Hip arthritis
Stiffness and aching in the groin, thigh or buttock, often worse after rest. More on our hip pain page.
Arthritis & joint stiffness
Stiff, aching joints can make everyday things harder. We help you ease arthritic pain, stay strong and keep doing the things you enjoy.
Understanding arthritis
Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis. It affects the cartilage and other tissues in a joint, most often the knees, hips, hands and spine. Many people have changes on an X-ray but little pain, so the scan doesn’t tell the whole story.
What helps
Exercise and staying active are the main treatments recommended for osteoarthritis. Strengthening the muscles around a joint can ease pain and make it easier to move. Keeping to a healthy weight also takes pressure off the hips and knees.
A personal approach
We look at how your joints move, how strong you are and what you want to be able to do, then build a plan that starts from where you are today.
Osteopathy and physiotherapy
Hands-on treatment can help relieve arthritic pain and stiffness, alongside a simple exercise plan. We work with your GP if you need other treatment, such as medication or a specialist opinion.
Joints we commonly help with
Arthritis can affect any joint. These are the ones we see most often.
Knee arthritis
Pain on stairs, kneeling or getting up from a chair. More on our knee pain page.
Neck and back stiffness
Age-related changes in the spine are very common and often respond well to movement, strength work and hands-on treatment.
Staying strong
Measuring leg strength and balance shows your progress. See Measured, not guessed.
Our whole-person approach
Thorough assessment
A detailed consultation and examination of the painful joint and the joints and muscles around it.
Hands-on treatment
Gentle joint mobilisation and soft tissue work to help ease pain and stiffness.
Exercise you can keep up
A simple, progressive strength and movement plan you can do at home, reviewed as you improve.
Your first appointment includes a full assessment and your first treatment. Book now to start your recovery.
Questions about arthritis and joint stiffness
Can an osteopath help with arthritis?
Osteopaths can help relieve arthritic pain and stiffness, particularly alongside exercise. We can’t reverse the changes in a joint, but many people find they move more easily and with less pain.
Is exercise safe if I have arthritis?
Yes. Exercise is one of the most helpful things you can do for osteoarthritis, and it doesn’t wear the joint out faster. We’ll start gently and build up at a pace that suits you.
Can you help with rheumatoid arthritis?
Rheumatoid and other inflammatory types of arthritis need to be managed by your GP and a rheumatologist. We can help with general aches and keeping active alongside their care.
How many sessions will I need?
It depends on the cause of your pain and how long you’ve had it. We’ll give you an honest idea at your first appointment and review your progress at each visit. We won’t ask you to sign up to a long course of treatment.
Where are you, and do I need a GP referral?
We’re at 90 Fore Street in Chudleigh, just off the A38 and a short drive from Newton Abbot, Bovey Tracey, Kingsteignton and Exeter, with convenient parking close by. You don’t need a GP referral, but if you’re claiming on health insurance, check with your insurer first.
When to get urgent help
Get medical help first if you have:
- A hot, red, swollen joint, especially with a high temperature or feeling unwell
- Sudden severe swelling in a joint, with or without an injury
- Swelling and stiffness in several joints that lasts more than an hour each morning
A hot, swollen joint with a temperature needs same-day medical help: call 111. For swelling in several joints, see your GP.
Other conditions we treat
Lower back pain
Acute and chronic backache, lumbago and sciatica.
Neck pain & headaches
Neck pain, headaches arising from the neck, migraine prevention and nerve pain.
Shoulder pain
Rotator cuff problems, frozen shoulder and more.
Sciatica
Leg pain from the lower back, numbness and tingling.
Upper back & rib pain
Pain between the shoulder blades and around the ribs.
Ankle & foot pain
Sprains, Achilles pain and heel pain.