Arthritis: North Beach Physiotherapy

Arthritis is not one condition. It's a term covering over 100 different conditions affecting joints, muscles, and connective tissue. The two most common types we treat are osteoarthritis (OA) and inflammatory arthritis. Both are manageable with the right physiotherapy approach.

What Is Arthritis?

Osteoarthritis

Wear and degeneration of joint cartilage, most common in the hip, knee, lower back, and hands. Pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion. Often worse in the morning or after inactivity. Exercise is one of the most effective treatments.

Inflammatory Arthritis

Includes rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis. Autoimmune-driven inflammation of joint tissue. Physiotherapy is a key part of the management team alongside your rheumatologist.

How We Treat Arthritis

Exercise therapy: This is the most evidence-based intervention for osteoarthritis. Strengthening the muscles around affected joints reduces load, decreases pain, and preserves function. We prescribe appropriately, not one-size-fits-all.

Manual therapy: Joint mobilisation and soft tissue work to reduce pain and improve movement. Most effective as part of a broader program rather than a standalone treatment.

Pain education: Understanding why arthritis hurts, and what influences the pain, changes how patients relate to their condition and their activity levels. We spend time on this.

Activity modification: Practical advice on managing load, pacing, and maintaining an active lifestyle with arthritis. The goal is not to reduce activity. It's to load wisely.

Can Physio Help If I Already Have Severe Arthritis?

Yes. Even with significant joint degeneration, physiotherapy can be a valuable part of managing your pain and function, and is often used alongside your GP or surgeon's advice on the right timing for any surgery. Post-surgical rehab (hip and knee replacements) is also a core part of what we do.