Stay Active and Manage Your Arthritis
Arthritis affects millions of people across the UK, and its impact on your mobility, comfort, and quality of life can be significant. While there is no “cure” in the traditional sense, the right approach to management can dramatically reduce pain, improve joint function, and help you stay active for longer.
At The Whiteley Physiotherapy Centre, we work with patients living with both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Our approach is based on the latest clinical evidence, focusing on what you can do rather than what you cannot. We are here to help you navigate your diagnosis with confidence.
Understanding Arthritis
Osteoarthritis
The most common form of arthritis, Osteoarthritis involves the gradual thinning of the cartilage that cushions your joints. This can lead to pain, stiffness, and a feeling that the joint is “restricted.” It commonly affects the knees, hips, hands, and spine. It is important to remember that Osteoarthritis is not simply “wear and tear”—it is a dynamic condition that responds remarkably well to specific exercise, weight management, and professional guidance.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
This is an autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of the joints, causing inflammation and swelling. It often affects multiple joints and can fluctuate between “flare-ups” and periods of remission. Management typically involves a partnership between your Rheumatologist’s medication and physiotherapy to maintain your strength and mobility.
How We Treat Arthritis
Exercise Prescription
Exercise is the single most effective non-surgical treatment for arthritis. Current NICE guidelines recommend tailored strengthening and aerobic exercise as a core treatment for all patients. Far from “wearing out” your joints, the right exercises strengthen the muscles that support them, acting like a natural shock absorber.
Manual Therapy
Gentle joint mobilisations and soft tissue techniques can help “quieten” a painful joint and improve your range of movement. This is particularly helpful when a joint has become stiff after a period of inactivity.
Hydrotherapy
We are proud to offer an on-site hydrotherapy pool at our Whiteley centre. The warm water (typically heated to approx. $33-34^{\circ}C$) helps relax tight muscles and reduces the load on your joints, allowing you to perform exercises that might be too painful to do on land. Research consistently shows that hydrotherapy is a “game-changer” for managing hip and knee arthritis.
Pre-Surgical & Post-Surgical Rehab
If you are waiting for a joint replacement, “pre-hab” is essential. Entering surgery with stronger muscles leads to a significantly faster and smoother recovery. Following your operation, we provide the structured, step-by-step rehabilitation needed to get you back to your best.
Your First Appointment
At The Whiteley Physiotherapy Centre, we believe that taking control of your arthritis starts with a clear, honest assessment. We know that joint pain can be frustrating, so we ensure your first session provides both answers and a way forward.
Practicalities for your visit:
- A Comprehensive Assessment: Your initial appointment lasts 45 minutes. This gives your physiotherapist time to examine your joints, assess your muscle strength, and understand how arthritis is affecting your daily life.
- What to wear: Please wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows us to easily see and move the affected joints (e.g., shorts for knee/hip assessments).
- What to bring: If you have any recent X-ray or MRI reports, or letters from your Consultant, please bring them along. It is also helpful to have a list of any medications you are currently taking.
- Immediate Insight: You will leave with a clear understanding of your condition and a bespoke exercise programme—whether that’s for the gym, the hydrotherapy pool, or your living room.
Honesty in Recovery
We believe in realistic expectations. Arthritis is a long-term journey, and while we can often provide significant pain relief quite quickly through manual therapy or hydrotherapy, building lasting joint support takes time.
Physiologically, it takes roughly six to twelve weeks of consistent strengthening to change the way a joint handles load. We won’t promise a “quick fix,” but we will provide the expert coaching and progressive markers you need to ensure you are moving in the right direction. Whether your goal is to keep gardening, stay on the golf course, or simply walk the dog without a flare-up, we are here to provide the roadmap to get you there.
Your Treatment Team
- Felicia Fetcu – Physiotherapist and hydrotherapy physiotherapist (CSP: 106027 | HCPC: PH117618)
- Diane Shaw – Physiotherapist, acupuncture, and hydrotherapy (CSP: 49658 | HCPC: PH41958)
- Bethany Vance – Physiotherapist (CSP: 127691 | HCPC: PH146896)
- Yves De Vos – Physiotherapist (CSP: 54623 | HCPC: PH48182)
- Simona Jacob – Physiotherapist (CSP: 111102 | HCPC: PH124185)
Pricing and Appointment
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Initial Assessment £79 / 45 minutes
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Follow-Up Session £59 / 30 minutes
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Block Booking £319 for 6 sessions
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Self-Help Hydro Group £20 per session
We are recognised by Bupa, AXA PPP, Aviva, WPA, Cigna, and Vitality.
To book, call 01489 569888 or email info@thewhiteleyphysiocentre.co.uk.
Conveniently Located in Whiteley
Our clinic is at Gull Coppice, Yew Tree Drive, Whiteley, Fareham, Hampshire, PO15 7LS. We serve patients from Whiteley, Fareham, Segensworth, Swanwick, Titchfield, Sarisbury, and Burridge.
Phone: 01489 569888
Email: info@thewhiteleyphysiocentre.co.uk
Frequently Asked Questions
Will exercise make my arthritis worse?
No. Exercise is one of the most effective treatments for arthritis. It strengthens the muscles that support your joints, reduces stiffness, and can reduce pain. Your physiotherapist will prescribe exercises that are safe and appropriate for your joints.
Can physiotherapy help if I am waiting for a joint replacement?
Yes. Physiotherapy before surgery, known as prehabilitation, can improve your strength and fitness going into the operation. Research shows this is associated with better outcomes and faster recovery after surgery.
Is hydrotherapy good for arthritis?
Yes. Research supports hydrotherapy for hip and knee osteoarthritis. The warm water reduces pain, relaxes muscles, and makes exercise more comfortable.
Can physiotherapy cure arthritis?
Physiotherapy cannot cure arthritis, but it can significantly improve your symptoms and function. Many patients find that with the right exercise programme, their pain reduces and their ability to do the things they enjoy improves.
How often should I attend?
This depends on your symptoms and goals. Some patients benefit from a short course of treatment to establish an exercise programme, while others prefer ongoing sessions for support and progression.
Do I need to see a rheumatologist before starting?
Not for self-funded physiotherapy. If you have rheumatoid arthritis, it is important to be under the care of a rheumatologist for medication management. For osteoarthritis, a physiotherapy assessment is often the best starting point.
Can acupuncture help with arthritis pain?
Acupuncture may help manage pain associated with osteoarthritis. It can be used alongside physiotherapy as part of your treatment plan.
What if I need a joint replacement?
Our post-surgical rehabilitation service supports patients recovering from hip and knee replacements. We also offer hydrotherapy as part of the rehabilitation programme.
Is treatment covered by insurance?
Yes. We are recognised by Bupa, AXA PPP, Aviva, WPA, Cigna, and Vitality.
How do I book?
Ready to Get Started?
Living with arthritis does not mean giving up the things you enjoy. Call 01489 569888 to book your assessment and take control of your condition.