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CONDITION · JOINT DISEASE
Arthritis physio in Brisbane.
Morning joint stiffness, aching knees after a walk, or hands that stiffen up through the day — arthritis affects millions of Australians and can significantly limit daily activity. Our team provides evidence-based exercise and management that supports joint health and functional independence.
AT A GLANCE
Information shown is general and not a substitute for assessment. Your physiotherapist will discuss your specific presentation at your initial appointment.
COMMON SIGNS
Symptoms you may recognise.
If two or more of these apply to you, an assessment is a sensible next step.
Morning joint stiffness
Particularly after periods of inactivity
Swelling around joints
Puffiness, particularly during inflammatory flares
Reduced range of motion
In the affected joints, limiting daily tasks
Aching with activity / rest
Or worsening pain at the end of the day
Grinding / crepitus
Crunching sensation during joint movement
Joint warmth
Particularly during flares in inflammatory arthritis
COMMON TYPES
Why it might be happening.
Arthritis encompasses over 100 conditions. The two most commonly seen in physio practice are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
CAUSE 01
Osteoarthritis (OA)
The most prevalent form of arthritis. Progressive degeneration of articular cartilage causes joint pain, stiffness and bony changes. Most often affects knees, hips, hands and spine. Risk factors include age, prior injury, body weight and certain occupations.
CAUSE 02
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
An autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks the joint lining, causing inflammation, pain and potential joint damage. Often affects multiple joints symmetrically with periods of flare and remission. Managed primarily by rheumatologists with physiotherapy support.
CAUSE 03
Age-related joint changes
Natural ageing can reduce joint space, thin cartilage and decrease synovial fluid, contributing to stiffness and discomfort even without a formal arthritis diagnosis. Exercise and movement remain the most evidence-supported management.
CAUSE 04
Lifestyle & loading factors
Activity levels, muscle strength and body weight all influence the rate of OA progression and the severity of symptoms — meaning many of the factors driving day-to-day function are modifiable through exercise and education.
When to seek urgent care
Some symptoms warrant immediate medical attention rather than a physio assessment. Please see your GP or attend an emergency department if you experience:
- A hot, red, swollen joint with fever (suspected septic arthritis)
- Sudden severe joint pain with inability to bear weight
- Rapidly progressive multi-joint swelling and stiffness
- Unexplained weight loss, fever or night sweats with joint pain
- New numbness, tingling or weakness in a limb
OUR APPROACH
How physiotherapy may help.
A three-stage approach — assess, treat, then build long-term resilience.
1
Assess
Individualised assessment — taking into account the type of arthritis, joints affected, current functional capacity, goals and any comorbidities.
- Movement & strength testing
- Functional capacity assessment
- Goal & activity-level review
- Co-management planning with GP
2
Treat
An evidence-based plan centred on exercise therapy, complemented by manual therapy and hydrotherapy where appropriate.
- Targeted strengthening exercise
- Aerobic & flexibility work
- Hydrotherapy for high-load joints
- Manual therapy & joint protection
3
Manage
Long-term management program — physiotherapy supports independence and function through graded exercise, with prehab/postop pathways where surgery is needed.
- Home exercise program
- Activity modification advice
- Pre/post-op support (if relevant)
- DVA & GPCCMP funding pathways
RELATED CONDITIONS
Current evidence strongly supports staying active with arthritis. Appropriate exercise — particularly strengthening and low-impact aerobic activity — is one of the most effective evidence-based approaches to managing arthritis symptoms and maintaining joint function. Complete rest can lead to muscle weakness, joint stiffness, and reduced fitness, which can worsen symptoms over time. The key is finding the right type, intensity, and volume of exercise for your presentation — your physiotherapist can guide this.
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition caused by wear and tear on joint cartilage over time. It is more common in older adults and typically affects weight-bearing joints (hips, knees) and the hands. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks the joint lining, causing inflammation. It can affect multiple joints simultaneously and often involves systemic symptoms. Both benefit from physiotherapy as part of a broader management plan.
Our physiotherapists provide an evidence-based approach to arthritis management, centred around exercise therapy — particularly strengthening and low-impact aerobic exercise. This may be supplemented by manual therapy, hydrotherapy (particularly suitable for those with significant loading restrictions), activity modification advice, and joint protection education. For those eligible, DVA and Medicare GP Chronic Condition Management Plan funding may cover physiotherapy sessions.
Physiotherapy is an evidence-based approach for managing knee and hip osteoarthritis. Exercise therapy — supervised by a physiotherapist and progressed appropriately — may help manage pain and maintain functional capacity. Hydrotherapy is particularly beneficial for those who find land-based exercise uncomfortable, as the buoyancy of the water reduces joint loading while allowing strengthening work to continue.