Does physiotherapy treat knee osteoarthritis?

Knee osteoarthritis may cause pain, stiffness, swelling or reduced confidence with stairs, walking and standing. During an assessment, a physiotherapist considers knee movement, thigh and hip strength, balance, gait and the activities that matter to you. A plan may include strengthening, mobility exercises, balance practice and education about pacing. These measures support the knee and improve function; they do not remove established joint changes. Progress is usually built through regular, manageable loading.

Start with exercises matched to your current ability and use the response of the knee to guide progression. Keep moving within a tolerable range, break demanding tasks into smaller periods and choose lower-impact activities when needed. Comfortable footwear and a walking aid may help some people, but should be selected with advice. Tell your physiotherapist about swelling, night pain or difficulty completing the programme so the plan can be adjusted.

Seek medical advice if knee pain persists, suddenly changes or makes ordinary walking difficult. Urgent assessment is needed after a significant injury when you cannot bear weight, the knee is deformed, it locks or swelling appears rapidly. Fever with a hot, red knee, or calf swelling with sudden breathlessness, also requires prompt care.

Ask which exercises suit your knee, how to handle a painful flare and whether a brace, walking aid or other treatment could support activity. Discuss how your strength and function will be reviewed. If symptoms include locking, repeated giving way or pain at rest, ask whether another knee problem should be investigated.