Living with knee arthritis can make simple things, like walking, climbing stairs or getting out of a chair, feel painful and tiring. The stiffness and swelling can make you want to move less, but while it sounds backward, limiting movement only makes the stiffness worse. Staying active is actually one of the best ways to help you feel better.
Knee arthritis happens when the smooth cartilage that cushions the knee joint wears down. Without that cushion, the bones can rub together, causing pain, swelling and stiffness. The most common type is osteoarthritis, which often comes with age or from overuse. Even though it can’t be reversed, the right movement and strengthening exercises can make a big difference in how you feel.
How physical therapy can help ease knee arthritis stiffness and pain
A physical therapist understands that arthritis pain is real, and we tailor your treatment to respect that pain while gently encouraging your knee to move better. Our goal is to break the cycle where pain leads to stiffness, and stiffness leads to more pain.
Here’s how physical therapy can help your stiff, arthritic knee:
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Gentle range-of-motion exercises
When the knee feels stiff, it’s tempting to rest, but gentle movement is the key. Stretching and mobility exercises can improve flexibility and keep the joint from becoming more rigid.
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Strength training
Building up the muscles around the knee, especially the quadriceps, hamstrings and calves, reduces stress on the joint itself. Your therapist may guide you through exercises like mini squats, leg raises or step-ups to help strengthen these supporting muscles safely.
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Balance and coordination work
Arthritis can affect your balance, increasing the risk of falls. Physical therapy can help retrain your body’s coordination, improving confidence and safety during daily movement.
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Manual therapy
Hands-on techniques such as soft tissue mobilization or joint mobilization can help reduce stiffness, increase circulation and promote better joint function.
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Low-impact activity guidance
Therapists may also recommend joint-friendly activities, such as cycling, swimming or walking. These help keep your knees strong and flexible without adding extra strain.
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Education and joint protection
A large part of physical therapy is learning how to move smarter. You’ll receive guidance on proper body mechanics, posture and pacing your activities to prevent flare-ups.
Find movement and relief from knee arthritis stiffness with REPAIR SI
Knee arthritis doesn’t mean you have to stop living the life you enjoy. At REPAIR SI, we know how frustrating knee pain can be. Our caring team of dedicated professionals can create a treatment plan made just for you, focused on easing pain, restoring movement and improving daily life. With our person-first approach and proven techniques, we can help you work toward relief and greater confidence in every step.
Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment.