Conditions We Treat
Arthritis is the single most common cause of joint pain and disability worldwide. Osteoarthritis alone affects over 500 million people globally, and that number is growing as populations age and activity levels decline. If you've been told you have 'wear and tear' in your joints, you're far from alone. The good news is that arthritis does not have to mean a steady decline into pain and immobility.
Osteoarthritis involves the gradual breakdown of cartilage within a joint, along with changes to the underlying bone and surrounding tissues. It most commonly affects the knees, hips, spine and hands. Symptoms typically include stiffness (especially in the morning or after sitting), aching pain with activity and a gradual loss of range of motion. Many people also notice joint crepitus, the grinding or cracking sensation during movement.
One of the most important things to understand about arthritis is that structural changes on an X-ray do not necessarily predict your pain levels. Research consistently shows a poor correlation between the degree of joint degeneration seen on imaging and the severity of symptoms. Many people with significant cartilage loss have very little pain, while others with mild changes can be quite symptomatic. This means there is real potential to improve how you feel, regardless of what an X-ray shows.
The evidence for conservative management of osteoarthritis is strong. A 2022 Cochrane review found that manual therapy combined with exercise provides clinically meaningful improvements in pain and function for hip and knee osteoarthritis. Every major clinical practice guideline, including those from NICE and the American College of Rheumatology, recommends exercise and manual therapy as first-line treatment, ahead of medication or surgery.
Our approach focuses on maintaining joint mobility through gentle mobilisation techniques, reducing muscle tightness and guarding around the affected joints and building strength through a progressive exercise programme. We tailor treatment to the severity of your condition and your individual goals, whether that's staying active in sport or simply moving through your day with less pain.
Our approach to arthritis focuses on what you can control: mobility, strength and activity levels. We use gentle joint mobilisation, soft tissue therapy and structured exercise to help you manage symptoms and maintain an active life.
Located on Rivonia Road in Morningside, we serve patients from Sandton, Bryanston, Fourways, Randburg and surrounding areas.
Book an appointment at our Sandton practice and let us help you move better with less pain.
Yes. Chiropractic care is well suited for managing osteoarthritis. Joint mobilisation, soft tissue therapy and exercise prescription can reduce pain, improve mobility and slow functional decline. A 2022 Cochrane review confirmed that manual therapy combined with exercise provides meaningful benefits for osteoarthritis of the hip and knee.
Yes, when performed by a trained practitioner. We modify our techniques based on the severity of joint degeneration. For arthritic joints, we typically use gentler mobilisation techniques rather than high-velocity adjustments. The goal is to improve joint mobility and reduce pain without aggravating the condition.
No. This is one of the most persistent myths about arthritis. Strong evidence shows that regular exercise reduces pain and improves function in people with osteoarthritis. Both strengthening exercises and low-impact aerobic activity are recommended by every major clinical guideline. Inactivity, not exercise, accelerates joint deterioration.
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition caused by gradual wear on the joint cartilage. It typically affects weight-bearing joints and is more common with age. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks the joint lining. If we suspect rheumatoid arthritis, we will refer you to a rheumatologist for appropriate management.
Structural cartilage loss from osteoarthritis cannot be reversed. However, pain and function can improve significantly with the right treatment. Many people with visible joint degeneration on X-ray have minimal symptoms when they stay active and mobile. The goal of treatment is to manage symptoms, maintain function and slow progression.
