If joint pain, stiffness, or swelling is limiting your movement, arthritis may be contributing to your symptoms. Many people notice difficulty with walking, stairs, gripping, or getting moving after rest. Arthritis physiotherapy may help reduce pain, improve confidence with movement, and keep you active for work, exercise, and daily life.

Arthritis is an umbrella term for more than 100 joint conditions that affect joints and nearby tissues. Some forms develop gradually, while others are more inflammatory and may flare unpredictably. The right management plan depends on the type of arthritis, the joints involved, and how much your symptoms affect function.

What is arthritis?

Arthritis describes a group of conditions that affect joints and surrounding tissues. It can involve cartilage wear, inflammation, swelling, stiffness, reduced movement, and muscle weakness. Everyday tasks such as walking, climbing stairs, gripping, or getting dressed may become harder.

Although arthritis becomes more common with age, it is not only an older person’s condition. Genetics, immune system activity, past injuries, and repetitive loading can all play a role.

What are the most common arthritis types?

The most common arthritis types include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and psoriatic arthritis.

• Osteoarthritis: joint load sensitivity and stiffness over time
• Rheumatoid arthritis: inflammatory condition driven by immune activity
• Psoriatic arthritis: inflammatory arthritis linked with psoriasis

Other rheumatology-related conditions

• Ankylosing spondylitis
• Fibromyalgia
• Lupus
• Rheumatology physiotherapy

What symptoms can arthritis cause?

Arthritis commonly causes pain, stiffness, reduced movement, swelling, and reduced confidence with activity.

Many people first notice arthritis during simple daily movements.

• Morning stiffness after rest
• Pain with walking, stairs, or gripping
• Swelling or warmth in a joint
• Reduced flexibility and joint movement
• Muscle weakness around the joint
• Lower tolerance for activity

Where does arthritis commonly affect the body?

Arthritis can affect the spine or peripheral joints.

Peripheral joints

Hand arthritis can affect gripping, opening jars, and fine motor tasks. Larger joints such as hips and knees affect walking and daily movement.

How can physiotherapy help arthritis?

Physiotherapy may help improve strength, movement, flexibility, and confidence with daily activity.

• Load management: reduce flare triggers
• Strength training: support joints
• Mobility work: reduce stiffness
• Fitness planning: maintain activity
• Self-management: manage flare-ups

Osteoarthritis Clinical Care Standard

What exercises may help arthritis?

Exercise is one of the most effective ways to manage arthritis.

• Strength exercises
• Low-impact cardio
• Mobility exercises
• Balance training

When should you seek medical advice?

Seek medical advice if symptoms worsen quickly, joints are hot or swollen, or multiple joints are affected.

References

1. Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care. Osteoarthritis of the Knee Clinical Care Standard. Updated August 15, 2024. Accessed March 29, 2026.
2. van Doormaal MCM, Meerhoff GA, Vliet Vlieland TPM, Peter WF. A clinical practice guideline for physical therapy in patients with hip or knee osteoarthritis. Musculoskeletal Care. 2020;18(4):575-595. doi:10.1002/msc.1492
3. Kolasinski SL, Neogi T, Hochberg MC, et al. 2020 American College of Rheumatology guideline for the management of osteoarthritis of the hand, hip, and knee. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken). 2020;72(2):149-162. doi:10.1002/acr.24131
4. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. Arthritis. Accessed March 29, 2026.