Arthritis Treatment in Exeter – Supporting Your Mobility and Independence

Living with Arthritis?

Arthritis can make even the simplest tasks feel challenging. Whether you’re experiencing pain and stiffness in your knees, hips, shoulders, or hands, arthritis can affect your ability to move freely and comfortably. Over time, these symptoms can lead to reduced independence and quality of life. At Quay Kinetics Physio in Exeter, we specialise in helping patients manage arthritis pain, maintain mobility, and remain active, whether you’re in the early stages of arthritis or preparing for surgery.

You Might Be Asking Yourself:

  • Why do my joints feel stiff and painful, especially in the morning?

  • Is this just part of aging, or could it be something more serious like arthritis?

  • Can physiotherapy really help with arthritis, or do I need surgery?

We understand how difficult living with arthritis can be, but you don’t have to manage it alone. Our expert team is here to help you reduce pain, improve joint mobility, and maintain your independence, whether you’re dealing with osteoarthritis or waiting for a joint replacement.

Types of Arthritis We Treat:

At Quay Kinetics Physio, we treat both osteoarthritis (wear-and-tear of the joints) and can help identify inflammatory arthritis conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, referring you to Rheumatology when appropriate. We know that arthritis affects everyone differently, and our tailored treatment plans address your specific needs.

  • Osteoarthritis: This is the most common form of arthritis, affecting the joints as cartilage wears away over time, causing pain, swelling, and stiffness.

  • Inflammatory Arthritis (e.g., Rheumatoid Arthritis): This type of arthritis occurs when the body’s immune system attacks the joints, causing inflammation, pain, and joint damage. If we suspect an inflammatory cause for your symptoms, we can refer you to Rheumatology for further investigation and specialist care.

Helping You Maintain Independence

If you’re waiting for joint replacement surgery or considering your options for managing arthritis, physiotherapy can help you maintain your independence and mobility in the meantime. Our physiotherapists focus on strengthening the muscles around your joints, improving flexibility, and reducing pain.

For those with more advanced arthritis, we offer pre- and post-operative rehabilitation to help you prepare for surgery and recover quickly afterwards. By staying active and mobile before surgery, you can improve your outcomes and return to your everyday activities sooner.

Common Symptoms of Arthritis We Address:

  • Joint Pain and Stiffness: Often worse in the morning or after periods of inactivity.

  • Swelling and Tenderness: Inflammation around the joints, especially in the knees, hips, hands, and spine.

  • Reduced Range of Motion: Difficulty bending, reaching, or moving joints fully.

  • Weakness in the Muscles Around the Joint: Making it difficult to support your body weight or perform daily tasks.

Why Choose Quay Kinetics Physio for Your Arthritis Treatment?

At Quay Kinetics Physio, we are passionate about helping people with arthritis stay as active and independent as possible. Our Chartered Physiotherapists are experienced in treating arthritis and can assess your condition without the need for a GP referral. We work closely with local GPs and specialists to provide comprehensive care and, if necessary, we can refer you for further imaging such as X-rays or MRIs.

Our expertise also includes triaging patients who may need a referral to Rheumatology for further assessment if we suspect you are dealing with an inflammatory arthritis like rheumatoid arthritis. This ensures that you receive the most appropriate care for your condition.

Our Comprehensive Approach Includes:

  • In-depth Assessment: To accurately diagnose the type and severity of your arthritis and identify the most effective treatments.

  • Manual Therapy: Hands-on techniques to improve joint mobility, reduce stiffness, and relieve pain.

  • Exercise Therapy: Tailored exercises to strengthen the muscles around your joints and maintain your flexibility.

  • Movement Optimisation: Helping you learn how to move efficiently and protect your joints during daily activities.

  • Pre- and Post-Operative Care: Preparing you for joint replacement surgery and supporting your recovery to help you return to daily life more quickly.

  • Acupuncture and Taping: Used as part of a broader treatment plan to manage pain and inflammation.

Take Control of Your Arthritis with Expert Support

Living with arthritis can feel overwhelming, but with the right treatment and support, you can manage your symptoms and stay active. Whether you’re dealing with early-stage arthritis, waiting for surgery, or recovering from a joint replacement, Quay Kinetics Physio is here to help you every step of the way.

Book your consultation today and take the first step towards regaining your independence and improving your quality of life.

Related conditions we treat

Knee Pain · Sciatica · Hip Pain · Back Pain

Frequently Asked Questions about Arthritis

  • Yes, and the evidence is strong. Physiotherapy-led exercise is recommended as a first-line treatment for osteoarthritis by NICE (the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). Regular strengthening and movement exercises reduce pain, improve joint function, and can delay or prevent the need for joint replacement surgery. The key is getting the right type and amount of exercise for your specific joints and symptoms, which is exactly what we help you work out.

  • No. This is one of the biggest misconceptions about arthritis. While it might seem logical that using an arthritic joint would wear it out faster, the opposite is true. Joints need movement and loading to stay healthy. Cartilage gets its nutrition from the compression and release cycle during movement. Muscles around the joint act as shock absorbers, and the stronger they are, the less stress goes through the joint itself. The right exercise programme, tailored to your level, will reduce your symptoms rather than increase them.

  • Osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition involving gradual wear and changes to the joint cartilage and surrounding structures. It's the most common type and tends to affect weight-bearing joints like knees, hips, and the lower back. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition where the body's immune system attacks the joint lining, causing inflammation, pain, and swelling, often in the hands and feet. Rheumatoid arthritis is managed primarily by a rheumatologist with medication, though physiotherapy plays an important supporting role. Osteoarthritis is where physiotherapy makes the biggest difference as a primary treatment.

  • Most people with arthritis do not need a joint replacement. Research consistently shows that a structured exercise and physiotherapy programme can produce significant improvements in pain and function, even in moderate to severe osteoarthritis. Joint replacement is typically considered when pain is severe, constant, and significantly limiting your daily life despite a sustained period of conservative management. If we feel you've reached that point, we'll be honest about it and help you prepare physically for surgery to optimise your recovery.

  • Not necessarily. Joint noises like cracking, grinding, or crunching (called crepitus) are extremely common and often completely harmless. They can occur in healthy joints as well as arthritic ones. Many people have significant crepitus with no pain at all, and many people with arthritis have no noticeable joint noises. The presence of crepitus alone, without pain or functional limitation, is not a reason to worry or to change your activity levels.

  • The evidence for glucosamine, chondroitin, and most other joint supplements is not strong. Some people report feeling better on them, but large clinical trials have generally not shown significant benefits beyond placebo. The treatments with the strongest evidence for osteoarthritis are structured exercise (especially strengthening), weight management if appropriate, and education about the condition. We'd always recommend investing your time and energy into an evidence-based exercise programme before spending money on supplements. If you're considering supplements, discuss it with your GP or pharmacist.