Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the leading causes of pain and disability in Australia. It affects millions of Australians, particularly those over 45, and is a primary reason people seek physiotherapy. At Burwood Physio, we help patients with knee OA manage pain, improve function, and maintain independence — without relying solely on medication or surgery.
What Is Knee Osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint condition in which the cartilage cushioning the knee joint gradually wears away. As cartilage thins, the bones of the knee move closer together, leading to pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced range of motion. Bone spurs (osteophytes) may also develop at the joint margins.
Knee OA most commonly affects the medial (inner) compartment of the knee, but can also involve the lateral compartment or the patellofemoral joint (behind the kneecap).
Risk Factors for Knee OA
- Age over 45
- Previous knee injury (ACL tear, meniscal tear, fracture)
- Obesity — every 1 kg of body weight adds approximately 3–4 kg of force through the knee during walking
- Occupations involving repetitive kneeling, squatting, or heavy lifting
- Genetics and family history
- Weak quadriceps and hip muscles
Symptoms of Knee Osteoarthritis
- Deep, aching pain in the knee, often worse with activity and relieved by rest
- Morning stiffness lasting less than 30 minutes
- Stiffness after prolonged sitting (“gelling”)
- Swelling around the knee joint
- Crepitus (grinding or crunching sensation during movement)
- Reduced range of motion — difficulty fully straightening or bending the knee
- Giving way or instability in severe cases
Diagnosis
Knee OA is typically diagnosed through a combination of clinical assessment and X-ray. Your physiotherapist will assess your range of motion, strength, gait, and functional ability. X-rays show joint space narrowing, osteophytes, and subchondral sclerosis that confirm OA severity. MRI is sometimes used to assess soft tissue involvement.
Physiotherapy for Knee Osteoarthritis
Exercise therapy is the single most evidence-based treatment for knee OA — more effective than pain medication for long-term outcomes. Physiotherapy at Burwood Physio combines exercise, manual therapy, and education to achieve lasting improvement.
Exercise Rehabilitation
Strengthening the muscles around the knee — particularly the quadriceps, hamstrings, and hip abductors — reduces load on the joint, improves stability, and decreases pain. Your physiotherapist will design a personalised programme progressing from low-load exercises through to functional activities like stairs, walking, and squatting.
Aerobic exercise (walking, cycling, hydrotherapy) is also strongly recommended for knee OA. It reduces pain, improves cardiovascular health, and helps with weight management — all of which benefit the knee.
Manual Therapy
Joint mobilisation and soft tissue techniques can help improve range of motion and reduce stiffness in the knee. Patellar mobilisation is particularly useful for patellofemoral OA. Manual therapy is used as an adjunct to exercise, not a replacement for it.
Taping and Bracing
Patellar taping (McConnell technique) and offloading knee braces can provide short-term pain relief and allow patients to exercise more comfortably while building strength.
Shockwave Therapy
For patients with concurrent tendinopathy or patellar tendon involvement alongside OA, shockwave therapy may be beneficial as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
Education and Self-Management
Understanding your condition is a key part of managing knee OA. We help patients understand the role of movement (exercise does not wear out the knee further), weight management strategies, activity pacing, and when to seek further medical review.
When Is a Knee Replacement Considered?
Total knee replacement (TKR) is considered when conservative treatment fails to provide adequate pain relief and function. However, TKR is a major surgery with a significant recovery period. Many patients who commit to a supervised physiotherapy programme find they can delay or avoid surgery altogether. Pre-operative physiotherapy (“prehab”) also significantly improves outcomes following knee replacement.
How Long Does Physiotherapy Take?
Most patients see meaningful improvement within 6–12 weeks of consistent physiotherapy. Knee OA is a chronic condition, so ongoing self-management (home exercise programme, activity choices, weight) is important for maintaining gains long-term.
Book a Knee OA Assessment at Burwood Physio
If knee pain is limiting your walking, stairs, or daily life, physiotherapy can help. Our physiotherapists at Burwood Physio have extensive experience managing knee osteoarthritis and other knee conditions.
Located at Shop 2, 36-38 Victoria St E, Burwood NSW 2134 — easily accessible from Strathfield, Concord, and Croydon. HICAPS on-site, all health funds, NDIS registered.
Call 02 8322 9022 or book online.
Reviewed by the Burwood Physio Clinical Team
BPhty (Hons) | AHPRA Registered Physiotherapists | Member, Australian Physiotherapy Association
Our clinical team has over 20 years of combined experience in musculoskeletal physiotherapy, sports rehabilitation, and pain management. All content is reviewed for clinical accuracy and updated in line with current evidence-based practice guidelines. Meet our team →
