12/03/2026
Over the last few weeks I feel like I’ve had a real run of patients with arthritic knees. Enough so that I thought I’d share some basic information around the conservative approach to managing arthritis in the hope of helping a few more of you out there.
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common degenerative joint condition characterised by cartilage breakdown, joint stiffness, pain, and reduced function. Conservative management is often multidisciplinary and may involve healthcare providers such as a GP, physiotherapist, and exercise physiologist. The Physiotherapists role in the conservative management of OA, aims to reduce pain, improve mobility, and maintain function and quality of life, while helping to delay or reduce the need for surgical intervention.
A key component of physiotherapy management is exercise therapy. Strengthening exercises help support and stabilise affected joints by improving the strength of surrounding musculature. For example, strengthening the quadriceps in knee OA can reduce joint loading and improve functional capacity. Range-of-motion and flexibility exercises are also important for maintaining joint movement and reducing stiffness.
The benefits of exercise in arthritis aren’t just limited to strength and movement quality either. Exercise and appropriate mechanical loading also assist cartilage health and nutrition. Articular cartilage is avascular and relies on the compression and decompression of the joint during movement to facilitate the diffusion of nutrients and removal of metabolic waste. Regular moderate loading through exercise therefore plays a role in maintaining cartilage integrity and may help slow degenerative changes. Conversely, prolonged inactivity can contribute to cartilage deterioration and reduced joint health.
Aerobic exercise such as walking, cycling, or swimming is commonly recommended, as these low-impact activities improve cardiovascular health while minimising excessive joint stress. Aerobic activity can also assist with weight management, which is a significant factor in OA symptoms. Higher body mass index (BMI) has been associated with increased pain and functional limitation in individuals with osteoarthritis, particularly in weight-bearing joints such as the knee and hip, but interestingly, also in non weight-bearing joints like the hand or shoulder. Excess body weight increases mechanical load on the joint and may also contribute to systemic inflammation, both of which can exacerbate symptoms.
Now before you go out there and exercise the house down, remember that exercise, much like your medication, needs to be administered at the right dose. If you need help with exercise selection, pacing, activity modification, or anything else OA management, don’t be shy to reach out.
🛜 www.rplphysiotherapy.com.au
☎️ 0434959024
