Arthritis

Physiotherapy can help you if you have a type of arthritis, such as osteoarthritis (OA) or rheumatoid arthritis (RA) causing you to have painful joints.

File 106024 A consultation with a physio for arthritis is likely to include exercises

How can physiotherapy help with arthritis and arthritic symptoms?

For general information on physiotherapy please see 'What is physiotherapy?'

For information on how to find a physiotherapist, see our Access to physiotherapy page.

There is strong evidence that physical activity can help to manage some of the symptoms of arthritis. Physios provide advice and education on exercise for arthritis, pain relief and self-management strategies.

You are also likely to see a physiotherapist before and after a joint operation, such as a total knee (TKR) or total hip (THR) replacement. Physiotherapists can teach you how to improve joint movement, strengthen muscles, and improve your walking.

What will happen when I see a physiotherapist?

Your first session with a physiotherapist will usually include a detailed assessment. Everything you tell the physiotherapist will be kept completely confidential. They may ask you questions about your:

current symptoms, including pain
medical history
health, fitness levels and lifestyle

The physio will assess how your joints are working and how this problem is affecting your life. They will usually check your posture, watch how you move and check your strength.

Your physio may ask you to remove some clothing so that they can have a look at and feel your joints more easily. It’s a good idea to wear loose fitting, comfortable clothing to your appointment.

At this first appointment the physio will usually discuss and agree with you the achievable goals, treatment and a suitable management programme for you.

They will arrange any follow up appointments, and link closely with any other healthcare professionals who are involved with your treatment.

Any visit to a physiotherapist for arthritis is likely to include:

advice about exercises to do at home and encouraging physical activities that will help maintain your general fitness, including alternative exercise if something is too painful
advice on how to improve your posture
education on how to manage your joint problem in the long term and how to prevent further problems in the future
lifestyle advice and tips to help you manage your pain, including any activities you should avoid

A physio consultation for arthritis may also include:

applying heat or cold to the affected area, and showing you how to do this at home

manual therapy
acupuncture if your physio thinks this might help you
teaching you how to use a walking aid if necessary, such as a stick, to help reduce the pain and make walking easier
advice on improving your health including weight reduction and smoking cessation

What if I need an operation on my joints?

A physiotherapist will be able to help you throughout, usually seeing you before your operation to explain the rehabilitation process, the operation and what will happen after it. They may also teach you some exercises to help you get fitter and stronger before the surgery.

A physiotherapist should see you regularly whilst you are in hospital after your operation. They should help you get out of bed on the first day and will teach you exercises to help you get the best result from your surgery.

They will help to get you back on your feet and teach you how to use a walking aid, such as a walking stick or crutches, if necessary. They will also teach you how to go up and down steps safely before you go home. The physiotherapist works as part of a team of health and social care professionals.

Returning to activity and sport

Physiotherapy can help you to return to your normal activities as soon as possible. Everyone who has had a joint operation should be encouraged to participate in physical activity. Many people are able to return to activities such as walking, cycling and golf.

You can discuss your goals with your physiotherapist who can help you get back to the fitness level you need to enjoy your chosen activity.

Where can I get more information on physiotherapy and arthritis?

Physiotherapists with a particular interest in arthritis and related treatment techniques might be members of a Professional Network such as:

National guidelines for the treatment of arthritis recommend that exercise should be a core treatment for all patients. This should include strengthening, joint mobility exercises and general aerobic fitness.

The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) offers guidelines for Osteoarthritis and Rhematoid arthritis in England and Wales, saying that Rheumatoid arthritis patients should have access to specialist physiotherapy input.

The Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) offers guidelines on the management of early rheumatoid arthritis.

Meanwhile, how can I help myself and find useful advice?

Arthritis Care
A UK charity that works with and for people with arthritis. They provide information, and run local groups around the country. Have a look at the Arthritis Care self-management advice.

Telephone helpline: 0808 800 4050
Arthritis Care website

National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society (NRAS)
A charity providing information and support for people with rheumatoid arthritis (including about self management), their families, friends and carers.

Freephone helpline: 0800 298 7650
National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society website

Arthritis Research UK
A charity that funds research into arthritis and provides information for patients.

Arthritis Research UK website

NHS Choices: Arthritis
Information about arthritis and the symptoms of arthritis.

NHS Choices: Arthritis

Athritis: Further links and resources

Patient info UK

Support groups, useful web sites, videos, books
Leaflets on health conditions and disabilities
Patient info UK

NHS Direct (England)

24/7 information and advice
Telephone: 0845 4647
NHS Direct (England) website

NHS 24 (Scotland)

24/7 information and advice
Telephone: 08454 24 24 24
NHS 24 (Scotland) website

NHS Direct (Wales) (Galw Iechyd Cymru)

Provides information in English and Welsh
Telephone: 0845 4647
NHS Direct (Wales) website

Disclaimer: The content on this page is provided for general information purposes only and is not meant to replace an individual consultation with a healthcare professional. The CSP is not responsible for the content of external sites and their inclusion should not be seen as an official endorsement.

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Arthritis, Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid artritis