Quick answer: Email info@livingwitharthritis.org.uk with the subject Ask the Physio, or use the contact form. Keep your question general and do not send medical records. Answers will come from an HCPC-registered physiotherapist once appointed. Until then, sample answers here are editorial answers based on NHS, NICE and CSP guidance, not personal advice.
About this column. Ask the Physio is a new weekly column for questions about exercise, movement and physiotherapy with arthritis. We have not yet appointed the column's physiotherapist. Once we have, answers will come from a qualified physiotherapist registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). Until then, the sample answers on this page are editorial answers written by the Living With Arthritis team from NHS, NICE and Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) guidance, checked on 11 October 2026. They are not answers from a named physiotherapist and they are not personal advice.
Physiotherapy is one of the most useful treatments for arthritis, yet many people are not sure what it involves, how to get it, or how to exercise safely while they wait. This column is for those everyday questions. Below you will find how to send a question, what the column can and cannot cover, and ten common questions with answers drawn from published guidance.
How to send a question
- Email us at info@livingwitharthritis.org.uk with the subject "Ask the Physio", or use our contact form and choose a general enquiry.
- Keep it general. Tell us the type of arthritis if you know it, which joints are affected, and what you would like to know. Please do not send your full medical history, test results, photos or your NHS number.
- Tell us how to name you if we publish your question: first name, initials or anonymous. We publish anonymously unless you ask otherwise.
- Be patient. We cannot answer every question, and we cannot reply individually with advice. We choose questions that are likely to help many readers, and we may combine similar questions.
By sending a question you agree that we may edit it for length and clarity and publish it without identifying details. You can ask us not to publish it at any time before publication.
What the column covers
In scope
- exercise, strength, stretching and staying active with arthritis
- pacing, flares and getting back to activity
- walking aids, braces, insoles and equipment in general terms
- how NHS and private physiotherapy work, and how to get the most from appointments
- preparing for and recovering from joint surgery, in general terms
- work, hobbies and sport with arthritis
Out of scope
- diagnosing your symptoms or interpreting your scans or blood tests
- starting, stopping or changing medicines
- urgent or worrying symptoms, which need your GP, NHS 111 or 999
- second opinions on your own treatment plan
- complaints about named clinicians or services
- legal, benefits or insurance decisions
- recommending brands, products or private clinics
Important: this is general information
Answers in this column are general and educational. They cannot take account of your history, examination or other conditions, so they cannot replace an assessment by a physiotherapist, GP or specialist. If an answer does not seem to fit your situation, follow the advice of the professionals who know you. If you feel very unwell, call 999. For urgent advice, contact NHS 111.
Who will answer questions?
We are looking for a physiotherapist to write the column. They will be HCPC-registered and will declare any commercial interests. "Physiotherapist" and "physical therapist" are titles protected by law, which means only people on the HCPC register can use them. You can check anyone's registration on the HCPC's online register. When the columnist is appointed, we will publish their name, registration number and any declarations here.
How answers are prepared
Each answer will be checked against current NHS, NICE and CSP guidance and, where relevant, guidance from specialist charities. Answers will say where the evidence is limited or where opinions differ, and will never recommend products, brands or private clinics. Once the columnist is appointed, each answer will carry their name and HCPC registration number, and any commercial interests they have declared. All column pages will show the date they were last checked, and we will update answers if guidance changes.
What happens to your question
We only use your email address to reply to you about your question. We remove names and identifying details before publication and do not share questions with companies. Read our privacy policy for more detail. If your message suggests you are at risk of harm, we may reply to point you to support, but we are not a crisis service: if you are struggling now, call Samaritans free on 116 123.
Ten common questions: editorial answers
The answers below are editorial answers from guidance, not from a named physiotherapist.
1. My joints hurt when I exercise. Should I stop?
Not necessarily. NICE guideline NG226 on osteoarthritis says people should be told that joint pain may increase when they start therapeutic exercise, and that regular, consistent exercise, even if it causes some discomfort at first, will benefit their joints. Mild aching that settles within a day or so is common when starting. Stop and seek advice if pain is sharp, severe, keeps getting worse, or a joint becomes hot and swollen. Start gently and build up gradually.
2. How do I get NHS physiotherapy?
The NHS says that in many areas you can refer yourself to an NHS community musculoskeletal (MSK) service without seeing a GP. You can also ask your GP, and some GP surgeries have first contact physiotherapists who can assess you directly. Waiting lists can be long. Our guide to NHS physiotherapy waiting lists explains what you can do while you wait.
3. Will exercise wear my joints out faster?
For osteoarthritis, NICE recommends therapeutic exercise tailored to the person as a core treatment for everyone, alongside weight management if needed and information and support. It also says long-term adherence to an exercise plan increases its benefits by reducing pain and improving function and quality of life. The CSP advises keeping active, keeping muscles strong and joints moving, while avoiding making an inflamed joint worse.
4. What kind of exercise is best?
NICE gives examples such as local muscle strengthening and general aerobic fitness. The best exercise is one you can do regularly and enjoy. Many people combine strengthening, a form of aerobic activity such as walking, cycling or swimming, and stretching. Our exercise library and beginner's guide to strength training are good places to start.
5. How much exercise should I aim for?
The NHS recommends that adults aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity a week and strengthening activities on at least 2 days. With arthritis, it is fine to start well below this and build up. Short sessions spread through the week all count.
6. Should I rest during a flare?
Rest can help during a flare, but complete rest can lead to more stiffness and weakness. The CSP describes pacing as keeping active without overusing an arthritic joint. During a flare, many people reduce the intensity and do gentle movement, then build back up as it settles. The NHS advises not to stop moving an affected joint completely. If a flare does not settle, contact your GP or specialist team.
7. Do I need an X-ray or scan before I start physiotherapy?
Usually not for osteoarthritis. NICE says osteoarthritis can be diagnosed without imaging in people aged 45 or over who have activity-related joint pain and either no morning stiffness or stiffness lasting no longer than 30 minutes. A physiotherapist or GP will tell you if tests are needed for your situation.
8. Are knee braces, supports or insoles worth buying?
NICE says not to routinely offer insoles, braces, tape, splints or supports for osteoarthritis unless there is joint instability or abnormal loading, exercise alone is not effective or suitable, and the device is likely to improve movement and function. The CSP suggests seeking advice about whether walking aids, a support or a brace would help. Ask a physiotherapist before buying.
9. What happens at a physiotherapy appointment?
The NHS says the physiotherapist will ask about your symptoms, medical history and lifestyle, may examine the affected area and check things like strength and balance, and will discuss treatment options. Treatment may include exercises, manual therapy and advice on managing symptoms, and you are usually given exercises to do at home. The CSP suggests wearing comfortable clothes, as the physiotherapist may need to see how you move.
10. How do I choose a private physiotherapist?
The NHS advises checking that a private physiotherapist is chartered (they will have MCSP after their name) and registered with the HCPC. The CSP has a directory of chartered physiotherapists. Ask about their experience with arthritis, what treatment they plan, how many sessions they expect, and the costs. NICE does not recommend acupuncture, dry needling, TENS or ultrasound therapy for osteoarthritis, so be cautious if these are offered as main treatments for it.
Getting the most from physiotherapy
- Write down your main goals, such as walking to the shops or managing stairs.
- Bring a list of your medicines and other conditions.
- Ask what the exercises are for, how often to do them, and what to do if they hurt.
- Do your home exercises regularly. The NHS notes this is important for your recovery.
- Tell your physiotherapist if something is not working or is hard to fit in.
- Ask what to do if things get worse after you are discharged.
Our guide to physiotherapy for arthritis explains more.
When not to wait for the column
Do not send a question to this column if you have urgent symptoms. Get same-day help from your GP or NHS 111 if a joint is hot and swollen and you feel unwell or have a high temperature. Call 999 or go to A&E if you have severe pain after a fall, cannot put weight on a leg, a joint looks out of place, or you have back pain with numbness in both legs or changes in bladder or bowel control.
When to get medical help
See your GP or physiotherapist if pain is stopping you doing normal activities, is getting worse, or has not improved after 2 weeks of looking after it at home. Speak to your specialist team if you have inflammatory arthritis and your symptoms change. Use NHS 111 for urgent advice and 999 in an emergency.
Frequently asked questions
Who answers the Ask the Physio questions?
We have not yet appointed the columnist. Answers will come from an HCPC-registered physiotherapist once appointed. The current sample answers are editorial answers from NHS, NICE and CSP guidance.
Can I get personal advice from the column?
No. The column gives general information only and cannot assess you. For personal advice, see a physiotherapist or your GP.
How do I check a physiotherapist is registered?
Search the HCPC's online register by name or registration number. Only people on the register can call themselves a physiotherapist.
Will my question be published with my name?
Only if you ask us to. We publish questions anonymously by default and remove identifying details.
How often will the column be published?
We plan to publish weekly once the columnist is appointed. Until then, this page will be updated as we answer questions editorially.
Is it safe to exercise with rheumatoid arthritis?
Generally, yes. Exercise can help manage symptoms. During a flare, reduce intensity and ask your team or physiotherapist what is right for you.
Sources and further reading
- NHS: Physiotherapy
- NICE NG226: Osteoarthritis in over 16s
- CSP: Arthritis
- CSP: Find a physiotherapist
- HCPC: Check the register
- HCPC: Professions and protected titles
- NHS: Physical activity guidelines for adults
- NHS: Joint pain
Educational information for people in the United Kingdom, not personal medical, legal or financial advice. NHS processes, rules and prices change, so check the linked official sources and speak to your GP, specialist team or pharmacist about your own situation. Charity no. 1218461. Pending clinical review. If you feel very unwell, call 999 or go to A&E. For urgent advice, contact NHS 111.
Continue with related help
- Walking with arthritis — start and build up
- Exercising through a flare — what to adjust
- Waiting for community physio — for older adults
- Daily arthritis planner — fit exercise into your day
- Physio Mistakes to Avoid With Arthritis: 15 Common Pitfalls and What to Do Instead — common physio mistakes
- How to Choose the Right Exercise for Your Arthritis: A Practical Finder (UK) — choosing the right exercise