Can Physical Therapy or Chiropractic Care Help Arthritis?

Arthritis doesn’t just hurt. It can make simple things feel difficult: walking to the car, opening a jar, getting out of bed. If you’ve been living with that kind of daily discomfort, you’ve probably wondered whether there’s something beyond medication that can help. The question can physical therapy or chiropractic care help arthritis comes up often in our clinics, and the answer is encouraging.

More than 58.5 million U.S. adults have been diagnosed with arthritis, and 25.7 million of them say it limits what they can do. That number is expected to grow to 78 million by 2040. Medication helps some people manage symptoms. But non-drug approaches, including physical therapy and chiropractic care, are gaining recognition as effective, evidence-backed options for reducing pain and restoring function.

At RxWellness Spine & Health, we see this every day. Patients who thought they’d just have to live with the discomfort often find meaningful improvement with the right care plan. This blog explains what arthritis is, what the evidence shows, and how our multidisciplinary approach can help you move better and feel better.

Related: Best Pain Relief for Arthritis

What Is Arthritis and Why Does It Affect So Many People?

Arthritis is inflammation of one or more joints that causes pain, swelling, stiffness, and reduced range of motion. It’s not a single condition. There are over 100 types. The two most common are osteoarthritis, which results from cartilage breakdown, and rheumatoid arthritis, which is an autoimmune disease that attacks joint tissue.

Who’s most likely to develop arthritis?

• Age is the strongest risk factor.
• Among adults aged 75 and older, nearly 54% have been diagnosed with arthritis.
• Women are more commonly affected than men.
• Non-Hispanic White and multi-racial adults report the highest prevalence rates.
• Obesity, prior joint injuries, and genetics also increase risk.
• The CDC estimates medical costs and lost earnings tied to arthritis total more than $300 billion annually.
• For the individual, that often means years of pain, reduced activity, and declining quality of life.

What is arthritis doing to your joints?

• In osteoarthritis, the cartilage cushioning the ends of your bones wears down over time.
• Bone can begin to rub against bone, causing pain and inflammation.
• In rheumatoid arthritis, the immune system attacks the synovial lining of the joint.
• This leads to inflammation, swelling, and, if untreated, joint damage.

Understanding the type of arthritis you have helps guide the right treatment plan. That’s why a thorough evaluation at the start of care matters so much.

Related: Can Knee Arthritis Pain Radiate Down the Leg?

Does Physical Therapy Help Arthritis?

Yes, physical therapy for arthritis has solid, peer-reviewed support behind it. A randomized controlled trial found that both individual and group-format physical therapy produced significant improvements in pain, physical function, and health-related quality of life in patients with knee osteoarthritis, compared to a waitlist control group.

How does physical therapy reduce arthritis pain?

• Strengthening the muscles around a joint reduces the load on the joint itself.
• Improving flexibility and range of motion helps prevent stiffness from worsening.
• High-quality evidence confirms that therapeutic exercise reliably improves pain and physical function in knee OA.
• These gains can hold for two to six months after a treatment program ends.
• Physical therapists also use manual therapy, joint mobilization, and neuromuscular re-education.

These approaches retrain how your body moves and take pressure off damaged joint surfaces.

Related: What Are Some Causes of Knee Pain?

What about physical therapy for knee arthritis specifically?

• Physical therapy for knee arthritis is one of the most researched areas in musculoskeletal care.
• A systematic review drawing from 193 randomized controlled trials found support for multiple PT interventions.
• Aerobic exercise, aquatic exercise, and strengthening exercise are all effective for knee osteoarthritis.
• They improve pain, function, and disability outcomes.
• Aerobic exercise, including treadmill walking, swimming, and cycling, showed the strongest benefits for pain and performance.
• Your physical therapist will match the approach to your specific joint condition, fitness level, and goals.

Arthritis pain doesn’t have to be something you just push through every day. Our team at RxWellness Spine & Health has helped hundreds of patients move with less pain and more confidence through evidence-based physical therapy and chiropractic care. Call the nearest RxWellness Spine & Health clinic to talk with a provider about your arthritis symptoms.

Can a Chiropractor for Arthritis Actually Make a Difference?

Yes, seeing a chiropractor for arthritis can offer meaningful relief, particularly for arthritic joints in the spine, hips, and knees. Chiropractic care works differently from physical therapy, but the two approaches complement each other well.

What does chiropractic care do for arthritic joints?

Chiropractic adjustments improve joint mobility and reduce mechanical stress on surrounding tissues. When a joint becomes stiff and misaligned due to arthritis, the muscles and ligaments compensating for that stiffness often become tight and painful themselves. Restoring proper alignment takes pressure off those structures and helps the whole region move more efficiently.

A meta-analysis found that spinal manipulative therapy provides clinically meaningful reductions in pain and disability that are similar to other recommended therapies like exercise and physical therapy. This positions chiropractic as a legitimate conservative option for managing chronic musculoskeletal pain.

Is chiropractic care safe for arthritis patients?

That’s a fair question, and the answer is yes, with the right provider and appropriate techniques. Chiropractors are trained to identify which joints need mobilization versus gentler soft-tissue work. For patients with significant joint degradation, the approach shifts away from high-velocity adjustments toward low-force mobilization and supportive therapies.

A systematic review on the effectiveness of chiropractic care for low back pain found no serious adverse events reported across six randomized controlled trials. This safety profile is important for arthritis patients who may have concerns about manipulative care.

Related: Non-Surgical Joint Solutions Near Me

What Does Rheumatoid Arthritis Physical Therapy Look Like?

Rheumatoid arthritis physical therapy is more nuanced than therapy for osteoarthritis. Because RA is an inflammatory autoimmune disease, treatment must be adapted around flare-ups and periods of remission. A community-based physical therapy program for RA delivered over six weeks significantly improved self-efficacy, disease management knowledge, and morning stiffness, key functional challenges for people with RA.

How is RA care different from OA care?

• In rheumatoid arthritis, the goal isn’t primarily to strengthen a worn joint.
• The focus is on managing inflammation, preventing deformity, and maintaining joint function.
• Physical therapists and chiropractors prioritize gentle range-of-motion work and low-impact strengthening.
• Joint protection education is also a core part of RA care.
• We coordinate care with your rheumatologist.

Chiropractic and physical therapy don’t replace disease-modifying medications. They work alongside them to help you stay functional and reduce pain between appointments.

Can chiropractic help with rheumatoid arthritis?

Yes, with appropriate modifications. Chiropractors treat RA patients by focusing on areas adjacent to inflamed joints, addressing compensatory tension in the muscles and spine that develops when the body protects a painful area. Soft tissue techniques, low-force mobilization, and postural guidance can all help RA patients move more comfortably.

Our team at RxWellness is experienced in adapting care plans to fit the unique demands of autoimmune arthritis. You can explore our natural treatment for rheumatoid arthritis approach or learn how we reduce joint inflammation through conservative care.

Related: How to Get Rid of Inflammation in Your Back

What Does a Multidisciplinary Treatment for Arthritis Look Like at RxWellness?

When patients ask whether physical therapy or chiropractic care can help arthritis, the answer often isn’t one or the other. At RxWellness, treatment for arthritis draws from both disciplines in a coordinated plan built around your specific condition, joint involvement, and functional goals.

What to expect in your first visits

Your care starts with a thorough evaluation. We look at how you move, where pain is concentrated, what’s restricted, and what’s compensating. Our first chiropractic visit walks you through what to expect. From there, we build a care plan that may include chiropractic adjustments, soft tissue therapy, guided exercise, and physical therapy modalities like ultrasound or electrical stimulation.

Our clinics operate as multidisciplinary centers, which means chiropractors and other providers work from the same patient record and collaborate on your plan. Nothing falls through the cracks.

Related: Is Chiropractic Effective for Things Other Than Back Pain?

What specific services address arthritis?

Depending on your condition, we may use spinal and extremity adjustments, therapeutic exercise programming, active rehabilitation, massage therapy, and regenerative options for qualified patients. For knee arthritis specifically, strengthening the quadriceps and hamstrings is often a priority, as muscle strength has a direct impact on joint load and pain. For spinal arthritis, mobility work and postural correction help relieve nerve-related symptoms.

We also help patients understand how movement, weight management, and daily habits affect their arthritis over time. This isn’t a passive treatment model. We work with you to build habits that keep you improving between visits.

If arthritis is limiting your movement or disrupting your daily routine, we’re here to help you build a plan that makes a measurable difference. Our multidisciplinary team combines chiropractic care and physical therapy in a single coordinated plan designed around your specific joints and goals. Request an appointment online today.

How Do You Know If Physical Therapy or Chiropractic Care Is Right for Your Arthritis?

The right starting point depends on the type of arthritis you have, which joints are involved, and how far along the condition is. Both physical therapy and chiropractic care can help arthritis, but the path isn’t the same for everyone.

When physical therapy tends to take the lead

• Physical therapy for knee arthritis is often the first clinical recommendation when pain affects gait, daily function, or balance.
• If you’re preparing for or recovering from joint surgery, PT is typically central to the plan.
• For RA patients, a PT-focused approach emphasizing range of motion and joint protection tends to be most appropriate during active disease phases.
• Evidence-based guidelines show that less than 40% of patients with knee OA receive first-line treatment.
• This is despite strong evidence for its effectiveness.
• If you haven’t had a formal PT evaluation for your knee arthritis, that’s worth addressing soon.

When chiropractic care becomes essential

• Chiropractic care for arthritis becomes especially important when joint mobility restrictions are contributing to pain.
• Spinal arthritis causing stiffness and nerve irritation often responds well to chiropractic adjustments combined with exercise.
• Hip and shoulder arthritis can also benefit from the mechanical correction chiropractic provides.
• For patients managing chronic pain across multiple joints, chiropractic care reduces systemic tension without medication.
• Our team helps you understand pain management options in Northern Virginia and Maryland that fit your lifestyle and condition.

Related: 5 Natural Remedies for Back Pain

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for physical therapy to help with arthritis?

Most patients notice meaningful improvement within four to eight weeks of consistent physical therapy. A randomized controlled trial on knee osteoarthritis found significant pain and function gains after an eight-week program. Results depend on the severity of the arthritis, which joints are involved, and how consistently you do any at-home exercises your therapist recommends. Physical therapy for arthritis isn’t a quick fix, but it’s one of the most durable non-surgical options available.

Can chiropractic care slow down the progression of arthritis?

Chiropractic care doesn’t reverse arthritis or regrow cartilage, but it can help manage the mechanical stress on joints that accelerates symptom progression. By improving joint alignment and mobility, chiropractic care reduces compensatory strain on surrounding structures. Patients who stay consistent with care often report slower functional decline over time compared to those who rely solely on medication. It’s best used as part of a broader wellness plan that includes exercise, healthy weight maintenance, and regular monitoring.

Is it safe to get chiropractic adjustments if I have bone spurs from arthritis?

Yes, with appropriate adjustments to technique. Chiropractors evaluate imaging and patient history before recommending specific adjustment types. For patients with significant bone spur formation or advanced joint degradation, low-force mobilization and soft-tissue techniques are preferred over high-velocity thrusting. Your provider will tailor the approach to your anatomy and pain levels. Communication matters here: always let your chiropractor know about any imaging findings or recent changes in your symptoms.

What’s the difference between physical therapy for knee arthritis and just doing exercises at home?

Home exercises can be helpful, but they’re most effective when designed and monitored by a licensed physical therapist. PT identifies specific muscle weaknesses, movement compensations, and joint load patterns that a home exercise program typically misses. Physical therapists also progress your program over time, which is key to sustained improvement. Research shows that therapist contact enhances the benefits of exercise for arthritis, meaning supervised therapy consistently outperforms self-guided routines.

Can I combine physical therapy and chiropractic care for arthritis at the same clinic?

Yes, and at RxWellness Spine & Health, we actively coordinate both within the same care plan. A multidisciplinary approach allows chiropractic and physical therapy providers to share clinical notes and align on your goals. This avoids duplication of effort and ensures that both types of care build on each other rather than working in isolation. Patients in our multidisciplinary clinics often experience faster progress because the team is moving in the same direction.

Does insurance cover physical therapy or chiropractic care for arthritis?

Many insurance plans cover both physical therapy and chiropractic care, particularly when there’s a documented diagnosis like osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. Coverage varies by plan, provider network, and the number of visits allowed. We recommend calling your insurance company to ask about your specific benefits before your first appointment. Our team can also help you understand what’s typically covered and what to ask when you call.

What should I tell my chiropractor or physical therapist about my arthritis?

Share as much as you can. Let them know which joints are affected, how long you’ve had symptoms, what makes the pain better or worse, any imaging you’ve had, and all medications or supplements you’re taking. If you have rheumatoid arthritis, mention your most recent lab results and how well your disease is currently controlled. The more your provider knows, the more precisely they can tailor your treatment. Nothing is too small to mention, even if you’re not sure it’s relevant.

Key Takeaways

• Arthritis is inflammation of one or more joints, and it comes in many forms, including osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
• Physical therapy for knee arthritis has strong clinical support, with multiple randomized controlled trials showing meaningful pain reduction and improved function.
• Chiropractic care for arthritis can help reduce joint stiffness, improve mobility, and decrease pain, particularly in the spine and extremities.
• Rheumatoid arthritis physical therapy has been shown to improve disease management knowledge, reduce morning stiffness, and build self-efficacy.
• A multidisciplinary approach combining chiropractic adjustments, physical therapy, therapeutic exercise, and soft tissue work tends to produce the best outcomes.
• Treatment for arthritis should be individualized. What works for knee arthritis may differ from what helps hip or spinal arthritis.
• Early intervention matters. Starting conservative care before symptoms become severe gives you more options and often leads to better long-term results.
• RxWellness Spine & Health treats arthritis through a non-surgical, drug-free model that addresses the whole joint and the whole person.

Moving Forward with Arthritis: What You Can Do Today

Living with arthritis doesn’t mean accepting a life of limitation. Physical therapy and chiropractic care are two of the most well-supported, non-surgical options available for reducing pain, restoring movement, and improving quality of life, regardless of what type of arthritis you have.

The evidence is consistent: does physical therapy help arthritis? Yes. Can a chiropractor for arthritis deliver meaningful relief? Also yes. The most effective results tend to come from a personalized plan that combines both, adjusted over time as your condition improves.

At RxWellness Spine & Health, we’ve built a care model designed for exactly this kind of work. We treat the whole person, not just the joint. Our founder and CEO, Dr. Golinsky was also honored by ABC7’s Good Morning Washington in the Top Docs series, recognizing RxWellness as a trusted provider of natural, patient-centered healthcare in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. Our goal is to help you move better, hurt less, and stay active longer. 

You don’t have to manage arthritis on your own. Our team at RxWellness Spine & Health is ready to evaluate your condition, explain your options, and build a care plan that fits your life. Find your nearest RxWellness location and request an appointment online and take the first step toward moving with less pain.