Arthritis, a chronic condition marked by joint pain, inflammation, and stiffness, affects millions of Australians and significantly impacts their quality of life. With over 100 different types of arthritis—including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and psoriatic arthritis—no two cases are exactly alike. While medications, surgery, and lifestyle changes play a role in managing symptoms, physiotherapy stands out as one of the most effective, non-invasive treatments available.
Located in Melbourne’s northeastern suburbs, Excel Body and Health is a leading physiotherapy clinic known for helping people manage arthritis through evidence-based treatments. By offering tailored, progressive care grounded in clinical research, the clinic helps patients improve joint mobility, reduce pain, and enhance long-term physical wellbeing.

Understanding Arthritis and Its Impact on the Body
Arthritis isn’t simply a by-product of ageing. Although more common in older adults, it can affect people of all ages, including children. The condition primarily targets the joints—especially the knees, hips, hands, and spine—causing swelling, stiffness, and reduced range of motion.
Over time, arthritis can lead to joint deformities, muscular imbalances, and changes in gait or posture. These secondary issues not only contribute to ongoing discomfort but can also trigger further health complications such as reduced cardiovascular fitness, anxiety, and even depression.
While pain management and joint preservation are often the focus of initial medical treatments, many patients find themselves seeking long-term, sustainable solutions. This is where physiotherapy can make a significant difference.
How Physiotherapy Helps Manage Arthritis
Physiotherapists are uniquely trained to assess musculoskeletal conditions and design strategies that improve joint function and reduce pain. By understanding how arthritis presents in each individual, they can create customised treatment plans that align with a person’s goals, limitations, and lifestyle.
Here’s how physiotherapy contributes to better joint health for arthritis sufferers:

1. Pain Reduction and Inflammation Control
One of the primary benefits of physiotherapy is its ability to reduce chronic pain. Techniques such as soft tissue mobilisation, dry needling, ultrasound therapy, and hydrotherapy can all target inflammation and relieve tension around arthritic joints.
These interventions are drug-free and can serve as a complementary treatment alongside prescribed medications, minimising the need for increased dosages or reliance on painkillers.
2. Improved Range of Motion
Stiffness is a hallmark symptom of arthritis. Physiotherapists use targeted stretching routines and joint mobilisation to help loosen tight areas and promote flexibility. Over time, patients notice greater ease in everyday movements like walking, climbing stairs, or getting in and out of bed.
Maintaining a healthy range of motion is critical to preventing further joint deterioration, making early intervention with physiotherapy essential.
3. Strengthening Supporting Muscles
Joints rely on surrounding muscles for support and function. When arthritis leads to disuse or inactivity, these muscles weaken, placing more strain on the affected joint. Physiotherapy strengthens these muscles through progressive resistance training and functional exercises, restoring balance and preventing compensation injuries.
Even small gains in strength can drastically reduce pressure on the joints and slow the progression of joint damage.
4. Postural and Gait Correction
Arthritis often alters the way people move. Subtle changes in gait, posture, or balance can exacerbate symptoms and create a cycle of dysfunction. Physiotherapists evaluate these changes and introduce corrective techniques and exercises to restore proper mechanics.
Assistive devices such as braces, orthotics, or walking aids may also be recommended, especially in more advanced cases.
5. Education and Long-Term Self-Management
Physiotherapy doesn’t stop in the clinic. One of its major strengths lies in patient education. Individuals are taught how to protect their joints during daily activities, manage flare-ups, and adopt exercise routines that can be done at home.
With proper guidance, patients become empowered to take control of their condition, reducing their dependency on constant medical intervention.
A Look at the Physiotherapy Approach
Physiotherapy clinics have played a key role in delivering arthritis care tailored to the needs of the local community. Clinics adopt a multidisciplinary approach that combines hands-on therapy with modern rehabilitation technology and lifestyle education.
Their programs are built on a foundation of patient-centred care, ensuring that treatment plans are as unique as the people they serve. Whether managing early-stage osteoarthritis or addressing complications from long-standing rheumatoid arthritis, physio Ivanhoe focuses on restoring confidence, strength, and independence.
Specialised Physiotherapy Techniques for Arthritis
Different physiotherapy modalities are used depending on the type of arthritis, the joint affected, and the severity of the symptoms. Common techniques include:
1. Manual Therapy
Manual therapy involves the hands-on manipulation of muscles, joints, and soft tissues. It’s particularly effective for breaking down scar tissue, improving joint mobility, and reducing muscle tightness.
For people with osteoarthritis in the spine or knees, manual therapy can provide immediate relief and promote better alignment.
2. Hydrotherapy
Exercising in warm water reduces the load on joints while allowing full-body movement. Hydrotherapy sessions can improve circulation, build endurance, and ease joint stiffness in a soothing, controlled environment.
This technique is especially useful for those with severe joint pain or balance issues that limit their ability to exercise on land.
3. Exercise Therapy
A well-designed exercise program is at the core of any arthritis management plan. Physiotherapists prescribe exercises that are gentle, joint-friendly, and focused on building strength, flexibility, and endurance.
Over time, regular exercise leads to increased energy, better sleep, improved joint lubrication, and reduced fatigue—factors that all influence quality of life.
4. Dry Needling and TENS Therapy
Some patients respond well to dry needling, a technique that targets trigger points in muscles to reduce pain and spasms. Similarly, TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) uses low-voltage currents to interrupt pain signals and promote natural healing.
These techniques can be incorporated into broader treatment plans for greater overall effectiveness.
Addressing Arthritis in Different Life Stages
Arthritis affects people of all ages. From juvenile idiopathic arthritis in children to degenerative arthritis in seniors, physiotherapy must be tailored according to developmental stage, lifestyle, and specific challenges.
Children and Teens
In younger patients, physiotherapy often focuses on maintaining participation in physical activities and preventing deformities. Stretching, posture correction, and fun, engaging exercises help children stay active while managing pain.
Adults
For working-age adults, physiotherapy supports mobility in both daily life and the workplace. Treatment may focus on ergonomics, stress reduction, and exercise programs that fit into a busy schedule.
Seniors
Older adults may require physiotherapy for multiple conditions alongside arthritis, including osteoporosis, balance issues, or post-surgical rehabilitation. Fall prevention, joint protection, and maintaining independence become the focus at this stage.
The Role of Physiotherapy in Preventing Joint Replacement Surgery
One of the most valuable roles of physiotherapy is delaying or preventing the need for joint replacement surgeries. While some cases of advanced arthritis require surgical intervention, many patients are able to postpone these procedures—or avoid them entirely—through consistent physiotherapy.
Prehabilitation (pre-surgical rehabilitation) is also a growing field in physiotherapy. Preparing the body before surgery has been shown to lead to faster recovery times, fewer complications, and better long-term outcomes.
Complementary Therapies That Support Physiotherapy
While physiotherapy plays a central role, it’s often enhanced by complementary therapies such as:
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Dietary counselling – Reducing inflammation through nutrition
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Occupational therapy – Modifying tasks and environments to reduce strain
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Massage therapy – Alleviating muscle tightness
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Psychological support – Addressing the mental health impact of chronic pain
Integrating these services can create a holistic management plan that addresses every aspect of a patient’s health.
When to Start Physiotherapy for Arthritis
The best time to start physiotherapy is as soon as arthritis is diagnosed. Early intervention leads to better results and prevents complications down the track.
However, it’s never too late to begin. Even those living with chronic, long-standing arthritis can benefit from a targeted physiotherapy program. Improvements in mobility, pain levels, and overall function are possible at any stage of the condition.
How to Choose the Right Physiotherapist
Not all physiotherapists have the same level of experience with arthritis. Patients should look for providers with specific training in musculoskeletal and rheumatological conditions. It’s also important to find a clinic that offers a supportive, empathetic environment and personalised care.
Referrals from general practitioners, rheumatologists, or friends and family can help guide the decision-making process. Reviews, clinic websites, and initial consultations are also valuable for assessing whether a physiotherapist is the right fit.
Building a Sustainable Future with Arthritis
Living with arthritis presents challenges, but it doesn’t have to mean living in constant pain or giving up the activities you enjoy. Physiotherapy offers a path toward improved joint function, better mobility, and renewed confidence.
By combining expert guidance with patient education, arthritis sufferers can enjoy a more active and fulfilling life. The journey to joint health is ongoing, but with the right support system—including experienced physiotherapists—managing arthritis becomes less about limitation and more about possibility.