Call us now: 020 7435 4910 · Appointments within 24 to 48 hours
A SMARTPHYSIO physiotherapist visiting an older patient at home
4.8 ★★★★★ · 140 Google reviews

Physiotherapy for arthritis in London

Arthritis is managed, not endured. The right exercise, delivered the right way, reduces pain and keeps you doing the things you enjoy.

  • Home visits across London
  • Same clinician every visit
  • No GP referral needed
  • Appointments in 24 to 48 hours

Medically reviewed by the SMARTPHYSIO clinical team · August 2026

Understanding it

Understanding arthritis

Symptoms
  • Joint pain that builds with activity and eases with rest
  • Morning stiffness that loosens as you get going
  • Swelling or warmth around a joint
  • Grinding or creaking in the joint
  • Gradually doing less because of pain
  • Knees, hips and hands most commonly affected
What causes it
  • Osteoarthritis: gradual change in joint cartilage and the tissues around it, more common with age
  • Previous injuries can bring it on earlier in a specific joint
  • Inactivity weakens the muscles that protect joints, making symptoms worse
  • Inflammatory arthritis (like rheumatoid) is different, and is managed with your medical team
When to seek help
  • If joint pain or stiffness is limiting daily life
  • If you are avoiding stairs, walks or activities you used to enjoy
  • If pain is worsening despite painkillers
  • If a joint is hot, very swollen and acutely painful, see a doctor promptly
How we treat it

Our approach to arthritis

Strengthen the muscles around the joint, keep it moving, and pace activity so life gets bigger, not smaller.

Exercise is the most evidence-supported treatment for osteoarthritis, but it has to be the right exercise at the right dose. Your assessment finds what your joints tolerate now, and your programme builds from there.

Alongside strengthening, we use hands-on treatment for comfort, and practical pacing strategies so good days do not cost you the following three. Many of our arthritis patients are treated at home, where stairs, chairs and daily routines can be worked on directly.

What your programme can include

Strength and mobility programme Physiotherapy Home-based rehabilitation Pacing and activity advice Manual therapy
A SMARTPHYSIO physiotherapist guiding a patient through supervised exercise
Patient reviews

What our patients say

4.8 ★★★★★
140 Google reviews · SMARTPHYSIO Hampstead
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JTJonathan ThorntonJuly 2026
★★★★★

“Shokola was great with my 12 year old daughter. She got straight to the issue and made good and practical suggestions for treatment.”

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DSDeborah SimmonsJuly 2026
★★★★★

“Harsha has been kind, attentive and has helped me hugely with my hip and Achilles injuries. She’s a brilliant and very knowledgeable physiotherapist and I recommend her highly.”

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NHNicky HorneJune 2026
★★★★★

“I have seen several different therapists at Sammy Margo’s over many years. Every one has been excellent. When I was recovering from a hip replacement the physio I received helped me recover really quickly. Highly recommended.”

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NSNigel SpackmanMay 2026
★★★★★

“I had a full hip replacement following a cycle accident, and have daily physio visits on weekdays for three weeks. I am already able to walk short distances without a stick or crutch, and this is entirely due to the work they have done with me.”

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ANAdrian NaftalinApril 2026
★★★★★

“Thanks to Olga I have made great strides in my recovery from the after-effects of sepsis. My strength, balance and mobility have improved enormously under her excellent physiotherapy. I would recommend her wholeheartedly.”

Google review →
Good to know

Frequently asked questions

Is exercise safe for arthritic joints?
Yes, and it is the most recommended treatment. Appropriate exercise does not wear joints out; it strengthens the muscles that protect them and reduces pain over time.
Why does my joint feel worse in cold or damp weather?
Many people report this and the mechanism is not fully understood. Staying warm and keeping moving usually helps regardless of the weather.
Can physiotherapy delay a joint replacement?
For many people, a structured exercise programme reduces pain and improves function enough to delay or avoid surgery. If a replacement is the right path, rehabilitation before and after improves the result.
Do you treat arthritis at home?
Yes. Home visits are our largest service, and arthritis is one of the most common reasons for them, especially for older patients.
What is the difference between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis?
Osteoarthritis is gradual change in a joint over time. Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory condition managed with medication by your medical team; physiotherapy supports both, in different ways.

Let's get you moving again

Tell us about a home visit and we will call you back the same working day, or book a clinic appointment online.