Condition guide
Arthritis Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy management for arthritis-related joint pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility across daily activities.
Arthritis includes different joint conditions. Osteoarthritis care often emphasises strength, activity and day-to-day function; inflammatory arthritis may also need specialist medical treatment. Physiotherapy supports movement and self-management alongside that care, not instead of it. A newly hot, swollen joint or sudden severe joint pain needs urgent medical advice, not an assumption of a routine flare.
This guide is general information and does not replace a clinical assessment.
When to get urgent help
Seek an urgent GP appointment or NHS 111 advice for a newly hot, swollen painful joint, sudden severe pain and swelling in one joint, or joint pain with feeling unwell. Fever does not have to be present. Do not assume these symptoms are a routine arthritis flare.
NHS: ArthritisCommon Symptoms
Joint pain and morning stiffness
Reduced joint movement and function
Pain with prolonged activity or inactivity
Flare patterns affecting work and daily tasks
Seek Prompt Medical Advice If You Have
A painful joint that is hot and swollen: seek urgent GP or NHS 111 advice, even without fever
Sudden severe pain and swelling in one joint, or joint pain with feeling unwell
Sudden severe joint pain after trauma
Rapid unexplained functional decline
New neurological symptoms alongside joint pain
If you are unsure, call NHS 111 or seek urgent medical care.
Assessment
Discuss any established diagnosis, joint swelling, stiffness pattern and medical treatment
Check which movements and everyday tasks are limited, rather than pain alone
Assess relevant joint movement, muscle strength and walking or hand function
Identify new swelling or unexplained symptoms that need medical assessment
Treatment
Plan strengthening for affected joints alongside suitable general physical activity
Adapt movement and everyday tasks around current ability and meaningful goals
Explain pacing and manageable adjustments during flares, with review of persistent changes
Review function and exercise tolerance while respecting medical or rheumatology advice
Aftercare & self-management
At your appointment, agree which exercises to do, how often to practise them and when to review your progress.
Build a regular, manageable activity routine rather than repeated bursts of overactivity
Use your agreed exercise plan and discuss difficulties instead of abandoning it
Keep track of useful goals such as stairs, walking or opening containers
Contact an urgent GP service or NHS 111 for a hot, swollen joint
Plan your visitClinic, prices, insurance and home visits
- Your clinic & directions
- Newham clinic, Plaistow
Newham Leisure Centre, 281 Prince Regent Lane, Plaistow, London E13 8SD
- Self-pay
£60 for a 30-minute physiotherapy appointment.
Prices & self-pay- Health insurance
Cover depends on your plan and chosen physiotherapist.
Insurance & cash-plan guidance
Would a home visit suit you better?
If getting to the clinic is difficult, explore physiotherapy at your visit address. Suitability depends on your condition, care needs, travel and the available clinician; the clinic price and insurance arrangements above do not automatically apply to home treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can exercise help arthritis?+
Yes. Appropriate exercise is a core part of management and can improve pain and function over time.
Should I rest during an arthritis flare?+
Short-term load reduction can help, but prolonged inactivity is usually not recommended.
Do you support long-term management plans?+
Yes. We provide practical progression plans focused on sustainable function.
Related care and guides
Further reading
For public health information, self-care guidance and advice on when to seek medical help:
About your care at Nexus: meet our physiotherapists and read our clinical governance information.