Arthritis Physiotherapy in Calgary — Move Easier, Hurt Less

Living with arthritis can feel like a constant uphill battle. Whether it’s kneeling in the garden,

standing after prolonged sitting, or simply walking down the stairs—stiff, painful joints can take

the joy out of everyday life.

At our Calgary physiotherapy clinic on MacLeod Trail, we understand how arthritis affects

both your body and your quality of life. Our evidence-informed approach combines hands-on

care, targeted exercise, and education to help you move with greater ease, reduce pain, and

reclaim the activities you love.

What Is Arthritis?

Arthritis is a broad term describing over 100 conditions that cause inflammation, degeneration,

or dysfunction in joints. Two of the most common types seen in physiotherapy are:

1. Osteoarthritis (OA)

OA is the most prevalent type of arthritis, caused by progressive wear-and-tear of cartilage—the

cushioning material within joints. It often affects the knees, hips, spine, and hands. Symptoms

typically develop gradually and worsen with activity. (Zhang et al., 2008; Hunter & Bierma-

Zeinstra, 2019)

2. Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

RA is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system mistakenly targets the joint lining

(synovium), causing chronic inflammation. It frequently involves symmetrical joints (e.g., wrists,

fingers) and is associated with fatigue and prolonged morning stiffness. (Smolen et al., 2016;

Firestein & McInnes, 2017)

Other types include psoriatic arthritis, gout, and ankylosing spondylitis, all of which require

tailored treatment plans.

Common Symptoms of Arthritis

• Persistent joint pain or tenderness

• Morning stiffness lasting longer than 30 minutes

• Swelling, warmth, or redness around joints

• Clicking, creaking, or instability during movement

• Muscle wasting and joint deformities in advanced cases

• Weather-sensitive flare-ups or activity-related pain

How Physiotherapy Can Help You Manage Arthritis

1. Joint Mobilization & Manual Therapy

Gentle mobilizations increase joint lubrication, improve nutrient exchange, and reduce pain

associated with stiffness. (Deyle et al., 2000; Abbott et al., 2013)

2. Individualized Strengthening Programs

We strengthen the muscles supporting your joints—like the quadriceps for knees or gluteals for

hips—to reduce mechanical load and improve shock absorption. (Fransen et al., 2015)

3. Gait Analysis & Movement Re-Training

We assess your walking pattern and posture to correct faulty mechanics that may be accelerating

joint degeneration or causing compensatory pain.

4. Balance & Fall Risk Prevention

Joint degeneration can impair balance. We use targeted exercises to retrain proprioception and

prevent falls—particularly important for seniors. (Bennell et al., 2015)

5. Pain Relief Strategies

We combine active approaches like pacing and exercise with modalities like TENS, heat, and ice

to manage flare-ups and increase your comfort level.

6. Lifestyle & Activity Coaching

We promote low-impact, regular activity—such as walking, aquatic therapy, or tai chi—which

has been shown to decrease pain, improve function, and enhance mood. (Hurley et al., 2018;

Brosseau et al., 2012)

When Will You See Results?

Most clients begin to feel improvements in mobility, pain, and function within 2–4 weeks

when combining regular physiotherapy sessions with a consistent home exercise program. Long-

term improvements depend on your level of physical activity and commitment to joint care.

Why Choose Our Arthritis Physio Team in Calgary?

Conveniently located at 8989 MacLeod Trail SW, we serve residents across Haysboro, Acadia,

Kingsland, and Fairview. Our therapists stay current with the latest arthritis management

strategies and customize care based on your needs—whether that’s preventing joint replacement

surgery or simply being able to walk your dog comfortably.

Take the First Step Toward Moving Easier

Arthritis may be chronic, but it doesn’t have to control your life. Let our experienced Calgary

physiotherapists help you reduce pain, improve joint health, and stay active with a personalized,

science-backed approach.

Bibliography

 Zhang, W., et al. (2008). Osteoarthritis of the knee: Evidence-based guidelines.

Osteoarthritis and Cartilage.

 Smolen, J. S., et al. (2016). Rheumatoid arthritis. Lancet.

 Deyle, G. D., et al. (2000). Effectiveness of manual therapy and exercise in osteoarthritis

of the knee. Physical Therapy.

 Fransen, M., et al. (2015). Exercise for osteoarthritis of the knee. Cochrane Database of

Systematic Reviews.

 Abbott, J. H., et al. (2013). Manual therapy, exercise therapy, or both for osteoarthritis of

the hip or knee. Annals of Internal Medicine.

 Brosseau, L., et al. (2012). Therapeutic exercise for treatment of osteoarthritis of the hip

and knee. Journal of Rheumatology.

 Hurley, M. V., et al. (2018). Exercise interventions and patient beliefs for people with

knee OA. Arthritis Care & Research.

 Hunter, D. J., & Bierma-Zeinstra, S. (2019). Osteoarthritis. Lancet.

 Firestein, G. S., & McInnes, I. B. (2017). Immunopathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis.

Immunity.

 Bennell, K. L., et al. (2015). Neuromuscular exercise in people with hip OA.

Osteoarthritis and Cartilage.