Managing Osteoarthritis Pain with Physiotherapy

Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most common causes of joint pain and stiffness, particularly in the knees, hips, hands, and spine. It’s a progressive, degenerative condition—but that doesn’t mean you have to live in pain or limit your lifestyle.

At Southgate Physio in North London, we take a comprehensive approach to managing osteoarthritis. Our experienced physiotherapists focus on reducing pain, improving joint mobility, and helping you stay active through evidence-based rehabilitation. For more advanced cases, we also offer ultrasound-guided injections (USGI) and knee joint aspiration—all delivered in a professional, friendly setting. 

What Is Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is a condition in which the protective cartilage in a joint wear down over time, leading to:

• Pain and stiffness
• Swelling or joint effusion
• Loss of flexibility or reduced range of motion
• Weakness in the surrounding muscles
• Cracking or grating sensations during movement

OA most commonly affects weight-bearing joints such as the knees and hips, but can also impact the shoulders, hands, and spine.

How Physiotherapy Helps Manage OA

At Southgate Physio, our HCPC-registered physiotherapists tailor treatment plans to each individual’s condition, stage, and lifestyle. The goals are simple but powerful: reduce pain, improve function, and support joint health for the long term.

Our physiotherapy treatment may include:

• Joint mobilisation to maintain movement
• Targeted strengthening exercises to support and stabilise the joint
• Stretching and flexibility routines
• Balance and proprioception training
• Advice on pacing, activity modification, and joint protection
• Use of walking aids or braces, if needed
• Clinical Pilates for controlled, low-impact movement

Even a modest improvement in muscle strength and mobility can significantly reduce osteoarthritis pain and enhance quality of life.

Diagnostic Ultrasound – A Clearer View of Your Joint

Our clinic offers musculoskeletal ultrasound imaging, which allows us to visualise:

• Swelling or fluid within the joint
• Bursitis or inflammation
• Tendon changes or degeneration
• Cartilage wear indicators
• Guidance for targeted treatment

This real-time, non-invasive scan enhances the precision of our diagnosis and treatment planning—no referral needed.

Ultrasound-Guided Injections (USGI)

For patients with moderate to severe joint pain or for those not responding to conservative treatment, USGI may be recommended.

We offer:

• Corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation and pain
• Hyaluronic acid (viscosupplementation) for lubrication and improved joint mobility

Using ultrasound guidance, we deliver the medication precisely into the affected area, improving both accuracy and safety.

Joint Aspiration for Swollen Knees

In cases of knee effusion (fluid on the knee), we may perform joint aspiration—a procedure where excess fluid is withdrawn from the joint using a sterile needle under ultrasound guidance.

Benefits include:

• Immediate pain relief and reduced pressure
• Improved range of motion
• More accurate diagnosis of the underlying cause
• Preparation for injection therapy when necessary

Performed on-site by trained clinicians, joint aspiration at Southgate Physio is safe, aseptic , effective, and part of our integrated care pathway.

Why Choose Southgate Physio?

• HCPC-registered physiotherapists with musculoskeletal expertise
• On-site ultrasound diagnostics and guided interventions
• One-on-one rehabilitation tailored to your goals and condition
• Home exercise support, lifestyle advice, and long-term management strategies
• Serving Southgate, Palmers Green, Oakwood, Enfield, and surrounding North London areas

Ready to Take Control of Your Joint Pain?

If you’re living with osteoarthritis, early intervention can make all the difference. Let the expert team at Southgate Physio guide you toward better joint health with physiotherapy, diagnostics, and interventional care—all in one place.

Call 02083686767

Southgate Physio – Helping you move with less pain and more confidence, every step of the way.

For more information on our services or to book an appointment, please visit our website or contact us directly. If you want to know more, feel free to get in touch with us by calling 0208 3686767 or emailing us at info@southgatephysio.co.uk

Physiotherapy Services We Offer

Our clinic offers a wide range of treatments that are all recommended and tailored to everyone who comes and visits us. Our range of treatments complements the body and mind, helping to keep you pain and injury-free, delivering preventative measures to maintain your well-being and enhance your performance levels.

Our main aim is to restore your personal well-being so you can enjoy an active, healthy, and pain-free life. Click on any of the services to find out a little more about each treatment and understand if it might be right for you.

• Home Visit Physiotherapy
• Sports Injury Rehabilitation
• Musculoskeletal Injuries Treatment
• Pain Management
• Pilates
• Acupuncture
• Shockwave Therapy
• Theraflex
• Pre and Post Operative Rehabilitation
• Elderly Rehabilitation
• Sports Massage
• Online Video Consultation
• Sports Physiotherapy