Manage Arthritis Confidently and Safely
Arthritis can affect every part of life, from walking and climbing stairs to sleeping, working, or enjoying time with family. At SmartPhysio, we provide personalised physiotherapy for arthritis that helps you manage pain, restore function, and improve your quality of life without relying solely on medication or invasive treatments.
Whether you’re living with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or another type of joint pain, our experienced team will help you move more freely and confidently with targeted, hands-on care. To find out more about how the team here at SmartPhysio can help, contact us now. Alternatively, book your appointment using the quick and easy online booking system.
Understanding Arthritis
Arthritis is not a single condition but a general term used to describe inflammation and stiffness in one or more joints. It can cause pain, swelling, reduced mobility and muscle weakness. While arthritis can occur at any age, it becomes increasingly common with age and can significantly affect your independence and well-being.
The two most common forms we treat are:
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Osteoarthritis: The most common form, caused by gradual wear and tear of the joint surfaces over time. It often affects the knees, hips, hands, and spine.
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Rheumatoid arthritis: An autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system attacks the joints, leading to inflammation, joint damage, and systemic symptoms like fatigue.
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Other forms include psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and post-traumatic arthritis following injury or surgery.
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Common Symptoms of Arthritis
Joint pain that worsens with activity or stiffness after periods of rest
Swelling and tenderness in affected joints
Reduced range of motion
Weakness in surrounding muscles
A feeling of instability or "giving way"
Morning stiffness lasting longer than 30 minutes
(especially with inflammatory arthritis)
Difficulty with everyday activities such as walking, climbing stairs, dressing, or gripping objects
Arthritis symptoms can vary from mild to severe and often fluctuate. While arthritis cannot always be cured, physiotherapy is proven to help manage symptoms effectively and delay the progression of joint deterioration.
How Physiotherapy
Helps with Arthritis
At SmartPhysio, our physiotherapy approach to arthritis is comprehensive and tailored to your needs. We focus on helping you maintain mobility, reduce pain, and regain control of your day-to-day life. Whether you're newly diagnosed or have lived with arthritis for years, physiotherapy can be an essential part of your care.
Physiotherapy for arthritis can:
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Improve joint mobility and reduce stiffness
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Strengthen the muscles around affected joints to provide better support
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Enhance balance and coordination to reduce the risk of falls
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Relieve pain using manual therapy, exercise, and education
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Help you stay active and independent for longer
We help you understand your condition and equip you with strategies to self-manage symptoms long-term, without relying solely on medication.
What to Expect from
Arthritis Physiotherapy
When you begin physiotherapy with us, your journey starts with a thorough assessment. We’ll take the time to understand which joints are affected, how arthritis is impacting your mobility, and what your personal goals are. We’ll assess your strength, flexibility, posture, gait, and balance to create a full picture of your needs.
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From there, your treatment plan will be tailored to you and may include:​
Targeted Exercise Therapy: Strengthening and mobility exercises are a core component of arthritis management. We'll guide you through low-impact exercises that build strength, improve flexibility, and support the affected joints. Regular movement is essential for joint health, and we’ll show you how to move safely and effectively.
Manual Therapy: In many cases, hands-on treatment can reduce stiffness and improve joint mechanics. Soft tissue massage, joint mobilisation, and trigger point therapy may be used to relieve discomfort and restore movement.
Pain Management Strategies: We provide techniques to help reduce pain and manage flare-ups, including pacing strategies, heat and cold application advice, and postural modifications. Education is key, the more you understand your pain, the more control you can have over it.
Posture and Movement Re-education: Arthritis can lead to compensation patterns that place extra strain on the body. We work with you to correct posture, walking patterns, and movement habits that may be worsening your pain.
Home Exercise Programs: To ensure progress between sessions, we provide easy-to-follow exercises you can do at home. These programs are tailored to your capabilities and are regularly reviewed and updated based on your progress.
Support with Aids and Adaptations: If needed, we can offer advice on assistive devices such as braces, walking aids, or ergonomic tools to make daily life easier.
​As well as our London clinics, physiotherapy home visits are available all around the London area and beyond
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Arthritis doesn’t have to mean giving up the things you love. With the right support, many people can continue to lead active, independent lives. Our goal is not just to manage symptoms in the short term but to help you build a sustainable lifestyle around movement, strength, and mobility.
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We also recognise that arthritis affects more than just the joints, it can impact your confidence, mental health and motivation. Our team provides encouragement and guidance to help you stay engaged in your recovery and feel empowered to move forward.
Living Well with Arthritis
Why Choose SmartPhysio?
Expertise in arthritis care: Our physiotherapists are highly experienced in managing osteoarthritis, inflammatory arthritis, and post-traumatic joint pain.
Personalised, hands-on treatment: Every session is tailored to your needs and goals, with a strong focus on manual therapy and exercise.
Compassionate, patient-centred approach: We listen to you, work at your pace, and support you every step of the way.
Convenient central location: Accessible for those living or working in London, with flexible appointment options available.
Integrated care: We can work alongside your GP, rheumatologist, or orthopaedic consultant to ensure a joined-up approach to treatment.
Who We Support
We work with people across all stages of arthritis:
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Early-stage: recently diagnosed, looking to stay active, reduce stiffness, and manage pain
Mid-stage: experiencing reduced joint mobility, fatigue, or difficulty with everyday tasks like walking or dressing
Post-hospital: recovering from joint surgery (e.g. knee or hip replacement), a flare-up, or a fall
Advanced-stage: needing help with mobility aids, pain management, home adaptations, or maintaining independence
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Whether you live at home, in supported housing or a care home, we’ll meet you where you are—both physically and emotionally.
Our London Physiotherapy Clinics
We also provide visiting physiotherapy to your home, care home or office
Arthritis Physiotherapy FAQ
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Is physiotherapy suitable for all types of arthritis?
Yes. Whether you have osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or another type, physiotherapy can help manage pain, preserve function, and improve quality of life.
Will exercise make my arthritis worse?
No — when done correctly, exercise is one of the most effective ways to manage arthritis. We guide you through safe, joint-friendly movements that help rather than harm.
Do I need a referral to start physiotherapy?
No referral is needed. You can book directly with SmartPhysio, and we’ll take care of the rest.
What if I’ve had arthritis for a long time?
What if I’ve had arthritis for a long time?
It’s never too late to benefit from physiotherapy. Whether you're newly diagnosed or have had symptoms for years, we can help you feel stronger and more in control.
Ready to Take the Next Step in Arthritis Treatment?
If joint pain is limiting your life, SmartPhysio can help. Our expert arthritis physiotherapy is here to reduce pain, restore movement, and help you feel more confident and capable, one step at a time. Simply contact us to find out more about how we can help you manage your arthritis, or arrange an appointment using the quick and easy online booking system.