Arthritis & Osteoarthritis — Physiotherapy in London & Henley

It does both — and the exercise component genuinely changes the underlying picture. Strengthening the muscles around an arthritic joint improves shock-absorption, reduces the load going through the cartilage and bone, and improves function. NICE NG226 is explicit that exercise should be offered to everyone with osteoarthritis at every stage, including those waiting for joint replacement. The benefits typically build over 8 to 12 weeks of consistent work.

Most people with osteoarthritis never need a replacement. Surgery is reserved for specific cases where pain and disability remain severe after best-quality conservative management (structured exercise, weight management, pain education, sometimes injection). When surgery is appropriate we will tell you, refer to an orthopaedic surgeon, and continue post-operative rehab with you.

No — the opposite. Inactivity worsens both joint pain and overall health for people with arthritis. NICE specifically recommends a combination of strengthening exercise, aerobic exercise, and range-of-motion work for every form of OA. We design the programme around what your joint can currently tolerate and progress it as you improve. Pain during and after sensible exercise is normal in early stages and does not indicate joint damage.

For knee and hip osteoarthritis specifically, yes — weight loss is one of the strongest pain-reducing interventions available. Every kilogram lost reduces knee load by about 4 kg per step. NICE NG226 recommends weight management alongside exercise for any person with OA who is overweight or obese. We do not deliver weight management directly but we will help connect you to the right service when relevant.