Quick Summary
Knee arthritis does not mean you must stop being active. Build a practical plan for strength, comfortable movement and the activities that matter to you. Our physiotherapists in New Malden can assess your symptoms and help you choose appropriate next steps for your goals. We agree practical goals and review your progress.
Understanding Knee Osteoarthritis
Knee osteoarthritis involves changes throughout the joint, including cartilage and surrounding tissues. Pain can fluctuate and does not always match the appearance of an X-ray. Treatment aims to improve daily function and manage symptoms; it cannot promise to rebuild cartilage or reverse arthritis.
Assessment at J&J Therapy
Your assessment considers walking, knee movement, leg strength, balance and the tasks you want to regain. Typical osteoarthritis can often be assessed clinically. We discuss GP input when symptoms are atypical, persistently limiting or suggest another condition.
Do You Experience These Symptoms?
- Aching with walking, stairs or standing up from a chair.
- Brief stiffness after resting and reduced confidence on the leg.
- Occasional swelling, tenderness or a grating sensation.
An assessment helps guide your next step, based on your symptoms, health and goals.
Why symptoms may develop
Age, previous knee injury, family history and other health factors may contribute. Symptoms are also influenced by muscle strength, activity changes, sleep and general health. Gradually building activity is usually more useful than avoiding movement altogether.
Treatment and rehabilitation options
Hands-On Manual Therapy
Joint mobilisation or soft tissue work may be used alongside exercise when it helps pain or stiffness. NICE advises that manual therapy should not be the only approach for knee osteoarthritis. We review whether it adds a useful benefit. We explain the purpose and check your comfort and response throughout treatment.
Is Shockwave Suitable?
Shockwave is not a standard first-line treatment for knee osteoarthritis. We prioritise guideline-supported exercise, information and an individual management plan; separate tendon pain would need its own assessment. Your physiotherapist can explain the more suitable options and how their effect will be reviewed during your ongoing rehabilitation.
Targeted Exercise Programme
Strengthening and general aerobic activity are tailored to your starting point. We can help pace walking and stairs, plan for flare-ups and discuss weight-management support if relevant to your goals. The programme develops as your confidence and capacity improve. Your home plan is adapted as your function and confidence improve.
When to Seek Urgent Medical Help
While most symptoms are not serious, urgent medical attention is required if you experience any of the following:
- Seek urgent GP or NHS 111 advice if you cannot move the knee, bear weight, or straighten a knee that is locked.
- A hot swollen knee with fever or feeling unwell needs urgent medical assessment.
- Go to A&E for a deformed leg after injury or a foot that becomes cold, pale or numb.
Your questions answered
Will exercise wear my knee out faster?
Appropriately tailored exercise is a core treatment for osteoarthritis. Some initial discomfort can occur, so we help you choose a tolerable starting point and review symptoms rather than expecting you to push through severe pain.
When is a knee replacement considered?
A surgical opinion may be appropriate when pain and reduced function substantially affect quality of life despite suitable non-surgical care. The decision is individual and shared with your medical team.
Which appointment should I book?
Start with a Physiotherapy Initial Assessment for new, persistent or recurring symptoms. We can assess the problem and agree a plan linked to your daily activities. If you have already had medical care or surgery, bring the relevant instructions.
Soft Tissue Therapy may be a supporting option for associated muscle discomfort once the condition has been assessed. It is not a substitute for diagnosis or the rehabilitation needed for the underlying problem.
Book a Physiotherapy Assessment or call our reception team on 07935 869938. Find J&J Therapy at CI Tower, Ground Floor, New Malden.
Related conditions
Knee Replacement Rehabilitation · Meniscus Tear
Sources and further reading
This page is for general information only and does not replace professional medical advice.
Information updated 15 October 2026. General information only; this page cannot diagnose your symptoms. Treatment is agreed after assessment. For urgent or severe symptoms, use the medical services described above.