Osteoarthritis pain: support to keep you moving

If joint pain or stiffness is making it harder to walk, exercise, work or enjoy the activities you love, you do not have to figure out the next steps alone. At Agile Integrated Health, we work with you to understand what is affecting your movement and build a plan around your goals.

Where to start: A physiotherapist is a good first point of contact. They can be your rehabilitation “quarterback”: assessing your movement, helping you make a plan and, with your consent, coordinating with other practitioners when that would be useful. You may need support from one practitioner or several—it depends on you.

Book a physiotherapy assessment | Ask us where to start

What is osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is a joint condition that can cause pain, stiffness and changes in how a joint moves. It commonly affects the knees, hips and hands, although other joints can be affected too. Symptoms can fluctuate, and what you see on an X-ray does not always match how you feel or what you can do.

You might notice stiffness after resting, discomfort with stairs or longer walks, reduced grip, or a change in your confidence with movement. Not every painful joint is osteoarthritis, so an assessment can help you understand what may be contributing to your symptoms and whether you should see a medical practitioner.

How can rehabilitation help?

Your physiotherapist will ask about your symptoms, daily activities, health history and what you want to get back to. They may assess joint movement, strength, balance and how you perform meaningful activities.

Together, you might work on:

A manageable exercise plan: Build strength and movement capacity at a level that fits your starting point.
Activity and flare-up strategies: Adjust the amount or type of activity when symptoms change, then build back gradually.
Everyday function: Make walking, stairs, work, hobbies or other priorities more manageable.
Education and options: Discuss questions about imaging, supports, and when a conversation with your doctor may be helpful.

Exercise and education are central parts of osteoarthritis care. Your plan should reflect your preferences and be adjusted as you respond; surgery is not inevitable.

How our team can support you

Your physiotherapist can help you decide whether other support would add value. Depending on your needs and practitioner availability, this may include:

Kinesiology or athletic therapy: Individualized movement and strength work to help you build confidence with activity.
Clinical Pilates: Supported movement and strengthening where appropriate for your goals. A great options if you are finding traditional movement and strength exercises painful with the use of pilates equipment.
Hand therapy: Assessment and rehabilitation when hand or wrist symptoms affect grip and daily tasks.
Massage therapy, chiropractic or osteopathy: Hands-on care may be considered alongside an active plan where appropriate—not as a requirement or a replacement for exercise, but can help support stiffness, pain and swelling.
Medical care and injection options: Your family doctor or another appropriate medical practitioners can discuss medication and other medical options. An appropriately qualified practitioner, including a naturopathic doctor where within scope, may discuss whether an injection is suitable. Benefits and risks vary by treatment and joint; injections are not a cure or right for everyone.

With your permission, your team can share relevant information so your care stays coordinated. There is no expectation that you see every practitioner.

Injection therapy: additional support for osteoarthritis

For some people, an injection may be considered alongside exercise, education and other osteoarthritis care. The aim is to improve symptoms or function—not to cure osteoarthritis. Our musculoskeletal injection therapy team can discuss whether an option is appropriate for your joint, health history and goals.

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP)

PRP is made from a small sample of your own blood. The sample is processed to concentrate platelets, which contain substances involved in the body’s healing processes, and the preparation is injected into the affected area.

For some people with knee osteoarthritis, PRP may reduce pain and improve function. If symptoms improve, activities such as walking, climbing stairs or participating in an exercise program may feel more manageable.

Hyaluronic acid (HA)

Hyaluronic acid, sometimes called viscosupplementation, is injected into a joint to supplement a substance naturally found in joint fluid. Joint fluid helps lubricate and cushion the joint; the injection is intended to support more comfortable movement and reduce pain.

Some people report relief that helps them return to daily activities or take part in rehabilitation. Depending on the product and your treatment plan, HA may be given as one injection or a series. If it helps, improvement may take several weeks and the duration varies.

Your practitioner can help you weigh the evidence for your particular joint and circumstances.

Choosing what is right for you

An injection is not necessary for everyone, and improvement is not guaranteed. Your injection practitioner can discuss the potential benefits, limitations, alternatives, costs, and risks—including temporary pain or swelling and rare infection—and any relevant medications or upcoming surgery. With your consent, they can coordinate with your physiotherapist and medical team so your care fits together. Injections do not replace an individualized movement and rehabilitation plan.

Learn about injection therapies at Agile | Contact our team to discuss your options

When should I seek urgent medical care?

A suddenly hot, swollen joint—especially with fever, chills or feeling unwell—needs urgent medical assessment. Seek urgent care for severe new pain or an inability to bear weight after an injury. For an emergency, call 911; in BC, you can call 8-1-1 for non-emergency health advice.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need an X-ray before seeing a physiotherapist?

Not necessarily. Your practitioner can discuss whether imaging or a medical assessment may be appropriate for your situation.

Is it safe to exercise with osteoarthritis?

A tailored exercise plan is often an important part of care. Some discomfort can occur as you begin; your physiotherapist can help you choose a starting point and adjust it based on your response.

Will I need surgery?

Not everyone with osteoarthritis needs surgery. If symptoms remain significantly limiting despite non-surgical care, your medical practitioner can discuss whether a surgical opinion is appropriate.