Physiotherapy treatment to relieve symptoms of osteoarthritis
Physiotherapy for osteoarthritis focuses on the assessment and rehabilitation of the specific joint affected by the condition. Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis often referred to as wear and tear of the joint. OA can occur when the protective cartilage that cushions the end of the bones gradually wears down, causing rubbing of the bones within a joint.
Your physiotherapist at VCF will assess your affected joints, your posture, movement, strength, and mobility to identify the underlying cause of your symptoms.
Based on the findings of your assessment, your treatment plan will be tailored to your individual needs and may include hands-on therapy, such as manual therapy, joint mobilisations, and deep tissue techniques to reduce pain, improve mobility, and restore normal movement.
Your physiotherapist will also prescribe targeted exercises to improve your range of motion, strength, and overall function. You may receive advice on posture and alignment, return to activities and sport, workstation ergonomics, and modifying daily activities to support your recovery. Where appropriate, acupuncture may also be included as part of your treatment plan.
Our aim is to help you achieve your goals by relieving pain, restoring movement and function, get you back to the activities you love and reduce the risk of your symptoms returning
Common symptoms of Osteoarthritis
Common symptoms of Osteoarthritis include:
Pain during or after movement
Stiffness which is worse in the morning or after periods of inactivity
Swelling around the joint
Joint line tenderness
Reduce active range of motion
Clicking and grating feeling when moving the joint
Cervical and Lumbar spine
Cervical and Lumbar spine osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition in which the cartilage of the joints in the neck or lower back gradually wears down over time. This can lead to stiffness, pain and reduced mobility, and in some cases may irritate nearby nerves. Symptoms may include:
Neck or low back pain
Stiffness- particularly first thing in the morning or after periods of rest
Reduced range of motion
Pain that worsens with prolonged standing, walking or certain movements
Muscle tightness or spasms
Pins and needles, numbness or weakness in the arms or legs if a nerve becomes irritated
Hip
Hip osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition where the smooth cartilage lining the hip joint gradually wears down, causing pain, stiffness and reduced movement. It commonly develops with age but may also occur following previous injury or due to abnormal joint biomechanics. Symptoms may include:
Gradual onset of hip or groin pain
Stiffness, particularly after periods of rest
Reduced hip range of motion
Pain when walking, climbing stairs or standing for prolonged periods
Difficulty putting on shoes and socks
Clicking, grinding or catching sensations within the joint
Knee
Knee osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage within the knee joint gradually deteriorates, reducing the joint's ability to move smoothly. It is one of the most common forms of osteoarthritis and can affect everyday activities. Symptoms may include:
Knee pain during walking or weight-bearing activities
Stiffness after sitting or resting
Swelling around the knee
Reduced range of motion
Grinding, clicking or cracking sensations during movement
Difficulty climbing stairs, kneeling or standing from a seated position
Hand osteoarthritis
Hand osteoarthritis affects the small joints of the fingers and thumb, causing gradual wear of the joint cartilage. It may make everyday tasks involving grip and dexterity more difficult. Symptoms may include:
Pain and stiffness in the fingers or thumb
Swelling around the affected joints
Reduced grip strength
Difficulty opening jars or turning keys
Enlargement or bony lumps around the finger joints
Reduced hand function and dexterity
Foot
Foot osteoarthritis commonly affects the joints of the midfoot, big toe or ankle, causing pain and stiffness during standing and walking. It may develop with age, following previous injury or due to long-term joint loading. Symptoms may include:
Pain in the foot or ankle during weight-bearing activities
Stiffness- particularly after periods of rest
Swelling around the affected joint
Reduced range of motion
Difficulty walking or standing for prolonged periods
Pain when walking on uneven ground or wearing certain footwear
Frequently asked questions for ostearthritis
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Yes. Physiotherapy can help reduce pain, improve joint mobility, increase strength, and make everyday activities easier. Exercise is one of the most effective treatments for managing osteoarthritis.
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Treatment may include a personalised exercise programme, manual therapy, acupuncture if clinically appropriate, education, and advice on managing symptoms and staying active.
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Yes. Regular, appropriate exercise helps strengthen the muscles around your joints, improves mobility, and can reduce pain. Your physiotherapist will recommend exercises suited to your condition and goals
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While physiotherapy cannot reverse osteoarthritis, it can help manage symptoms, improve joint function, and support long-term joint health, helping you stay active and maintain your independence.
Why Choose VCF Physiotherapy
Experienced Physiotherapists: Our team has extensive experience in assessing and treating osteoarthritis affecting the spine, hips, knees, feet, and hands . We understand how joint pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility can impact your independence, work, exercise, and overall quality of life, and we are committed to helping you stay active and manage your symptoms effectively.
Osteoarthritis Treatment Expertise: VCF Physiotherapy provides evidence-based treatment for osteoarthritis, focusing on reducing pain, improving joint mobility, restoring strength, and enhancing function. Your treatment may include hands-on therapy, acupuncture, a personalised exercise programme, education, activity modification, and advice on managing flare-ups to help you move more comfortably and maintain an active lifestyle.
Personalised Goals: Every patient receives an individualised treatment plan tailored to their symptoms, lifestyle, activity level, and personal goals. Our aim is not only to relieve your symptoms but to improve your long-term joint health, helping you maintain independence, return to the activities you enjoy, and reduce the impact of osteoarthritis on your daily life.
Expert-Led Practice: Our Practice Manager and Senior Physiotherapist lead weekly in-service training sessions, ensuring our team stays up to date with the latest research and delivers high-quality, evidence-based care for people living with osteoarthritis.
Experienceing osteoarthritis?
Book an appointment with our expert physiotherapists at VCF by filling out our online form, or call us on 01733 331212 today and begin your personalised physiotherapy treatment plan.