Arthritis and joint pain affect millions of people worldwide, impacting mobility, independence, and overall quality of life.

Whether it’s stiffness in the knees, aching hips, painful hands, or reduced shoulder movement, joint pain can make everyday tasks more difficult and less enjoyable.

Key facts about arthritis and joint pain:

  • Over 350 million people worldwide live with arthritis
  • In the UK alone, around 10 million people have arthritis
  • Arthritis is one of the leading causes of disability
  • Joint pain affects people of all ages, not just older adults

While arthritis is often associated with ageing, it can also result from injury, repetitive strain, autoimmune conditions, or genetics. Physiotherapy plays a vital role in managing arthritis and joint pain by focusing on movement, strength, and long-term joint health rather than just symptom relief.

Understanding Arthritis and Joint Pain

Arthritis is a broad term describing inflammation in one or more joints. The most common types include:

  • Osteoarthritis – caused by wear and tear of cartilage
  • Rheumatoid arthritis – an autoimmune condition
  • Psoriatic arthritis – linked to psoriasis

Common symptoms include:

  • Joint pain and tenderness
  • Morning stiffness lasting more than 30 minutes
  • Swelling and reduced range of motion
  • Weakness and fatigue

Joint pain can also stem from:

  • Sports injuries or previous trauma
  • Poor posture or movement habits
  • Muscle imbalances
  • Reduced joint stability

Without treatment, pain often leads to reduced activity, which can weaken muscles and worsen stiffness. Physiotherapy helps break this cycle.

How Physiotherapy Helps Manage Pain

Physiotherapy aims to reduce pain while improving function.

Research shows that exercise-based physiotherapy can reduce arthritis pain by up to 40% in many individuals.

Common physiotherapy pain-management approaches include:

  • Manual therapy (joint mobilisations, soft tissue techniques)
  • Guided therapeutic exercise
  • Heat or ice therapy
  • Education on pain management strategies

Manual therapy can:

  • Improve joint lubrication
  • Reduce muscle tension
  • Increase circulation
  • Improve short-term pain relief

Rather than relying solely on medication, physiotherapy targets the root causes of pain.

Improving Joint Mobility and Flexibility

Stiff joints are one of the most common complaints in people with arthritis.

Reduced movement can affect daily tasks such as:

  • Walking
  • Dressing
  • Climbing stairs
  • Reaching overhead

Physiotherapy includes:

  • Gentle range-of-motion exercises
  • Progressive mobility programmes
  • Stretching tailored to individual joints

Studies show that maintaining joint mobility can:

  • Reduce stiffness by up to 25–30%
  • Improve daily function
  • Slow joint deterioration

Exercises are always adapted to pain levels and progressed safely.

Strengthening Muscles to Support Joints

Strong muscles reduce pressure on joints.

In people with knee osteoarthritis, strengthening surrounding muscles can reduce joint load by up to 20%.

Staying injury free is really important.

Physiotherapy strengthening programmes focus on:

  • Muscles surrounding affected joints
  • Core stability
  • Postural muscles
  • Functional strength for daily activities

Benefits include:

  • Improved joint stability
  • Reduced pain during movement
  • Better posture and balance
  • Increased confidence in activity

Enhancing Balance and Reducing Injury Risk

People with arthritis are at a higher risk of falls due to:

  • Joint instability
  • Muscle weakness
  • Reduced proprioception

Physiotherapy balance training can:

  • Improve stability
  • Reduce fall risk by up to 35%
  • Increase confidence when walking or exercising

This is especially important for older adults or those with hip, knee, or ankle arthritis.

Education and Self-Management Strategies

Education is a cornerstone of physiotherapy. Patients who understand their condition are more likely to stay active and manage symptoms effectively.

Physiotherapy education includes:

  • Joint protection techniques
  • Activity pacing strategies
  • Postural advice
  • Flare-up management plans

People who actively self-manage arthritis report:

  • Less pain
  • Better function
  • Improved quality of life

Staying Active With Arthritis

Contrary to popular belief, movement is medicine for arthritis.

Recommended activities include:

  • Walking
  • Swimming
  • Cycling
  • Pilates or yoga
  • Strength training

The NHS recommends 150 minutes of moderate activity per week, even for people with arthritis. Physiotherapists help tailor activity so it remains safe and effective.

Long-Term Benefits of Physiotherapy

With consistency, physiotherapy can:

  • Reduce long-term pain
  • Improve joint function
  • Delay or prevent surgery
  • Improve post-surgical outcomes

Many people experience noticeable improvements within 6–8 weeks of structured physiotherapy.

Conclusion

Arthritis and joint pain do not have to control your life. Physiotherapy provides a personalised, evidence-based approach to managing pain, improving mobility, and maintaining independence.

If you’re experiencing joint pain or arthritis symptoms, physiotherapy can help you move better, feel stronger, and live more comfortably.