Knee Osteoarthritis: How Physiotherapy Can Help
Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a common and often frustrating condition that affects millions of people worldwide. If you're living with knee OA, you're not alone—and the good news is, you're not powerless either. Physiotherapy offers proven, evidence-based strategies to help manage symptoms, improve mobility, and restore quality of life.
In this article, we’ll walk you through how a physiotherapist can support your journey with knee OA, especially through one of the most important — but often overlooked — tools in the treatment process: education.
Why Patient Education Is Key in Knee Osteoarthritis Treatment
Too many people diagnosed with knee OA are told their knees are "bone-on-bone" or that joint replacement is their only option. This can lead to fear, inactivity, and a feeling of hopelessness. But the truth is far more hopeful, and physiotherapy plays a crucial role in changing the narrative.
Education is not just about giving information. It’s about empowering you with the knowledge and confidence to take an active role in managing your condition. Research consistently shows that patient education improves pain levels, physical function, and commitment to rehabilitation programs.
When you understand what's happening in your knee, why exercise helps, and how pain works, you're more likely to stay engaged in your treatment, and that can make all the difference.
5 Ways a Physiotherapist Can Support You Through Education
Here are six evidence-based strategies physiotherapists use to help you better understand and manage your knee OA:
1. Understanding Your Beliefs and Readiness
A good physio doesn’t just hand you a list of exercises, they take the time to understand what you believe about your pain. Have you been told to avoid activity? Are you afraid of making things worse? Knowing your mindset helps tailor the education to where you're at, ensuring you're ready to absorb and act on it.
2. Challenging the “Wear and Tear” Myth
Knee OA is often misunderstood as a result of joints simply "wearing out." But that’s an outdated view. Your physiotherapist will explain that OA is a dynamic process involving the joint adapting to stress over time. With the right movement strategies, your body can become stronger and more resilient.
3. Explaining Pain Without Fear
Pain doesn’t always mean damage. Your physio will help you understand the difference between “hurt” and “harm.” You may be introduced to tools like the traffic light system for activity:
🟢 Green: Mild or no pain—keep going.
🟡 Yellow: Moderate discomfort—continue with caution.
🔴 Red: Severe pain or swelling—pause and reassess.
This system builds your confidence to move safely and avoid unnecessary fear of pain.
4. Making Exercise Doable and Encouraging
Let’s face it, when your knees hurt, “exercise” can sound intimidating. But your physiotherapist will reframe exercise as joint-friendly movement tailored to your abilities. Whether it's gentle sit-to-stands, walking, or pool-based exercise, you’ll be shown how to move in ways that feel good and support your long-term goals.
5. Setting Realistic Expectations
One of the biggest hurdles in OA treatment is expecting quick fixes. Your physio will help you set achievable goals, like walking further, standing up more easily, or reducing stiffness so you can celebrate progress even if pain doesn’t disappear overnight. Small wins build momentum.
The Bottom Line: Take Control of Your Knee Osteoarthritis
Physiotherapy is about more than exercises, it’s about giving you the tools and confidence to manage your knee OA now and in the future.
By focusing on education, your physio helps you:
Understand what’s happening in your joints
Reframe unhelpful beliefs
Move with confidence
Stick with a plan that works for you
With the right support, you can stay active, reduce pain, and maintain your independence, without relying solely on medication or surgery.
If you have any questions on whether physio is the best option for you, or you have any questions about MVMNT in general, feel free to contact via email.
- Jay Towolawi, Specialist Sports Physiotherapist and MVMNT Founder.