reason, we always treat you, not your scan.
Treatment Options
Comprehensive Physiotherapy Assessment
Every person experiences osteoarthritis differently.
Our assessment focuses on identifying the specific factors contributing to your pain and reduced function, allowing us to develop a treatment plan tailored to your lifestyle and goals.
Hands-on Physiotherapy
Manual therapy can help reduce stiffness, improve joint mobility and make movement more comfortable.
Treatment may include:
- Joint mobilisation
- Soft tissue massage
- Muscle release techniques
- Movement re-education
Hands-on treatment is most effective when combined with a structured exercise programme.
Rehabilitation Exercises
Exercise is the most effective long-term treatment for osteoarthritis and is considered the cornerstone of management. Research consistently shows that strengthening the muscles around the joint can reduce pain, improve function and help people stay active.
Your rehabilitation programme may include:
- Strength training
- Balance exercises
- Flexibility work
- Functional movement training
- Walking programmes
- Low-impact cardiovascular exercise
- Joint mobility exercises
Your exercises are progressed gradually to improve strength without unnecessarily aggravating your symptoms.
LASER THERAPY
Laser therapy may help reduce pain and swelling from osteoarthritis and is often used alongside exercise to support movement and function.
Injection Therapy
For people whose pain is limiting their progress, injection therapy may be appropriate.
Depending on your assessment, this may include:
- Corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation during painful flare-ups
- Hyaluronic acid injections to improve joint lubrication
These treatments are designed to support your rehabilitation rather than replace exercise-based management.
Self-management
There are many things you can do to help manage osteoarthritis successfully.
We often recommend:
- Staying physically active
- Completing your prescribed exercises regularly
- Maintaining muscle strength
- Managing flare-ups with sensible activity modification
- Using pain relief if advised by your healthcare professional
- Maintaining a healthy weight where appropriate
- Gradually increasing activity levels rather than avoiding movement
One of the biggest myths surrounding arthritis is that you should stop exercising. In reality, appropriate exercise is one of the best ways to reduce symptoms and protect your joints.
Recovery Timelines
Osteoarthritis is a long-term condition, but that doesn’t mean symptoms can’t improve.
Many people notice:
- Reduced pain: Within 4–8 weeks of starting rehabilitation
- Improved strength and function: Over 8–12 weeks
- Long-term improvements: Ongoing with regular exercise and activity
The aim isn’t simply to manage pain today, but to help you stay active and independent for years to come.
Our weekly exercise classes are led by experienced physiotherapists and are tailored to help participants stay active, build strength, improve confidence, and effectively manage long-term health conditions.
When to Seek Help
Arrange an assessment if:
- Joint pain is affecting your daily activities
- Stiffness is becoming more frequent
- You’re avoiding exercise because of pain
- Symptoms aren’t improving with self-management
- You’re unsure whether your pain is caused by arthritis
Seek urgent medical advice if:
- A joint becomes suddenly hot, red and swollen
- You develop severe pain following an injury
- You’re unable to bear weight through the joint
- You feel generally unwell alongside severe joint pain
These symptoms may indicate another condition that requires prompt assessment.
Clinically Reviewed By
Phil Williams
Director and Consultant Physiotherapist
Stay Active with Osteoarthritis
An arthritis diagnosis doesn’t mean giving up the activities you enjoy. With the right advice, targeted rehabilitation and evidence-based treatment, most people can reduce pain, improve mobility and continue living an active lifestyle.
Our experienced physiotherapists will work with you to create a personalised treatment plan that helps you move with confidence and supports your recovery every step of the way.
Book your initial assessment today and take the first step towards stronger, more comfortable joints.
Arthritis FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Age increases the likelihood of developing osteoarthritis, but it isn’t simply an inevitable part of ageing. Many factors, including previous injuries, strength and activity levels, also play a role.
No. Exercise is one of the most effective treatments for osteoarthritis. The key is choosing the right type and progressing it appropriately.
Not necessarily. Many people manage their symptoms successfully for years with physiotherapy, exercise and lifestyle modifications without needing surgery.
There’s often very little relationship between the appearance of arthritis on an X-ray and the amount of pain someone experiences. That’s why we focus on your symptoms and function rather than imaging alone.
Yes. Physiotherapy can improve strength, mobility, balance and confidence, helping reduce pain and improve your ability to carry out everyday activities.
Related PHYSIO SERVICES
To support your recovery, your physiotherapist may recommend one or more of our related services:
Book your initial assessment and take the first step toward pain-free movement.