What is Knee Osteoarthritis and How Can Aevum Help?

Knee osteoarthritis is a chronic condition causing pain, stiffness and reduced mobility, and it's one of the most common reasons people seek physiotherapy as they age. Here's how physiotherapy can help you manage it effectively.

What is knee osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis occurs when the protective cartilage cushioning the ends of the bones in the knee gradually wears down over time, leading to pain, stiffness and, in some cases, joint changes visible on imaging. It's the most common form of arthritis and becomes more prevalent with age, though it can affect younger people too, particularly after previous knee injury.

Common symptoms

Pain that's often worse with activity and eases with rest (though in more advanced cases, pain can occur even at rest), stiffness — particularly first thing in the morning or after sitting for a while, swelling, and a gradual reduction in knee range of motion are all typical.

How physiotherapy helps knee osteoarthritis

Contrary to what many people assume, exercise is one of the most effective treatments for knee osteoarthritis — not something to avoid. Physiotherapy typically includes:

• Strengthening exercises — particularly for the quadriceps and surrounding muscles, which support and offload the knee joint
• Range of motion exercises — to maintain and improve flexibility
• Low-impact aerobic exercise — such as cycling or swimming, which supports overall joint health without excessive impact
• Manual therapy — to help manage pain and stiffness
• Weight management guidance — where relevant, as reducing load through the knee can meaningfully ease symptoms
• Bracing or taping — can provide additional support and pain relief for some patients

Managing knee osteoarthritis long-term

Osteoarthritis is a chronic condition, meaning ongoing management — rather than a one-off fix — produces the best long-term results. Many people successfully manage symptoms for years with a consistent exercise routine and periodic physiotherapy check-ins.

When is more than physiotherapy needed?

For more advanced osteoarthritis where conservative management isn't providing sufficient relief, your physiotherapist can help guide discussions around further options, including orthopaedic review.

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