Osteoarthritis

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Basic Pain Management

Osteoarthritis is the common wear-related joint condition, most often in the knees and hips. It cannot be reversed, but exercise-based physiotherapy is one of the most effective ways to manage it.

Talk to me about osteoarthritis

The basics

What is osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is when the smooth cartilage in a joint gradually wears and the joint becomes stiff and sore. It is extremely common with age and most often affects the knees, hips, and hands.

It helps to know that pain does not always match what is seen on a scan, and that the right kind of activity genuinely reduces symptoms. Strong evidence supports exercise, strengthening, and staying active as first-line treatment, which is exactly what I provide.

What to notice

Common symptoms

  • Joint pain that is worse with activity
  • Stiffness, especially in the morning or after rest
  • Reduced movement in the joint
  • A grinding or creaking sensation
  • Aching that can vary day to day
Why it happens

What contributes to it

  • Natural cartilage wear with age
  • Previous joint injuries
  • Weak muscles around the joint
  • Extra load on the joints over time
  • A family tendency towards it
The treatment

How physiotherapy helps

The goal is not to cure the joint but to reduce pain and keep you active and independent. Strength and movement do that better than rest.

Strengthening

Building the muscles around the joint to reduce load and pain.

Movement and mobility

Keeping the joint moving to ease stiffness and maintain function.

Load management

Practical ways to stay active without overloading sore joints.

Self-management

Tools and a routine so you can manage flare-ups confidently.

What to expect

Your recovery journey

Treatment moves through clear stages. I set the pace to suit you, but the path usually looks like this.

01

Assessment

I check the joint, your strength, and what you want to keep doing.

02

Ease symptoms

Reduce pain and stiffness with movement and hands-on work.

03

Strengthen

A steady program to support and offload the joint.

04

Stay active

A long-term plan to keep you moving and independent.

In your sessions

Exercises I may use

  • Strengthening for the muscles around the joint
  • Gentle range-of-movement and mobility work
  • Low-impact activity such as walking or cycling
  • Balance work to support the joint

When to seek urgent care

See a doctor if a joint becomes suddenly hot, red, and swollen with fever, if you cannot bear weight, or if pain changes sharply, as this needs checking beyond arthritis alone.

Good to know

Questions I hear a lot

Will exercise wear my joints out faster?
No. The right exercise is protective and one of the best-proven treatments for osteoarthritis. It strengthens the joint's support rather than harming it.
Do I need a joint replacement?
Many people manage well for years without surgery. Replacement is considered only when symptoms are severe despite good conservative care, and that is a decision with your surgeon.
Is the pain going to keep getting worse?
Not necessarily. Symptoms often fluctuate, and staying strong and active keeps many people comfortable and functioning well long term.

Let's get you moving again

Book an assessment with me and I'll build a plan around your body, your goals, and your day-to-day life.

Call +91 87997 18841
This article is general information and is not a substitute for a personal assessment. Everyone is different, so please speak to a qualified physiotherapist or doctor for advice on your own situation.