Does physiotherapy help with joint stiffness?

Stiffness can follow injury, surgery, inflammation, prolonged rest, or changes in a joint’s movement. A physiotherapist first considers the joint involved, the timing of stiffness, pain, swelling, and how daily tasks are affected. Treatment may include gentle mobility work, stretching, strengthening, hands-on techniques, balance practice, and advice on pacing. The aim is useful movement without repeatedly provoking the joint.

Use the exercises at the frequency and intensity advised, and make progress gradually. Short movement breaks can help when sitting or resting makes stiffness worse. Warmth may make movement feel easier for some people, while swelling or sharp pain is a reason to reduce the load and seek advice. Tell the therapist about morning stiffness, locking, giving way, or symptoms in other joints.

Seek medical advice for new stiffness with significant swelling, redness, warmth, fever, severe pain, or inability to use the joint. Arrange review when stiffness is steadily worsening, follows a substantial injury, or limits work, sleep, or self-care. A physiotherapy plan should be adapted if symptoms change rather than continued unchanged.

Ask what may be causing the stiffness, whether physiotherapy is appropriate now, which movements are safe, how progress will be measured, and what symptoms should prompt earlier review.