Physical therapy is one of the most effective nonsurgical treatments for knee and shoulder arthritis. By strengthening the muscles that support your joints, improving flexibility, and reducing inflammation, PT can significantly decrease pain and help restore normal movement. Many patients experience improved function within just a few sessions when following a personalized PT plan.

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Why Physical Therapy Helps Arthritis

Arthritis causes joint stiffness, loss of cartilage, and inflammation. As a result, the surrounding muscles weaken, further increasing joint stress.
PT targets these issues by:

• Increasing joint support through strengthening

• Reducing stiffness and improving flexibility

• Improving joint alignment and mobility

• Teaching safe movement patterns

• Helping manage flare-ups with home strategies

• Delaying or preventing the need for surgery

Physical therapy is recommended as one of the first lines of treatment for both knee and shoulder arthritis.

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Physical Therapy for Knee Arthritis

1. Strengthening Exercises

Stronger muscles help unload pressure on the knee joint.

Common exercises include:

• Quadriceps strengthening (straight-leg raises, step-ups)

• Hamstring strengthening

• Hip abductor and glute strengthening (side-lying leg lifts, bridges)

• Calf strengthening

Strength work helps improve stability and reduces pain during walking or standing.

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2. Range of Motion & Flexibility

Arthritis often reduces the knee’s ability to fully bend and straighten.

PT may include:

• Heel slides

• Knee extension stretches

• Hamstring stretching

• Gentle stationary cycling

Improving knee motion helps reduce stiffness and supports better gait mechanics.

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3. Low-Impact Aerobic Training

These exercises build strength and endurance without stressing the joint:

• Recumbent bike

• Elliptical

• Pool therapy (aquatic PT)

• Treadmill walking

Low-impact activity helps maintain mobility and reduce inflammation.

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4. Manual Therapy

Hands-on techniques from your therapist may include:

• Soft tissue massage

• Joint mobilization

• Patellar (kneecap) movement techniques

These help reduce pain, improve joint glide, and restore motion.

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5. Balance & Stability Training

Arthritis can affect your balance and increase the risk of falls. PT addresses this with:

• Single-leg balance training

• Step training

• Stability exercises

Better balance means safer movement and improved confidence.

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Physical Therapy for Shoulder Arthritis

1. Mobility and Stretching

Shoulder arthritis causes stiffness and restricted motion. PT focuses on restoring flexibility with:

• Pendulum exercises

• Table slides

• Cross-body stretches

• External rotation stretches

Improved mobility reduces pain and helps you perform daily activities like reaching, lifting, and dressing.

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2. Strengthening the Rotator Cuff & Shoulder Blade Muscles

These muscles stabilize the joint and reduce arthritis-related stress.

Common strengthening exercises include:

• Resistance band rotations

• Scapular retraction exercises

• Shoulder blade stabilizing drills

• Light dumbbell exercises

Stronger supporting muscles reduce pain and improve joint function.

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3. Posture Training

Poor posture increases pressure on the shoulder joint, especially during sitting or work activities.

PT may include:

• Scapula positioning training

• Chest and upper-back stretching

• Ergonomic education for workstations

Better posture leads to smoother shoulder movement and less fatigue.

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4. Manual Therapy

Hands-on PT techniques for shoulder arthritis may include:

• Soft tissue mobilization

• Joint mobilization

• Gentle stretching of tight capsules and ligaments

These techniques help improve range of motion and reduce daily discomfort.

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5. Modalities for Pain Relief

Physical therapists may use adjunct treatments such as:

• Heat therapy to relax stiff muscles

• Ice therapy to reduce inflammation

• Ultrasound

• Electrical stimulation (TENS)

These help calm painful flare-ups and make exercise more tolerable.

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Home Exercise Program (HEP)

A key part of PT success is consistency at home. Your therapist will provide exercises tailored to your goals, including:

• Daily stretching

• Strengthening 3–4 times per week

• Mobility warm-ups before physical activity

• Safe movement strategies to reduce pain

Patients who follow their home program often experience the quickest improvements.

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When to Start Physical Therapy

You should consider PT if you have:

• Knee or shoulder pain lasting more than two weeks

• Stiffness that limits daily movement

• Weakness or instability

• Clicking, catching, or grinding sensations

• Difficulty with stairs, lifting, or overhead motion

Early PT can prevent worsening arthritis and improve long-term outcomes.

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Physical Therapy at Plano Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Center

Our team provides targeted physical therapy programs designed specifically for knee and shoulder arthritis. Each treatment plan is customized to your level of pain, mobility, and goals—whether that’s walking without discomfort, lifting your arm again, or returning to your favorite activities.

If arthritis is slowing you down, physical therapy may be the most effective first step toward relief. Schedule your appointment today.