{"id":828,"date":"2022-07-04T14:07:03","date_gmt":"2022-07-04T14:07:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newhopephysio.com\/blog\/?p=828"},"modified":"2026-07-17T19:44:04","modified_gmt":"2026-07-17T19:44:04","slug":"arthritis-physiotherapy-treatment","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newhopephysio.com\/blog\/arthritis-physiotherapy-treatment\/","title":{"rendered":"Arthritis : Physiotherapy Treatment and Management"},"content":{"rendered":"<h3><b>The Short Version<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><b>Arthritis<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> means pain and inflammation in your joints. It leads to stiffness and makes movement harder.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Physiotherapy<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is treatment that restores movement, eases pain, and helps prevent further injury.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The two go together. Physiotherapy is one of the main non-surgical treatments for arthritis \u2014 and one of the best-supported.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Also Read:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.newhopephysio.com\/blog\/rheumatoid-arthritis-vs-osteoarthritis-key-differences-explained\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><em>Rheumatoid Arthritis vs. Osteoarthritis: Key Differences Explained<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n<h3>Why Movement Helps<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It seems backwards. Sore joints, so move more?<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But rest makes stiff joints stiffer. Strong muscles support the joint and take load off it. Staying active generally keeps <a href=\"https:\/\/www.newhopephysio.com\/blog\/how-can-physiotherapy-help-with-arthritis\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">arthritis<\/a> pain lower over time.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A physiotherapy program for arthritis usually includes:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Strengthening<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u2014 builds muscle around the joint<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Stretching<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u2014 keeps range of motion<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Balance and stability work<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u2014 reduces falls<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Endurance work<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u2014 walking, cycling, treadmill<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Posture training<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u2014 takes strain off the joint<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your therapist will also encourage you to keep moving day to day. That matters as much as the exercises.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Rheumatoid Arthritis<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rheumatoid arthritis is a long-term condition. It&#8217;s driven by inflammation and, without treatment, can damage joints permanently.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Physiotherapy won&#8217;t cure it. But it can help you keep function and manage pain.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A program may include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Range of motion work<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Strength building<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Balance and coordination<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fall prevention<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Heat and cold therapy<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Electrical stimulation<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hydrotherapy (exercise in water)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>One caution:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> during a flare-up, when joints are acutely inflamed, some exercises need to be paused or scaled back. Your physiotherapist will adjust. This is why a supervised program beats doing it alone.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rheumatoid arthritis needs medical management alongside physiotherapy. Speak to your doctor or rheumatologist.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Also Read:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.newhopephysio.com\/blog\/world-arthritis-day-2023\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><em>World Arthritis Day (WAD) 2023 : Activities, Theme, Quotes<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n<h3>Knee Osteoarthritis<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Knee arthritis wears down the cartilage and bone in the joint. It&#8217;s one of the most common joint problems there is.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Severity varies a lot from person to person, so treatment does too.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Physiotherapy for knee arthritis combines supervised sessions with exercises at home. It aims to:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Reduce pain and swelling<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Improve flexibility<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Build strength<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Improve balance and endurance<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Typical program: rest when needed, stretching, strengthening, and walking.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Hip Osteoarthritis<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hip arthritis happens when the hip joint wears down and the bones start rubbing.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Physiotherapy improves mobility and flexibility through targeted exercises, stretches, and hands-on treatment.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A hip program often includes:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Stretching \u2014 standing hip flexor stretch, for example<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Strengthening the glutes (buttocks and outer thighs)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Aerobic work like cycling<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Heat and cold therapy<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Electrical stimulation<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Manual therapy<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>The Takeaway<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Physiotherapy for arthritis does two things.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It treats \u2014 less pain, better movement, more strength.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">And it teaches. You learn what your condition is, what makes it worse, and what you can do about it. That knowledge lasts.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you have arthritis or you&#8217;re noticing joint pain and stiffness, book an assessment with a physiotherapy clinic near you. The earlier you start, the more you protect.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>FAQs:<\/h3>\n<p class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\" data-section-id=\"1q8horw\" data-start=\"64\" data-end=\"89\"><strong>1. What is arthritis?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"90\" data-end=\"248\">Arthritis is a condition that causes pain, swelling, and stiffness in the joints. It can affect people of all ages, but it is more common as people get older.<\/p>\n<p data-section-id=\"jthgs7\" data-start=\"250\" data-end=\"295\"><strong>2. Can physiotherapy help with arthritis?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"296\" data-end=\"480\">Yes. Physiotherapy can help reduce pain, improve joint movement, increase strength, and make everyday activities easier. A physiotherapist creates a treatment plan based on your needs.<\/p>\n<p data-section-id=\"ad29ib\" data-start=\"482\" data-end=\"543\"><strong>3. What treatments do physiotherapists use for arthritis?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"544\" data-end=\"570\">A physiotherapist may use:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"571\" data-end=\"715\">\n<li data-section-id=\"1purm0s\" data-start=\"571\" data-end=\"589\">Gentle exercises<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"1cj9sbr\" data-start=\"590\" data-end=\"602\">Stretching<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"1lognv5\" data-start=\"603\" data-end=\"619\">Manual therapy<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"1r16a16\" data-start=\"620\" data-end=\"642\">Heat or cold therapy<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"wsiwlp\" data-start=\"643\" data-end=\"662\">Strength training<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"qiwy17\" data-start=\"663\" data-end=\"682\">Balance exercises<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"5fqvbk\" data-start=\"683\" data-end=\"715\">Posture and movement education<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-section-id=\"2ovlt7\" data-start=\"717\" data-end=\"773\"><strong>4. Which types of arthritis can physiotherapy treat?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"774\" data-end=\"809\">Physiotherapy can help people with:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"810\" data-end=\"921\">\n<li data-section-id=\"v5jjrk\" data-start=\"810\" data-end=\"826\">Osteoarthritis<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"qm7cma\" data-start=\"827\" data-end=\"849\">Rheumatoid arthritis<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"12nq40q\" data-start=\"850\" data-end=\"871\">Psoriatic arthritis<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"1tuc4i9\" data-start=\"872\" data-end=\"896\">Ankylosing spondylitis<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"19i0agq\" data-start=\"897\" data-end=\"921\">Other joint conditions<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-section-id=\"2s29o\" data-start=\"923\" data-end=\"964\"><strong>5. Can exercise make arthritis worse?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"965\" data-end=\"1113\">No. The right exercises can help reduce pain and improve joint function. Your physiotherapist will recommend safe exercises based on your condition.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"965\" data-end=\"1113\"><strong>Also Read:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.newhopephysio.com\/blog\/what-should-you-not-do-after-cupping-therapy\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><em>What Should You Not Do After Cupping?<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n<p data-section-id=\"75flmz\" data-start=\"1115\" data-end=\"1174\"><strong>6. How often should I have physiotherapy for arthritis?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1175\" data-end=\"1320\">The number of sessions depends on your symptoms and goals. Many people benefit from weekly sessions at first, along with a home exercise program.<\/p>\n<p data-section-id=\"1bfru3q\" data-start=\"1322\" data-end=\"1385\"><strong>7. Can physiotherapy reduce arthritis pain without surgery?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1386\" data-end=\"1553\">Yes. Physiotherapy is often one of the first treatments recommended. It can help manage pain, improve movement, and delay or reduce the need for surgery in some cases.<\/p>\n<p data-section-id=\"1nssr0c\" data-start=\"1555\" data-end=\"1599\"><strong>8. How long does it take to see results?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1600\" data-end=\"1755\">Some people feel better after a few sessions, while others may need several weeks. Regular treatment and following your home <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Exercise\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">exercises<\/a> can improve results.<\/p>\n<p data-section-id=\"l9fn8w\" data-start=\"1757\" data-end=\"1806\"><strong>9. What can I do at home to manage arthritis?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1807\" data-end=\"1815\">You can:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"1816\" data-end=\"2006\">\n<li data-section-id=\"1hkskym\" data-start=\"1816\" data-end=\"1850\">Stay active with gentle exercise<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"1xbb53c\" data-start=\"1851\" data-end=\"1870\">Stretch regularly<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"2m1ead\" data-start=\"1871\" data-end=\"1898\">Maintain a healthy weight<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"nuupqj\" data-start=\"1899\" data-end=\"1922\">Use hot or cold packs<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"5duog0\" data-start=\"1923\" data-end=\"1961\">Follow your physiotherapist&#8217;s advice<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"e0t6t9\" data-start=\"1962\" data-end=\"2006\">Avoid staying in one position for too long<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-section-id=\"4v4ynl\" data-start=\"2008\" data-end=\"2066\"><strong>10. When should I see a physiotherapist for arthritis?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2067\" data-end=\"2249\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\">You should see a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.newhopephysio.com\/blog\/questions-ask-a-physiotherapist\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">physiotherapist<\/a> if you have ongoing joint pain, stiffness, swelling, or difficulty moving. Early treatment can help you stay active and improve your quality of life.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2067\" data-end=\"2249\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\"><strong>Also Read:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.newhopephysio.com\/blog\/10-gentle-workouts-to-help-lower-back-pain-at-home\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><em>10 Gentle Workouts to Help Lower Back Pain at Home<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>We all have heard of the terms &#8216;Arthritis&#8217; and &#8216;Physiotherapy&#8217; in our day-to-day life. But do we all know what these terms are all about and how they relate to each other? Physiotherapy is a treatment to prevent injury, restore mobility, and maintain physical rehabilitation of the body.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":1128,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[184,9],"tags":[185,189,447,250,266,181,249,515,214,471,537,444],"class_list":["post-828","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-arthritis","category-physiotherapy","tag-arthritis-clinic-brampton","tag-arthritis-near-me","tag-arthritis-symptoms","tag-manual-therapy-techniques","tag-physical-rehabilitation","tag-physical-therapy","tag-physical-therapy-exercises","tag-physical-therapy-for-arthritis","tag-physiotherapy-arthritis","tag-physiotherapy-for-osteoarthritis","tag-rheumatoid-arthritis","tag-symptoms-of-arthritis"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newhopephysio.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/828","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newhopephysio.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newhopephysio.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newhopephysio.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newhopephysio.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=828"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.newhopephysio.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/828\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":8380,"href":"https:\/\/www.newhopephysio.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/828\/revisions\/8380"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newhopephysio.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1128"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newhopephysio.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=828"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newhopephysio.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=828"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newhopephysio.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=828"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}