Dr. Vaishali Suri (P.T.)
Arthritis and Joint Pain: Physiotherapy Management in Faridabad
Arthritis is not a single condition — it is a family of over 100 different joint diseases. The most common forms in India are osteoarthritis (OA), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), ankylosing spondylitis (AS), psoriatic arthritis, and gouty arthritis.
Despite the diversity of causes, physiotherapy plays a central role in managing all forms of arthritis. Reducing pain, maintaining function, and preventing the disability that long-term joint disease can cause.
At Realign Rehab Clinic , NIT-5, Faridabad, our expert physiotherapists provide personalised, evidence-based care. We serve patients from NIT, Green Field Colony, Ballabhgarh, Sector 21–82, and across Faridabad.
Book: +91 9818185589 .
Causes and Risk Factors
- Osteoarthritis: age-related cartilage degeneration, worsened by obesity, previous injury, and genetics
- Rheumatoid arthritis: autoimmune condition causing symmetric joint inflammation
- Ankylosing spondylitis: inflammatory arthritis primarily affecting the spine and sacroiliac joints
- Psoriatic arthritis: inflammatory arthritis associated with psoriatic skin disease
- Gout and calcium pyrophosphate deposition disease: crystal-induced joint inflammation
- Reactive arthritis: joint inflammation following infection
- Juvenile idiopathic arthritis: childhood inflammatory arthritis
Signs and Symptoms
- Joint pain, stiffness, and swelling — typically worst in the morning in inflammatory arthritis
- Reduced range of motion of affected joints
- Deformity in advanced disease (especially RA: boutonniere, swan-neck deformities)
- Muscle wasting around affected joints
- Fatigue — particularly prominent in inflammatory forms
- Functional limitations: difficulty climbing stairs, gripping, or walking
- Joint instability and fear of falling
Physiotherapy Treatment at Realign Rehab, Faridabad
- Exercise therapy: the most evidence-based intervention for all forms of arthritis
- Joint protection techniques: ergonomic aids, splints, and activity modification
- Aquatic physiotherapy for low-impact cardiovascular conditioning with joint offloading
- Manual therapy: joint mobilisation within pain-free range to maintain mobility
- Strengthening: progressive resistance exercise to reduce joint load and maintain function
- Electrotherapy: TENS for arthritis pain management; ultrasound for subacute inflammation
- Patient education: disease understanding, activity pacing, and flare management
- Coordination with rheumatologist or orthopaedic surgeon as part of the multidisciplinary team
Frequently Asked Questions
Does exercise make arthritis worse?
No — this is one of the most common and harmful misconceptions. Appropriate exercise strengthens the muscles protecting arthritic joints, reduces inflammation, and slows cartilage breakdown.
It is one of the most effective treatments for arthritis.
What type of exercise is best for arthritis?
Low-impact exercise — swimming, cycling, and walking — is best for weight-bearing joints. Strength training targeting the muscles around affected joints is equally important. Avoid high-impact activities during flares.
Can physiotherapy help rheumatoid arthritis?
Yes — physiotherapy plays a central role alongside medication in RA management. We focus on maintaining joint range of motion, strengthening muscles around affected joints, and teaching joint protection techniques during flares.
What is the difference between OA and RA?
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition causing cartilage breakdown, primarily in weight-bearing joints, occurring with age and injury. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease causing joint inflammation, typically affecting small joints symmetrically.
How many physiotherapy sessions do I need for arthritis?
Arthritis is a long-term condition. An initial intensive course of 8–12 sessions establishes your management programme.
After that, monthly or quarterly follow-up plus a self-managed home exercise programme maintains your progress.
Book Your Consultation
Start your recovery today — contact Realign Rehab Clinic:
- 📍 NIT-5, Faridabad (near Green Field Colony, Ballabhgarh Road)
- 📞 +91 9818185589
- 🕑 Mon–Sat: 8 AM–8 PM