Conditions We Treat
ARTHRITIS
At a glance
Arthritis covers a range of conditions where joints become painful, stiff and inflamed, most commonly osteoarthritis (wear-related) and rheumatoid arthritis (autoimmune). For osteoarthritis, exercise therapy has the strongest published evidence (Cochrane review) for reducing pain and improving function. Manual therapy and targeted strengthening can meaningfully improve quality of life, even though the underlying joint changes do not reverse.
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. Cochrane reviews confirm that exercise is the most effective conservative approach for hip and knee osteoarthritis, and every major clinical practice guideline, including those from NICE and the American College of Rheumatology, recommends it as a core first-line treatment. Both NICE and the ACR also support exercise combined with manual therapy, helping to reduce pain and improve joint mobility.
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.
COMMON SYMPTOMS OF ARTHRITIS
- Morning stiffness in the joints that eases with movement
- Aching pain in the knees, hips, spine or hands
- Grinding or cracking sensation in the joints
- Reduced range of motion and flexibility
- Joint swelling or tenderness
- Stiffness after sitting or being inactive
- Pain that increases after prolonged activity
- Difficulty with everyday tasks like climbing stairs or opening jars
- Weakness in the muscles surrounding the joint
- Gradual worsening of symptoms over months or years
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.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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. Cochrane reviews confirm that exercise is the most effective conservative approach for osteoarthritis of the hip and knee, and exercise combined with manual therapy provides the best conservative outcomes.
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.
References
- Fransen M, et al. Exercise for osteoarthritis of the knee: a Cochrane systematic review. British Journal of Sports Medicine. 2015;49(24):1554-1557.
- Kolasinski SL, et al. 2019 American College of Rheumatology/Arthritis Foundation guideline for the management of osteoarthritis of the hand, hip, and knee. Arthritis Care & Research. 2020;72(2):149-162.