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Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis physiotherapy - Evidence-based care in Takapuna

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Summary

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis and frequently affects the hips, knees, and hands as we age. People often experience pain with weight-bearing activities, stiffness, reduced mobility, and in later stages, pain at rest or disrupted sleep. Physiotherapy is recommended internationally as a first-line treatment for hip and knee osteoarthritis, with strong evidence showing benefits such as reduced pain, improved function, better walking ability, and decreased reliance on pain medication or surgery (see here).

Large-scale programmes like GLA:D also demonstrate that structured physiotherapy and education can significantly improve quality of life for osteoarthritis sufferers. At North Shore Physiotherapy in Takapuna, we deliver evidence-based osteoarthritis management programmes designed to reduce pain, improve strength, and help you stay active and independent.

Understanding Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis and often a natural part of the ageing process. It involves the gradual wearing down of the cartilage that lines the joint surfaces, which normally acts as a smooth, friction-reducing cushion. As this cartilage thins, joints may become painful, stiff, and less mobile.

OA can affect any joint, but the hips, knees, and hands are the most commonly involved. Although osteoarthritis is more prevalent in older adults, lifestyle, previous injuries, and genetics also play a major role.

Over the last few years modern research has shifted the medical perspective from viewing osteoarthritis (OA) solely as a passive “wear-and-tear” disease of cartilage, to recognising it as a complex metabolic inflammatory disorder. This emerging paradigm suggests that OA is often linked to, or driven by, systemic metabolic processes and health issues such as obesity, type 2 diabetes and hypertension and levels of systemic inflammation.

Who Is Most at Risk of Developing Osteoarthritis?

Several well-established risk factors increase your likelihood of developing OA:

  1. Being Over 45 Years of Age – Cartilage naturally becomes thinner and less resilient over time. As we age, our joints undergo normal age-related wear, and the body’s ability to repair cartilage slows down.
  2. Previous Joint Injuries – Past injuries, including ligament tears, fractures, meniscus injuries, or repetitive strain can accelerate cartilage wear and contribute to early-onset OA.
  3. Family History – Genetic factors influence cartilage quality, bone structure, and joint alignment, making some individuals more prone to osteoarthritis.
  4. High BMI or Increased Load on Joints – It is widely recognised that extra body weight places higher mechanical stress on the hips and knees, and can lead to an increase in symptoms.
  5. Patients with Metabolic syndrome – Modern research has demonstrated that health conditions such as obesity, elevated blood pressure and diabetes are associated with knee osteoarthritis.

Common Symptoms of Hip and Knee Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis symptoms often develop gradually. People typically report:

  • Pain with Weight-Bearing Activities (hip OA often presents as groin pain that may radiate into the thigh or buttock, with difficulty putting socks/shoes on or squatting. Knee OA usually causes pain around or behind the knee, particularly with walking, stairs, or standing after sitting).
  • Stiffness and Reduced Range of Motion (bending, walking, squatting, or rotating the leg may feel restricted or stiff).
  • Pain at Rest or Night Pain (as the condition progresses, people may experience symptoms even when resting, and sleep may be disrupted).
  • Swelling and Joint Warmth (occasionally, swelling or inflammation may develop after activity).
  • Reduced Walking Speed or Functional Ability (tasks that were once simple, like climbing stairs or getting out of the car, may become more challenging).

How Osteoarthritis Is Diagnosed

Physiotherapists are well-trained in diagnosing hip and knee OA. In most cases, a clinical assessment is sufficient, and imaging is not always necessary.

A thorough assessment typically includes:

  • Evaluation of pain patterns
  • Strength and muscle testing
  • Mobility and range-of-motion testing
  • Gait and functional movement analysis
  • Review of medical history or previous injuries

While X-rays can confirm joint changes, they are not required to start treatment, and symptoms often correlate poorly with imaging. Many people with degenerative changes on X-ray experience no pain at all.

Physiotherapy as a First-Line Treatment for Osteoarthritis

International guidelines consistently recommend physiotherapy and structured exercise as the primary treatment for hip and knee osteoarthritis.

Why physiotherapy works

Physiotherapy helps by:

  • Strengthening supportive muscles
  • Reducing pain and swelling
  • Enhancing functional movement
  • Improving balance and walking
  • Increasing confidence in daily activities
  • Reducing reliance on medications
  • Delaying or preventing the need for surgery

At North Shore Physiotherapy in Takapuna, our osteoarthritis rehabilitation is tailored to your needs, evidence-based, and designed to get you back to doing what you love.

Evidence Supporting Physiotherapy for Osteoarthritis

Strength training reduces pain and surgery rates

A key study demonstrated that physiotherapy consisting of strength training twice a week for six weeks resulted in:

  • 36% average pain reduction
  • Reduced need for pain medication
  • Lower perceived need for surgery

This research specifically involved individuals with hip and knee osteoarthritis (see here). These results align with what physiotherapists see clinically every day: structured exercise is one of the most effective tools available for managing OA.

The GLA:D program: global evidence for OA management

The GLA:DR (Good Life with Osteoarthritis in Denmark) program began in 2013 and has since expanded to several countries, including Australia and Canada (see here). It is one of the largest and most recognised osteoarthritis rehabilitation frameworks in the world.

A recent study of over 28,000 patients participating in GLA:D demonstrated:

  • Reduced pain intensity
  • Increased walking speed
  • Improved quality of life
  • Better confidence in joint function

This structured programme involves patient education and 12 supervised exercise sessions over an 8-week period (see here). At North Shore Physiotherapy in Takapuna, we integrate principles from GLA:D into our evidence-based osteoarthritis treatment plans.

Osteoarthritis Physiotherapy at North Shore Physiotherapy in Takapuna

We provide comprehensive, individualised treatment plans for patients with hip and knee OA, including:

  1. Strengthening and Conditioning Programs – Targeted muscle strengthening supports joint stability and reduces mechanical stress.
  2. Mobility and Flexibility Training – Improving joint movement helps reduce stiffness and enhance function.
  3. Education and Activity Guidance – Understanding how to manage OA empowers you to control symptoms long-term.
  4. Gait and Functional Assessment – We address movement patterns that may be contributing to pain.
  5. Exercise Programmes for Home and Clinic – Consistency is key, our programmes are tailored and easy to follow.
  6. Guidance on Weight Management and Lifestyle Factors – Where appropriate, we advise on strategies to reduce joint load and improve overall function.
  7. Collaboration with Local Specialists – We work with orthopaedic surgeons and medical practitioners across the North Shore and wider Auckland region if further input is required.

When Is Surgery Considered?

Surgery, typically hip or knee replacement, is usually reserved for:

  • Severe, persistent pain not responding to physiotherapy
  • Significant functional impairment
  • Reduced quality of life
  • Advanced structural changes

However, many patients experience substantial improvement with physiotherapy alone, and do not require surgery for many years, if at all.

Why Us

Osteoarthritis Physiotherapy at North Shore Physiotherapy in Takapuna

We provide comprehensive, individualised treatment plans for patients with hip and
knee OA, including:

Strengthening and Conditioning Programs
Targeted muscle strengthening supports joint stability and reduces mechanical stress.
Mobility and Flexibility Training
Improving joint movement helps reduce stiffness and enhance function.
Education and Activity Guidance
Understanding how to manage OA empowers you to control symptoms long-term.
Gait and Functional Assessment
We address movement patterns that may be contributing to pain.
Exercise Programmes for Home and Clinic
Consistency is key, our programmes are tailored and easy to follow.
Guidance on Weight Management and Lifestyle Factors
Where appropriate, we advise on strategies to reduce joint load and improve overall function.
Collaboration with Local Specialists
We work with orthopaedic surgeons and medical practitioners across the North Shore and wider Auckland region if further input is required.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Exercise is not only safe, but effective treatment for OA, based on current international evidence.

Yes. Research strongly supports physiotherapy as a first-line treatment, with reductions in pain, medication use, and perceived need for surgery.

Some people notice improvements within 4–6 weeks of consistent physiotherapy and exercise, but for many it takes 12 or more weeks.

Even in advanced cases, physiotherapy can reduce pain and improve function. If surgery becomes necessary, pre-operative strengthening can also improve outcomes afterwards.

No referral is needed. You can book directly with us anytime.

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