Arthritis
Relief from arthritis in Papworth Everard, Cambridgeshire:​
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Arthritis is a common condition that affects millions of people, causing inflammation, pain, and stiffness in the joints. It includes over 100 different types, most commonly osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, each with its own causes and patterns of symptoms.
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This condition can impact movement, making everyday tasks more challenging and affecting overall quality of life. Understanding your symptoms and the type of arthritis you have is key to effective management.
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With the right approach, arthritis can be managed successfully. Physiotherapy plays an important role in reducing pain, improving mobility, and supporting joint health, helping you stay active and return to the activities you enjoy with greater comfort and confidence.
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Below are just some of the types of arthritis our expert team treats. Our dedicated team is committed to helping you move confidently from pain to peak performance.
Osteoarthritis (OA)
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, affecting millions of people worldwide. It is a progressive condition where the protective cartilage at the ends of the bones gradually wears down. As this cartilage thins, the bones begin to rub against each other, causing pain, inflammation, stiffness, and reduced mobility. It most commonly affects weight-bearing joints such as the knees, hips, and spine, and can significantly impact everyday activities and overall quality of life. Contributing factors include ageing, previous injury, and increased stress on the joints, including excess body weight. Symptoms often include pain during movement, stiffness, particularly after rest or in the morning, joint swelling, and difficulty with daily tasks. Early assessment and effective management are essential. With the right physiotherapy treatment approach, symptoms can be controlled, mobility maintained, and long-term joint health supported, helping you stay active and move with confidence.
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune condition in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the joints, causing inflammation, pain, swelling, and stiffness. Over time, this can lead to joint damage and reduced function if not properly managed. Symptoms often include persistent joint discomfort, swelling, and morning stiffness, and may affect multiple joints on both sides of the body. RA can significantly impact daily life, making early understanding and management essential. Physiotherapy plays a vital role in managing RA. During flare-ups, treatment focuses on pain relief, gentle movement, and reducing inflammation. During periods of remission, physiotherapy helps rebuild strength, improve mobility, and maintain joint function, supporting long-term health and quality of life.
Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS)
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory condition that primarily affects the spine and sacroiliac joints in the pelvis. It causes ongoing pain and stiffness, and over time can lead to sections of the spine fusing together, reducing flexibility and movement. While the exact cause is not fully understood, genetic factors and changes in the immune system are thought to play a significant role. Symptoms often include persistent lower back pain, especially in the morning or after rest, along with stiffness that improves with movement. Physiotherapy is essential in managing AS, focusing on maintaining spinal mobility, improving posture, and preserving function. Targeted exercises, including stretching, strengthening, and deep breathing techniques, help keep the spine flexible and reduce the risk of long-term stiffness or fusion.
Gout
Gout is a form of arthritis that causes sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and swelling, most commonly affecting the big toe. It occurs when uric acid builds up in the bloodstream and forms crystals within the joints, triggering intense inflammation and discomfort. Flare-ups can be influenced by factors such as diet, genetics, and certain medical conditions. Symptoms often come on quickly and can significantly limit movement and daily activities during an episode. Physiotherapy plays an important supportive role in recovery, helping you restore joint mobility, manage stiffness, and safely return to activity. It can also provide guidance on movement and lifestyle adjustments to help reduce the risk of future flare-ups.
Psoriatic Arthritis
Psoriatic arthritis is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects both the skin and joints, most commonly in people with psoriasis. It can cause joint pain, stiffness, and swelling, often having a significant impact on daily life and function. Physiotherapy plays a key role in managing symptoms, helping to reduce pain, improve joint mobility, and maintain strength and flexibility. By preserving movement in the hands, feet, and other affected joints, we support your ability to carry out everyday activities with greater ease and confidence.
Lupus Arthritis
Lupus arthritis is a common feature of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), an autoimmune condition in which the body’s immune system attacks its own tissues, leading to joint inflammation. This can cause pain, swelling, stiffness, and fatigue, often affecting multiple joints. Symptoms can fluctuate, with periods of flare-ups and remission, and may significantly impact daily activities and overall wellbeing. Physiotherapy plays an important role in managing lupus arthritis, helping to reduce joint pain, ease fatigue, and improve strength, mobility, and function, so you can stay active and maintain your quality of life.
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a condition in which bones become weaker and more fragile, increasing the risk of fractures. While bone density naturally decreases with age, factors such as genetics, lifestyle, and nutrition can influence how quickly this occurs. In many cases, osteoporosis develops without obvious symptoms until a fracture happens, making early awareness and proactive management especially important. Physiotherapy plays a crucial role in managing osteoporosis, helping to maintain bone health through safe, weight-bearing exercise, strengthening surrounding muscles, and improving balance and posture. This not only supports overall mobility and function but also significantly reduces the risk of falls and fractures, helping you stay active and independent for longer.
How Can Physiotherapy Help?
Physiotherapy for arthritis focuses on relieving pain and restoring function through a combination of hands-on treatment and targeted rehabilitation. This may include joint mobilisation, soft tissue massage, taping, acupuncture, and tailored exercise programmes.
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Our physiotherapists will also empower you with practical, personalised strategies to support your recovery, including targeted stretches and strengthening exercises to reduce the risk of deterioration. We provide expert guidance on managing workload, taking effective breaks, and minimising strain during daily activities. Where needed, we also advise on posture and recommend ergonomic solutions or adaptive equipment to support long-term joint health and function.​