Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is often described as “wear and tear”, but this outdated idea can leave people feeling broken, fragile, or afraid to move.
At The Recovery Project, osteoarthritis rehabilitation focuses on supporting the repair side of the equation, not avoiding movement or chasing short-term pain relief. more accurate way to think about osteoarthritis is “wear and repair”. Joints are living tissues that respond, adapt, and strengthen when loaded appropriately.
What osteoarthritis actually is
Osteoarthritis involves natural changes within a joint over time. These changes do not automatically equal pain or decline. Many people with significant changes on scans have minimal symptoms, while others with mild findings can struggle. Pain is influenced by strength, joint capacity, movement patterns, nervous system sensitivity, and confidence with loading.
When load is removed for too long, joints lose capacity. When load is applied progressively and intelligently, joints adapt. This is the essence of wear and repair.
Common joints affected
We commonly support people with osteoarthritis affecting:
Hip
Knee
Spine
Shoulder
Hands and feet
Rehabilitation is tailored to the joint involved, your symptoms, and what you want to get back to doing.
Our approach to osteoarthritis rehabilitation
We combine osteopathy, exercise rehabilitation, strength training, and education to create a clear, sustainable plan.
You can expect:
A thorough assessment of joint movement, strength, and load tolerance.
Clear explanations around your diagnosis and how it applies to your body.
Progressive strength training to support joint repair and resilience.
Guidance on how to move confidently rather than avoid movement.
Coaching around flare-ups, pacing, and long-term self-management.
Support to stay active with walking, gym training, sport, or daily life.
Hands-on treatment may be used to support comfort early on, but lasting change comes from restoring capacity and confidence.
Hip and knee osteoarthritis classes
For many people with osteoarthritis, the biggest challenge is maintaining strength and consistency over time. Alongside one-on-one rehabilitation, we offer hip and knee osteoarthritis classes for those who want structured, ongoing support.
These osteo-led classes focus on progressive strength training, joint confidence, and long-term resilience using a wear and repair approach.
They are ideal once symptoms are more stable, or as a way to continue building capacity beyond individual appointment