HomeAbout
Services
General PhysiotherapySports PhysiotherapyExercise RehabilitationDry NeedlingRemedial Massage
FeesContact
Book OnlineCall 08 6113 8062
Knee Osteoarthritis
★★★★★4.9 · 434 Google Reviews

Knee Osteoarthritis Treatment in Perth

Cartilage doesn't need to be pristine for you to move well and live pain-free. Exercise and physiotherapy are the most effective treatments available.

Book an Appointment08 6113 8062

Knee Osteoarthritis

Knee Osteoarthritis Treatment in Perth

Knee osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, characterised by progressive degeneration of articular cartilage, subchondral bone changes, osteophyte formation, and synovial inflammation — producing pain, stiffness, and reduced function.

The most important message in knee OA management: exercise is the most effective treatment available, and the evidence base supporting this is stronger than for any pharmacological intervention. You do not need to protect the knee from loading — you need to load it correctly. <sup>[1]</sup>

At Move Physiotherapy, our approach to knee OA is evidence-based and active. We build quadriceps and hip strength, optimise movement patterns, and give you the tools to manage your condition confidently for the long term.

🛡️
Satisfaction Guarantee
Have we met your expectations? If not, we will refund your out-of-pocket expense — no questions asked.
Knee Osteoarthritis
Knee Osteoarthritis
🛡️
Satisfaction Guarantee
Have we met your expectations? If not, we will refund your out-of-pocket expense — no questions asked.

Causes

Risk Factors for Knee Osteoarthritis

Age — most significant risk factor
Previous knee injury (ACL tear, meniscus tear, fracture)
Obesity — each 1kg increase in body weight adds approximately 4kg of force across the knee joint
Quadriceps weakness — impairs shock absorption and joint stability
Occupation — repetitive kneeling, squatting, or heavy lifting
Genetic predisposition

Our Approach

The Move Process

01
Assess Severity & Function
Evaluate current pain, functional limitation, quadriceps strength (VALD tested), and gait to establish a baseline and guide programme design.
02
Pain Management
Manual therapy, taping, and load management strategies to reduce acute pain and improve function — enabling engagement with exercise rehabilitation.
03
Strength Programme
Progressive quadriceps and hip strengthening — the most important elements of OA management. We quantify and track strength using VALD dynamometry.
04
Long-Term Self-Management
Education on load management, activity modification, and a home programme to maintain strength gains and manage the condition independently long-term.

Why Move Physiotherapy

What sets us apart

✦
Exercise as Medicine
We implement evidence-based exercise programmes that produce lasting improvements in pain, function, and quality of life.
✦
Avoiding Unnecessary Surgery
Physiotherapy is the most effective first-line treatment for knee OA, and significantly delays or prevents the need for knee replacement in many patients.
✦
Satisfaction Guarantee
Have we met your expectations? If not, we will refund your out-of-pocket expense — no questions asked.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I avoid exercise with knee arthritis?+
No — exercise is the most important treatment for knee osteoarthritis, not something to avoid. The evidence is unequivocal: regular, appropriately dosed exercise reduces pain, improves function, and slows disease progression. The fear that exercise wears out arthritic joints is not supported by evidence.
Will I definitely need a knee replacement?+
Not necessarily. Many people with knee osteoarthritis achieve good long-term outcomes with exercise and physiotherapy without requiring surgery. Knee replacement is most appropriate for end-stage OA with severe pain that has not responded to a thorough course of conservative management.
Can glucosamine help with knee arthritis?+
The evidence for glucosamine and chondroitin supplementation in knee OA is mixed. High-quality trials show minimal clinically significant benefit over placebo for most patients. Supplements should not be considered a substitute for exercise-based management, which has far stronger evidence.
Is swimming better than walking for knee arthritis?+
Both are beneficial. Swimming and cycling are lower-impact alternatives useful during acute flare-ups. However, land-based exercise including walking and quadriceps strengthening is the most evidence-based approach and produces greater long-term benefit.
How much should my knee hurt with exercise?+
Mild to moderate pain during exercise (up to 3-4 out of 10) is acceptable during rehabilitation, provided it settles back to baseline within 24 hours. Severe pain during exercise, or pain that remains significantly worse the following day, indicates the load was too high.

Full Treatment Pathway

Related Services

Effective treatment for knee osteoarthritis often involves more than one service. Explore the approaches we use as part of a complete care pathway.

General Physiotherapy

Expert assessment, hands-on treatment, and progressive rehabilitation for all musculoskeletal conditions.

Learn more →
Exercise Rehabilitation

Progressive, gym-based rehabilitation programs that rebuild strength and prevent recurrence.

Learn more →
Longevity Programs

Physiotherapist-supervised strength and bone-loading programs for long-term health and function.

Learn more →

Ready to get moving?

Beeliar, Booragoon and East Fremantle -- early morning, evening and Saturday appointments available.

Book OnlineCall 08 6113 8062