Knee Osteoarthritis and Physiotherapy

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis in Australia, and the knee is one of the joints most commonly affected. Here's everything you need to know, and what you can do to ease pain and stay active.

What is knee osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis develops as the protective cartilage in the knee gradually wears down over time, leading to pain, stiffness and, for some people, changes in how the joint moves. It becomes more common with age but can also develop earlier, particularly after previous knee injury.

How common is it?

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis in Australia, affecting a significant proportion of the population, particularly as we age — making it one of the most frequent reasons people seek physiotherapy for knee pain.

Managing knee osteoarthritis

The good news is that knee osteoarthritis, while a long-term condition, can be effectively managed for most people through consistent, appropriate physiotherapy and exercise. This typically includes:

• Strengthening — particularly the quadriceps and hip muscles, which support and offload the knee joint
• Low-impact aerobic exercise — supporting overall joint health and general fitness without excessive impact
• Manual therapy — to help manage stiffness and discomfort
• Education — understanding the condition helps reduce unnecessary fear around movement, which itself can worsen outcomes
• Weight management guidance — where relevant, as this can meaningfully reduce load through the knee

Common misconceptions

A common misconception is that exercise will "wear out" an already arthritic knee further. In reality, appropriate exercise is one of the most effective treatments available, helping manage pain and maintain function far better than inactivity.

Living well with knee osteoarthritis

Many people successfully manage knee osteoarthritis for years, sometimes decades, through a consistent approach to exercise and periodic physiotherapy input — maintaining an active, fulfilling lifestyle despite the diagnosis.

If knee osteoarthritis is affecting your life, book an assessment with our physiotherapy team to discuss how we can help you manage it and stay active.