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.
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.
Several well-established risk factors increase your likelihood of developing OA:
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.
Past injuries, including ligament tears, fractures, meniscus injuries, or repetitive strain can accelerate cartilage wear and contribute to early-onset OA.
Genetic factors influence cartilage quality, bone structure, and joint alignment, making some individuals more prone to osteoarthritis.
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
Osteoarthritis symptoms often develop gradually. People typically report:
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.
Bending, walking, squatting, or rotating the leg may feel restricted or stiff.
As the condition progresses, people may experience symptoms even when resting, and sleep may be disrupted.
Occasionally, swelling or inflammation may develop after activity.
Tasks that were once simple, like climbing stairs or getting out of the car may become more challenging.
Physiotherapists are well-trained in diagnosing hip and knee OA. In most cases, a clinical assessment is sufficient, and imaging is not always necessary.
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.
International guidelines consistently recommend physiotherapy and structured exercise as the primary treatment for hip and knee osteoarthritis.
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.
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® (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.
We provide comprehensive, individualised treatment plans for patients with hip and knee OA, including:
Targeted muscle strengthening supports joint stability and reduces mechanical stress.
Improving joint movement helps reduce stiffness and enhance function.
Understanding how to manage OA empowers you to control symptoms long-term.
We address movement patterns that may be contributing to pain.
Consistency is key, our programmes are tailored and easy to follow.
Where appropriate, we advise on strategies to reduce joint load and improve overall function.
We work with orthopaedic surgeons and medical practitioners across the North Shore and wider Auckland region if further input is required.
Surgery, typically hip or knee replacement is usually reserved for:Severe, persistent pain not responding to physio
Significant functional impairment
Reduced quality of lifeAdvanced structural changes
However, many patients experience substantial improvement with physiotherapy alone, and do not require surgery for many years, if at all.
1. Do I need a referral to see a physiotherapist for OA?
No referral is needed. You can book directly with us anytime.
2. Can physiotherapy really help hip and knee osteoarthritis?
Yes. Research strongly supports physiotherapy as a first-line treatment, with reductions in pain, medication use, and perceived need for surgery.
3. How long does it take to see results?
Some patients notice improvements within 4–6 weeks of consistent physiotherapy and exercise, but for many it may take 12 or more weeks.
4. Is exercise safe for osteoarthritis?
Yes, exercise is not only safe, but effective treatment for OA, based on current international evidence
5. What if my osteoarthritis is severe?
Even in advanced cases, physiotherapy can reduce pain and improve function. If surgery becomes necessary, pre-operative strengthening can improve outcomes afterwards.
