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Physical Therapy for Osteoarthritis

Ease Your Joint Pain & Move Freely Again

Osteoarthritis can make simple movements painful, limiting your ability to walk, climb stairs, or stay active. Physical therapy can help reduce pain, improve flexibility, and strengthen the muscles supporting your joints—without relying on medication or surgery. Get back to doing what you love. Start your recovery today!
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Are You at Risk for Osteoarthritis?

  • Are over the age of 50
  • Have a history of joint injuries or fractures
  • Carry excess weight, which adds strain to your joints
  • Perform repetitive movements in your job or daily activities
  • Have a family history of osteoarthritis
  • Experience stiffness, swelling, or pain in your joints

Over 30 million Americans have osteoarthritis, a chronic condition that causes joint inflammation, stiffness and pain. This progressive disease develops due to repetitive use, past injuries or carrying excess weight, gradually wearing down the protective cartilage that cushions the joints.

Over time, osteoarthritis can limit mobility and increase fall risk, impacting overall quality of life. While pain relief and anti-inflammatory medications can help, physical therapy plays a key role in managing symptoms, improving strength and maintaining flexibility. Here’s what you can expect.

What Is Osteoarthritis?

As we age, our bodies undergo natural changes, including a loss of joint lubrication and cartilage breakdown. Cartilage acts as a shock absorber, preventing bones from rubbing against each other. When it deteriorates, friction increases and can lead to pain, stiffness and swelling.

However, aging isn’t the only factor. Osteoarthritis may progress more rapidly in response to:

  • Being overweight or obese
  • Previous joint injuries
  • Gender, with women at higher risk than men
  • Jobs or activities that put repetitive stress on the hip, knee or elbow joints

Symptoms of Osteoarthritis

People with osteoarthritis often experience:

  • Morning joint stiffness that improves with movement
  • Cracking, clicking or popping sounds in the affected joint
  • Swelling or tenderness
  • Pain relief after resting from repetitive activities
  • Hard growths, or bone spurs, developing near the joint
  • Difficulty with activities like walking, climbing stairs, grasping objects or maintaining balance

What to Expect During Physical Therapy

Osteoarthritis increases risk of experiencing a fall. Physical therapy combines targeted exercises, movement strategies and passive treatments to reduce pain and mobility. During your first session, daily challenges will be assessed to develop a personalized treatment plan that may include:

  • Stretching: Range-of-motion exercises keep joints flexible and prevent stiffness.
  • Strengthening Exercise: Support muscles around the affected joint to increase stability.
  • Aerobic Exercises: Low-impact activities like swimming, walking, biking and the elliptical help maintain mobility and support weight management.
  • Balance: Yoga or tai chi help improve posture, coordination and relaxation. Regular physical therapy sessions can limit the need for steroid injections and joint replacement surgery.
  • Manual Therapy: Hands-on stretching improves joint flexibility and increases mobility.
  • Education: Guidance on proper posture, safe workout techniques and workplace modifications to reduce joint strain.
  • Assistive Device Training: Learning how to properly use knee braces, canes or walkers for added support.

Has your doctor recommended physical therapy for osteoarthritis?

To learn more about our Physical Therapy for Osteoarthritis,
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