Osteoarthritis (Arthrosis): symptoms, causes, and how physical therapy helps relieve pain and improve mobility

Q: Does osteoarthritis have a cure?

It’s a chronic condition, but symptoms and function can improve significantly with the right treatment (exercise, education, and progressive loading).

Ricardo Vargues - Fisioterapeuta
Apr 17, 2023
4 min read

Updated: Feb 13

Osteoarthritis (also called osteoarthritis or simply arthritis/arthrosis) is one of the most common causes of joint pain and stiffness—especially in the knees, hips, hands, and spine. The impact on day-to-day life can be significant: climbing stairs, standing up from a chair, walking, or even opening jars can become more difficult.

The good news: treatment doesn’t start (and shouldn’t start) with surgery. Leading international recommendations place therapeutic exercise, education, and weight management at the core of treatment—tailored to the person and their context.

In summary:

Arthritis (osteoarthritis) can cause pain and stiffness, especially in the knee, hip, hands, and spine—but it’s possible to improve day-to-day function.
First-line treatment is conservative: therapeutic exercise, education, and load management (and weight management, when applicable).
Physical therapy helps reduce pain and improve mobility and strength with a progressive, individualized plan (including the option of in-home physical therapy in Lisbon).

If the goal is “less pain and more function,” physical therapy is one of the best interventions in terms of benefit-to-risk—especially when there’s a structured, progressive plan.

What is osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is a chronic joint condition in which there are changes in the cartilage, bone, and other joint tissues. It isn’t just “wear and tear”: mechanical and biological changes can contribute to pain, stiffness, and functional limitations.

Diagnosis is often clinical (history + physical exam), and imaging tests aren’t always necessary to confirm it, depending on the case.

Most common symptoms of osteoarthritis

Symptoms can vary, but the most frequent are:

Joint pain (often worse with load/activity and better with rest).
Stiffness, especially when getting up or after sitting for a while (usually short-lived).
Reduced range of motion and a feeling of “catching” or “locking.”
Crepitus/cracking or popping sounds.
Swelling and local tenderness (in some cases).
Loss of strength and difficulty with everyday tasks.

Osteoarthritis treatment: what works best (based on the evidence)

The most consistent guidelines point to a “core” set of treatments:

1) Therapeutic exercise (first-line)

This includes strengthening, aerobic exercise, neuromuscular control, mobility work, and in some cases, aquatic exercise.

A recent Cochrane review reinforces that exercise reduces pain and improves function in knee osteoarthritis.
More recent analyses also suggest meaningful benefits from modalities such as aerobic exercise for knee pain and function.

2) Education and self-management

Understanding the condition, learning how to pace effort, organizing activities, and setting realistic goals improves adherence and outcomes.

3) Weight management (when applicable)

When there is excess body weight, even a moderate reduction can help decrease load and symptoms.

4) Supports/bracing and unloading strategies (case by case)

A cane, crutches, a walker, and knee braces/orthoses may be helpful when appropriately prescribed and properly taught.

Medications and injections may have a role in some cases (coordinated with a physician), but they don’t replace the core treatment: exercise + education + a progressive plan.

How physical therapy can help with osteoarthritis (knee, hip, hands…)

Physical therapy for osteoarthritis has a simple goal: reduce pain, improve mobility, and increase your capacity for real-life activities.

In practice, a well-designed plan usually includes:

Functional assessment (pain, mobility, strength, gait, balance, daily tasks).
Progressive therapeutic exercise (the “engine” of improvement).
Gait and functional training (stairs, sit-to-stand, walking tolerance).
Flare-up strategies (what to do when symptoms “flare” or worsen).
Education and self-management (what to avoid, what to keep doing, and how to progress).
Manual therapy and complementary techniques when they make sense as symptom support—always integrated into an active plan (not as the only treatment).

“Can surgery be avoided?”

In some cases, a good program can delay surgery and significantly improve quality of life. And when surgery truly is indicated (e.g., knee replacement or hip replacement), arriving with better strength and function usually makes rehab smoother.

Prevention and habits that protect your joints

Stay active (with gradual progression and consistency).
Build strength (legs, glutes, core, hands—depending on the joint involved).
Prioritize sleep and recovery.
Manage body weight when needed.
Adjust loads (breaks, alternating tasks, ergonomics).
Avoid long periods of inactivity (which can increase stiffness and reduce capacity).

How I can help: in-home physical therapy in Lisbon

If you have osteoarthritis and getting to a clinic is difficult (because of pain, mobility, time constraints, or traffic), in-home physical therapy lets you start (or resume) treatment more consistently.

The process is simple:

Initial assessment at your home (pain, limitations, goals, and daily routine).
Personalized plan with clear goals and week-by-week progression.
45–60 minute sessions, with equipment brought to your home and a focus on measurable results.

My approach is based on clarity, safety, consistency, and realistic expectations (no “magic promises”).

👉 If you want a clear plan to reduce pain and move with confidence again, the next step is to schedule an assessment.

Book an Appointment

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Does osteoarthritis have a cure?

It’s a chronic condition, but symptoms and function can improve significantly with the right treatment (exercise + education + progressive loading).

What’s the best exercise for knee osteoarthritis?

There isn’t just one “best” exercise. In general, the most effective approach combines strength training + aerobic exercise + neuromuscular control, tailored to your current level and pain.

Can physical therapy help treat osteoarthritis?

Yes. Physical therapy can be very helpful in osteoarthritis, helping to reduce pain, improve joint mobility, and increase muscle strength.

When should I consider a joint replacement?

When there is significant pain and limitation despite a well-delivered, consistent treatment plan. Even then, physical therapy is useful before and after surgery.

Do knee braces or a cane make sense?

They can help, but the choice and how to use them should be guided to avoid compensations and improve safety.

Conclusion

Osteoarthritis can be limiting, but it doesn’t have to “run” your life. What most consistently improves symptoms and function is a structured plan with therapeutic exercise, education, and load adjustments—adapted to your body and your routine.

If you need help starting safely (or getting consistent again), get in touch and schedule an in-home assessment in Lisbon.