Physiotherapy For Knee Osteoarthritis
Knee osteoarthritis is a common condition for ageing individuals. Fortunately, there are physiotherapy plans available to support and help alleviate these symptoms.
What Is Knee Osteoarthritis?
Sometimes called wear and tear arthritis, osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis. When the smooth cushion between bones (cartilage) breaks down, joints can get painful, swollen and hard to move. Osteoarthritis can affect any joint, but it occurs most often in the hands, knees, hips, lower back and neck. It can happen at any age, but it commonly starts in the 50s and affects women more than men. This disease begins gradually and worsens over time. However, there are ways to manage osteoarthritis to prevent or minimise pain and keep mobile – one of them being physiotherapy plans.
What Are The Symptoms Of Having Knee Osteoarthritis?
- Pain that increases when you are active, but gets a little better with rest
- Swelling
- Feeling of warmth in the joint
- Stiffness in the knee, especially in the morning or when you have been sitting for a while
- Decrease in mobility of the knee, making it difficult to get in and out of chairs or cars, use the stairs, or walk
- Creaking, crackly sound that is heard when the knee moves
How Is Knee Osteoarthritis Treated?
The primary goals of treating knee osteoarthritis are to relieve the pain and return mobility. Recommendations for the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee range from activity modification such as physiotherapy and anti-inflammatory medication to total knee arthroplasty, depending on the disability of the patient and the severity of the disease.
The non-operative management of osteoarthritis is multimodal, and may include exercise, bracing, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication, corticosteroid injections, viscosupplementation injections, and complementary and alternative medicine. Exercise can reduce pain and increase function in a patient with early arthritic changes.
When other treatments don’t work, surgery is a good option.
How To Prevent Knee Osteoarthritis?
Exercise plays a key role in preventing knee damage, supporting the knee during treatment, and recovery. Some evidence supports the recommendation that a low impact weight-bearing physiotherapy programme may be beneficial to patients with osteoarthritis.
Exercise can help prevent joint damage by:
- strengthening the muscles around the knee
- helping you maintain a healthy weight
However, the effects of exercise programmes may be lost after 6 months if patients do not keep up with their exercises. To maintain them, stay active always to prevent the condition from worsening.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does physiotherapy help knee osteoarthritis?
Yes, physiotherapy is one of the best ways to manage knee osteoarthritis without medication or surgery. It helps reduce pain, improve how your knee moves, and makes everyday tasks like walking or climbing stairs easier.
A physiotherapist will teach you specific exercises to strengthen the muscles around your knee, reduce pressure on the joint, and improve your balance all of which support long-term joint health.
What's the best exercise for knee osteoarthritis?
The best exercises are gentle and focus on building strength and flexibility. Some examples include:
- Leg raises (to strengthen thigh muscles)
- Step-ups (to support daily movement like stairs)
- Heel slides (to improve knee movement)
These exercises can help support the knee joint, reduce stiffness, and make walking easier. Your physio can guide you on the right mix based on your condition.
How can you stop knee osteoarthritis from progressing further?
There are a few important ways to slow the progression:
- Keep moving with gentle exercises such as cycling or walking.
- Strengthen your legs with guided physiotherapy
- Avoid excess weight, as extra pressure can damage the joint faster
Wear supportive shoes and steer clear of high-impact movements like jumping. Consistent activity and proper care can support your mobility and comfort for many years. Your knees contain natural joint fluid that allows smooth movement.
What does home treatment for knee osteoarthritis involve?
Home therapy means doing simple exercises and habits that reduce pain and keep your knee strong:
- Daily stretching and strengthening exercises
- Heat or cold therapy depending on stiffness or swelling
- Walking or cycling for 15–30 minutes a day
- Gentle balance training like standing on one leg
It’s best to follow a home plan designed by your physiotherapist to ensure it’s safe and effective for your specific knee condition.
Is walking good for knee osteoarthritis?
Yes — walking is very helpful as long as it doesn’t cause sharp pain. It keeps the joint flexible, boosts blood flow, and helps control weight.
Start with short walks on flat surfaces and wear proper shoes. If walking causes discomfort, a physiotherapist can help adjust your gait or recommend walking aids for support.
What exercises lubricate the knees?
Your knees have natural joint fluid that helps them move smoothly. Exercises that involve gentle movement help this fluid circulate better.
Some good examples:
- Heel slides
- Stationary cycling
- Walking in water or swimming
Doing these regularly can help reduce stiffness and make your knees feel smoother when moving.
How many weeks of physical therapy for osteoarthritis?
Many patients start to feel better within 6 to 8 weeks of consistent physiotherapy. Some need longer support depending on their pain level and lifestyle.
It’s not about the length of time, but the consistency that makes the difference. Even after your sessions end, your physiotherapist will give you a long-term plan to maintain your knees strong and pain under control.
To book an appointment with our doctors, get in touch with us online. See how our therapists can help you come up with a personalised plan with our physiotherapist for your knee osteoarthritis.
