What is Arthritis and Osteoarthritis Physiotherapy?

Arthritis and osteoarthritis physiotherapy focuses on providing relief from joint pain and stiffness, preventing joint damage, and maintaining your physical abilities. It can involve getting expert advice, education, exercise and stretching programs, massage therapy, and a range of other treatments. 

It is an effective way to manage all types of arthritis, including the two most common forms: osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Our experienced physiotherapists will create a comprehensive treatment plan to suit your particular situation, needs, and health goals.

arthritis and physiotherapy

If you’re dealing with pain or physical limitations caused by arthritis, physiotherapy treatment can help. Besides reducing pain, swelling, and stiffness, it can help you regain flexibility and function in your affected joints.

Here are just a few of the many benefits:

  • Reduce joint pain
  • Increase range of motion
  • Reduce swelling
  • Increase muscle strength to stabilize your joints
  • Stop disease progression
  • Improve overall health

We know arthritis can make it hard to maintain an active lifestyle. When the disease affects your hips, knees, or ankles, just getting around can be difficult. That’s one more reason why physiotherapy treatment can be so beneficial. In addition to relieving your arthritis symptoms, it will teach you exercises that you can do comfortably and safely.

Your physiotherapist will speak with you about your history, symptoms, limitations, and goals for your treatment. Then they’ll create a custom plan to meet your needs. Some of the different therapies that may be involved in your treatment include:

Your treatment plan may involve a variety of tools and techniques, including:

  • Exercises and stretches
  • Pain relief treatments including massage, acupuncture, laser therapy, heat/cold therapy
  • Advanced diagnostics to monitor disease progression or treatment results
  • Joint protection such as functional braces
  • Temporary splints during flare-ups
  • Rehabilitation following surgery
  • Advice and education
  • Create a plan for staying active

The time it takes to see results is different for every patient. It can depend on factors including the severity of your joint issues and your age. However, physiotherapy is usually able to provide rapid results. One reason for that is there are no long wait times for procedures as your physiotherapist can start treating you immediately. Some of the changes you can look for include reduced pain and swelling and increased range of motion.

Cost and Coverage

Our osteoarthritis physiotherapy treatments are often covered by extended health care plans. If you’re not sure if you’re covered, give us a call and we can help. We can also provide our treatment plans at competitive rates.

An icon depicting insurance coverage for chiropractic care.

With our comprehensive range of therapies and our large team of healthcare professionals, we have a lot of options to choose from when it comes to crafting your custom treatment. For example, your treatment could include counselling to address mental health issues related to arthritis, like depression and anxiety. It could also include orthotics in case your joint pain has affected the way you move. This type of whole-body approach to healthcare helps us achieve long-lasting results.

Our Team Includes:

A diagram depicting the many health services available at Activa Clinics.

If you are ready to see how physiotherapy can help you manage your arthritis and overcome your limitations, give us a call, schedule a consultation, or drop on by. We have seven conveniently located clinics in Southern Ontario. They serve communities including Toronto, Scarborough, Mississauga, Brampton, Kitchener, and Hamilton.

FAQ's