Arthritis is one of the most common chronic conditions affecting adults worldwide. It causes joint pain and stiffness, limits physical function, and interferes with daily activities. Fortunately, physical therapy for arthritis has become a cornerstone of modern treatment plans—helping people regain mobility, improve strength, and manage pain effectively.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore how physical therapy may help relieve the challenges associated with arthritis, and what types of exercises and techniques can help you or a loved one feel stronger, more confident, and experience less pain.

Arthritis includes over 100 different conditions that affect the joints and muscles, leading to pain, inflammation, and reduced function. Let’s look at the common types of arthritis and their impact on the body.

Types of Arthritis

The two most prevalent types are:

Osteoarthritis (OA)

Often called “wear-and-tear” arthritis, osteoarthritis is caused by the gradual breakdown of cartilage, typically in weight-bearing joints like the knees and hips. Knee osteoarthritis and hip osteoarthritis are particularly common in older adults. OA may cause pain during movement and make it difficult to complete daily activities.

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

An autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks the joints, leading to swelling and deformity. Unlike OA, rheumatoid arthritis can affect multiple joints at once and may start earlier in life.

Understanding your type of arthritis is essential in developing a personalized treatment plan.

Common Symptoms and Challenges

Arthritis symptoms vary, but most people experience:

Joint pain and stiffness
Swelling
Reduced range of motion
Fatigue
Difficulty with physical activity or exercise

These symptoms can make it difficult to stay active, which ironically worsens the condition. That’s where physical therapy help becomes critical.

How Physical Therapy Helps with Arthritis

Goals of Physical Therapy for Arthritis Patients

The goal of physical therapy in arthritis treatment is to:

Reduce pain
Improve range of motion
Enhance muscle strength
Support healthy posture and body mechanics
Prevent further joint deterioration
Teach proper use of assistive devices and adaptive techniques

Ultimately, physical therapy aims to help you move better, feel better, and resume the activities you enjoy.

Benefits: Pain Reduction, Mobility, Strength

There are many benefits of physical therapy for arthritis, including:

Improved joint stability
Increased endurance
Enhanced balance and coordination
Better performance of exercise and physical routines
Reduced reliance on medications or surgery
Empowerment through self-management techniques

Therapy for arthritis can also relieve pain, delay joint damage, and help patients manage arthritis long-term.

Common Physical Therapy Techniques

A skilled physical therapist will evaluate your condition and tailor a therapy program to your needs. Here are types of physical therapy that are most commonly used:

Manual Therapy

Hands-on techniques such as joint mobilization and soft tissue manipulation can help ease pain and stiffness. These are often discussed in detail in comparisons like manual therapy vs physical therapy, where benefits are broken down by application.

Manual therapy can also be used in combination with fascial stretch therapy, a technique that improves flexibility and mobility through targeted stretching (read more here).

Range-of-Motion and Flexibility Exercises

Stretching and range of motion exercises are key to maintaining mobility and reducing joint pain. These movements help to improve joint flexibility, making it easier to perform daily activities.

A physical therapist can teach you how to stretch properly and suggest modifications based on your symptoms.

Strengthening and Low-Impact Aerobics

Strengthening exercises build muscle strength around affected joints, helping to stabilize a weakened joint and reduce stress. Low-impact aerobic activities like walking, swimming, and aquatic therapy improve circulation and overall health without aggravating symptoms.

Patients with knee and hip osteoarthritis particularly benefit from physical therapy that incorporates strengthening.

At-Home Physical Therapy Exercises for Arthritis

While clinical visits are vital, incorporating an at-home exercise program is equally important. With guidance from a physical therapist, you can safely continue therapy from your living room.

Simple Daily Routines

Here are some beginner-level exercises for people with arthritis:

Ankle pumps and heel slides to maintain lower body motion
Wall push-ups for upper body strength
Seated leg raises to reduce knee strain in people with knee osteoarthritis
Gentle yoga or tai chi for balance and flexibility

You’ll find more athletic-specific routines, including mobility drills, in our guide to exercises for speed and agility.

Safety Tips and Tools

To prevent pain or injury:

Use proper body mechanics
Warm up before exercising
Consider braces and splints for support
Apply hot and cold therapy as needed for pain relief
Track progress with a physical therapy program

Your physical therapist can help you adapt routines to fit your unique needs and reduce strain on painful areas.

Physical Therapy vs Other Treatment Options

Comparing to Medication, Surgery, Occupational Therapy

There are multiple treatment options for arthritis, including:

Medication: Useful for inflammation and pain, but doesn’t restore function.
Surgery: Joint replacement may be necessary for severe cases, especially when osteoarthritis of the knee limits mobility.
Occupational therapy: Complements physical therapy by teaching ways to manage daily activities and suggesting tools to reduce strain.

While physical and occupational therapy both aim to improve quality of life, physical therapy may help you regain movement and manage pain through exercise therapy.

For nerve-related pain, consider reading our post on physical therapy for nerve pain.

Living Well with Arthritis

Although arthritis often presents challenges, the right mix of exercise, lifestyle adjustments, and therapy can help you thrive. A physical therapist will develop a treatment plan tailored to your condition, abilities, and goals—helping you live with less pain and greater mobility.

Physical therapy is also valuable for athletes and active individuals. If you’re continuing workouts, be mindful of environmental factors—like training in hot weather—and how they can affect your joints.

Physical therapy for arthritis is more than pain management—it’s about empowerment, restoring independence, and preventing future complications. Whether you’re managing back pain, joint pain, or stiffness and pain, working with a physical therapist offers hope and healing.

If you’re ready to ease arthritis pain, restore your physical function, and regain confidence in your movements, physical therapy can help. Get started with a customized therapy program, and take the first step toward a more active, pain-free life.

Physical Therapy for Arthritis: A Complete Guide