Osteoarthritis Physiotherapy Treatment

Are you tired of osteoarthritis pain dictating your daily life — limiting your movement, stopping you from staying active, and stealing the joy from everyday activities? At Recover Physio in Norwich, we understand the challenges that osteoarthritis (OA) brings and specialise in helping you manage symptoms, improve mobility, and find long-term relief.

Our expert physiotherapists use evidence-based osteoarthritis physiotherapy treatments, tailored to your specific needs, so you can get back to doing what you love — without joint pain holding you back.

Understanding Osteoarthritis (OA)

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis and a leading cause of joint pain and disability in adults. It’s a degenerative joint disease that occurs when the cartilage — the smooth, protective tissue that cushions the ends of bones — gradually breaks down. As this cushioning wears away, bones begin to rub against each other, causing pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced range of motion.

OA can affect any joint, but it most often occurs in weight-bearing joints such as the knees, hips, spine, and ankles, as well as in the hands and shoulders.

Common symptoms of osteoarthritis include:

  • Joint pain: Discomfort during or after movement, which may worsen with activity.
  • Stiffness: Especially noticeable first thing in the morning or after periods of rest.
  • Reduced range of motion: Difficulty moving the joint as freely as before.
  • Swelling or tenderness: Inflammation in the affected area.
  • Grating or cracking sounds: As cartilage breaks down and bones rub together.

While osteoarthritis is a long-term condition, it can be effectively managed — and your quality of life significantly improved — with the right physiotherapy approach.

How Physiotherapy Can Help Osteoarthritis

Physiotherapy is one of the most effective non-surgical treatments for osteoarthritis. Rather than simply masking pain with medication, physiotherapy focuses on improving joint function, strengthening the muscles that support your joints, and teaching you strategies to manage your condition long-term.

At Recover Physio Norwich, our osteoarthritis treatment programmes aim to:

  • Reduce pain and stiffness to make daily activities easier and more comfortable.
  • Improve joint mobility and flexibility so you can move more freely.
  • Strengthen muscles to better support your joints and reduce stress on them.
  • Enhance balance and stability to reduce the risk of falls or further injury.
  • Empower you with education and self-management strategies to take control of your condition.

By treating the root causes — not just the symptoms — physiotherapy can often reduce the need for pain medication and may delay or even prevent the need for surgery.

Physiotherapy Treatments for Osteoarthritis

At Recover Physio, we offer a comprehensive range of osteoarthritis physiotherapy treatments tailored to your individual condition and goals:

Manual Therapy & Joint Mobilisation

Hands-on techniques designed to reduce stiffness, improve joint movement, and relieve pain. These methods also help maintain joint health and slow down degenerative changes.

Personalised Exercise Programmes

We design custom exercise plans that focus on strengthening the muscles around affected joints, improving flexibility, and increasing joint stability. Strengthened muscles provide better support, reducing pressure and improving your overall function.

Pain Management Techniques

We use a variety of strategies — including heat and cold therapy, pain desensitisation, and gentle mobilisation — to reduce discomfort and improve your pain tolerance.

Education & Lifestyle Guidance

Knowledge is key to effective OA management. We’ll help you understand your condition, identify flare-up triggers, and make lifestyle changes (such as weight management and activity pacing) to protect your joints and maintain independence.

Every treatment plan starts with a comprehensive assessment to understand your unique situation. Because osteoarthritis affects everyone differently, we build a personalised programme that supports your specific needs and long-term goals.

Why Choose Recover Physio for Osteoarthritis Treatment?

We’re passionate about helping people with osteoarthritis live active, independent, and pain-free lives. Here’s what sets us apart:

  • Specialist expertise: Our physiotherapists are highly trained in musculoskeletal and arthritis-related conditions.
  • Evidence-based care: We use proven, research-backed treatments to achieve the best results.
  • Personalised approach: Every treatment plan is tailored to your symptoms, goals, and lifestyle.
  • Patient-centred care: We listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and support you every step of the way.
  • Proven results: With over 350 five-star reviews, our Norwich clinics are trusted by patients across Norfolk.

Whether you’re trying to avoid surgery, recover from joint replacement, or simply want to move more comfortably, we’re here to help you achieve long-term results and regain control of your life.

Speak to a Therapist

If you would like to discuss your condition to find out how we can help, you can speak to one of our friendly therapists. Just click below to request a callback from a member of our team.

Alternatively, if you would like to get going with your treatment straight away you can book an Initial Assessment online by clicking the link below.

Find your nearest branch

If you’d like to book an initial osteoarthritis consultation, you can book online at our Princes Street clinic in Norwich city centre, or our clinic at The Nest on Holt Road.

Princes Street, Norwich City Centre

Our Princes Street clinic is the flagship clinic of Recover Physio, situated in the heart of Norwich city centre in Tombland.

The Nest, Holt Road

Our clinic at The Nest serves customers in Norwich and surrounding areas of North Norwich and Norfolk.


Frequently Asked Questions

How do physiotherapists treat osteoarthritis?

Physiotherapy treatment begins with a thorough assessment to understand your specific symptoms and limitations. We then use a combination of hands-on manual therapy to improve joint mobility and relieve stiffness. Critically, we design a personalised exercise programme to strengthen the muscles surrounding the joint, which helps to stabilise it and reduce the load, easing discomfort during your daily activities.

Is it possible to stop osteoarthritis from getting worse?

While physiotherapy cannot reverse the structural changes of osteoarthritis, it plays an essential role in slowing its progression. By strengthening the supporting muscles, improving your joint mechanics, and learning to manage load, we can significantly reduce the stress on the affected joint. This proactive management helps to decrease the rate of “wear and tear” and can prevent your symptoms from worsening, keeping you active for longer.

Can physiotherapy reduce arthritis pain?

Absolutely. Reducing pain is one of our primary goals when treating osteoarthritis. We often achieve this using hands-on manual therapy to ease associated muscle tension and improve joint movement, which can provide immediate relief. In addition, the targeted exercises we prescribe build strength and stability, reducing the painful stress placed on the joint during movement.

How long does physiotherapy last for osteoarthritis?

The duration of physiotherapy really depends on your individual needs and the severity of your symptoms. Some clients only need a few sessions to receive a diagnosis, hands-on treatment for initial relief, and a home exercise plan to self-manage. Because osteoarthritis is a long-term condition, others benefit from periodic check-ins to modify exercises and manage flare-ups, empowering you to maintain your quality of life.