Physiotherapy for Arthritis in London
Arthritis
Stiff, aching joints can make everyday movements feel a lot harder than they should, but there are ways to ease the strain. At-home physiotherapy with Physit helps reduce joint pain, improve flexibility, and build strength, so you can enjoy life without limitations.
What Is Arthritis?
Arthritis is a common condition that causes pain, stiffness, and swelling in the joints, the places where two bones meet and move. When a joint becomes inflamed, it can feel sore, stiff, or harder to move as smoothly as it should.
The two most well-known types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis happens when the protective cushioning inside the joint, called cartilage, gradually wears down over time. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition, which means the body’s immune system attacks the lining of the joints, leading to pain and swelling.
Arthritis can affect just one joint or several, and it often makes everyday activities like walking, dressing, or lifting things feel a great deal more challenging. But the good news is that with the right care and support, it is possible to ease this discomfort, protect your joints, and stay as active and independent as possible.
Common Symptoms of Arthritis
Arthritis symptoms can vary from person to person, but some of the most common signs include:
- Pain, stiffness, or swelling in one or more joints
- Reduced flexibility or limited range of motion, making certain movements feel harder than usual
- Joints that feel warm or tender to the touch
- Discomfort that worsens with movement or, in some cases, after resting for too long
- Clicking or grinding sensations in the joints when moving
Arthritis most often manifests in the knees, feet, hands, hips, ankles, shoulders, and lower back, although it can also flare up elsewhere. These symptoms can make everyday activities like walking, climbing stairs, getting dressed, gardening, or even cooking feel more difficult or tiring.
What Can Increase Your Risk of Arthritis?
Arthritis can affect anyone, but certain factors may make it more likely to develop or to cause your symptoms to feel more noticeable. These include:
- Age-related joint changes: Over time, the smooth cushioning inside the joints can naturally wear down, making stiffness and soreness more common.
- Previous joint injuries: Past injuries, even ones that seemed minor at the time, can leave joints more vulnerable to arthritis later on.
- Family history of arthritis: If close family members have had arthritis, your chances of developing it may be higher.
- Carrying extra weight: Additional body weight puts more pressure on your joints, especially in areas like the hips, knees, and lower back.
- Repetitive joint use from work or hobbies: Jobs or activities that involve repeated movements, heavy lifting, or kneeling can increase joint strain over time.
- Autoimmune conditions: Certain health conditions, like rheumatoid arthritis, occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own joints.
What Causes Arthritis?
Arthritis isn’t caused by just one thing, and the reason it develops can depend on the type of arthritis you have. Here are some of the most common causes of arthritis.
- Osteoarthritis (wear-and-tear arthritis): This is the most common form of arthritis. It happens when the protective cushioning inside your joints, called cartilage, slowly wears down over time. Without enough of this smooth layer, the bones can rub against each other, leading to pain, stiffness, and swelling.
- Rheumatoid arthritis (autoimmune arthritis): Rheumatoid arthritis is different. It’s an autoimmune condition, which means the body’s own immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of the joints. This can cause inflammation, swelling, and ongoing discomfort, often in multiple joints at once.
- Other types of arthritis: There are several other forms of arthritis, such as gout, which happens when crystals of uric acid build up in the joints, and psoriatic arthritis, which can occur in people with the skin condition psoriasis. While these are less common, they can still have a big impact on joint health and movement.
How Physit Treats Arthritis
At Physit, we understand that arthritis doesn’t affect everyone in the same way, and that the right care should be as individual as you are. That’s why we bring expert physiotherapy directly to your home, offering hands-on, personalised support that is designed to ease joint pain, improve mobility, and help you stay active in your everyday life.
Our approach focuses on long-term joint health, not just short-term relief. We take the time to understand how arthritis is affecting you, what movements feel hard or painful, and what goals matter most to you. Here are some ways we may help treat you.
- Gentle joint mobilisation and massage: Hands-on techniques that help reduce stiffness, ease soreness, and improve how well your joints move.
Targeted exercise therapy: Strength-building and flexibility exercises help strengthen the muscles surrounding your joints, protect them from strain, and enhance balance and posture. This can be done on land or in the water, as Physit specialises in water-based exercise as a means of strength-building.Aquatic therapy takes the pressure off your joints while creating natural resistance, allowing you to rebuild muscle and work with your arthritis in a comfortable and accessible environment.
- Practical education and advice: Clear guidance on how to care for your joints on a daily basis, including pacing strategies (learning how to balance activity with rest), safe movement tips, and ways to avoid any unnecessary strain.
- Personalised care plans with ongoing support: Your physiotherapist will create a plan that’s customized to your needs and goals, with regular check-ins to adjust your exercises and track your progress as you go.
At Physit, we believe that physiotherapy works best when it fits your life, not the other way around. We’re here to support you at every stage, helping you stay as mobile, comfortable, and independent as possible.
Conditions We Treat
Our London home and work visit physiotherapists are highly experienced in assessing and treating a wide range of conditions, including but not limited to:
0204 570 2391- Post-surgical rehabilitation (knee, hip, shoulder, and spinal surgeries, as well as general surgical recovery)
- Age-related mobility issues, including falls prevention and balance training
- Chronic pain management (back pain, arthritis, and joint stiffness)
- Neurological conditions impacting mobility and coordination
- Post-hospital deconditioning and general rehabilitation to restore strength, balance, and independence
- All musculoskeletal realted injuries or pain
Frequently Asked Questions About Physio for Arthritis
1. Can physiotherapy really help with arthritis pain?
Yes! Physiotherapy is one of the most effective ways to help manage arthritis. It can ease joint pain, reduce stiffness, and improve how well your joints move. By strengthening the muscles around your joints and learning safe, comfortable ways to move, many people find they can stay active and keep doing the things they enjoy.
2. Do I need to wait until arthritis gets worse to start physiotherapy?
Not at all. In fact, starting physiotherapy early can make a real difference. It’s often easier to manage arthritis and prevent symptoms from getting worse when you take action sooner rather than later. If you have a family history of arthritis or are worried about developing it due to repetitive movement, we can help develop preventative strategies and treat any existing aches and pains.
3. Do I need a referral to work with Physit?
No referral is needed. You can book directly with Physit, and one of our experienced physiotherapists will visit you at home for your assessment. We’ll listen to your concerns, understand how arthritis is affecting you, and create a treatment plan that feels right for you.
4. How often will I need sessions?
The number of sessions will depend on your specific needs, your goals, and how your body responds to treatment. Some people benefit from weekly visits at first, while others may need less frequent check-ins over time. Your physiotherapist will always work with you to find the right balance and adjust your plan as you make progress.
Find Practical Relief and Prevention For Your Arthritis Pain with Physit
You don’t have to let arthritis hold you back from doing the things you love. With Physit’s at-home physiotherapy, expert care comes to you, helping ease joint pain, improve your mobility, and support the way you want to move and live.
