Massage therapy · Kitchener–WaterlooDegenerative Joint Disease

One of the main forms of this condition is osteoarthritis, the most common type of arthritis in the UK (NHS, 2023a). It happens when the protective cartilage on the ends of the bones breaks down, causing pain, swelling and problems moving the joint (NHS, 2023a). Although almost any joint can be affected, it most often causes problems in the knees, hips and small joints of the hands (NHS, 2023a).

Osteoarthritis is a long-term condition and cannot be cured, but it does not necessarily get worse over time, and it can sometimes gradually improve. Treatments can help to relieve the symptoms and improve how well you can move and use your joints (NHS, 2023a; NHS, 2023b).

Degenerative Joint Disease Anatomy

Wearing away of the joint cartilage is often accompanied by bony growths around the joint, narrowing of the space within the joint, joint deformity and hardening of the bone at the surface of the joint. The joint can also become swollen and red (NHS, 2023a). The main symptoms are joint pain and stiffness and problems moving the joint, and some people also notice tenderness or a grating or crackling sound when moving the joint (NHS, 2023a).

How to Treat Degenerative Joint Disease

Tips

• As you get older, the chance of developing osteoarthritis increases (NHS, 2023a).
• Women are more likely to develop osteoarthritis than men (NHS, 2023a).
• Joint injuries, and exercise or jobs that put frequent strain on your joints, can increase the risk of developing this condition later in life (NHS, 2023a).
• Carrying extra body weight places added strain on the joints, especially weight-bearing joints such as the knees and hips. If you are overweight, losing weight through more activity and a healthier diet can help (NHS, 2023a; NHS, 2023b).
• Hot or cold packs, such as a hot water bottle filled with hot or cold water, can relieve pain in some people (NHS, 2023b). I can give you more advice on this.
• Avoid staying in the same position for too long; if you work at a desk, take regular breaks to move around (NHS, 2023a).
• Exercise is good! Stay active, walk and keep mobile. Sitting around all day will make you stiffer. Regular exercise usually helps to improve the symptoms of wear and tear (NHS, 2023b).

Treatments you may want to discuss with your family doctor or nurse practitioner

Osteoarthritis is a long-term condition, so I treat it as ongoing care rather than a quick fix. My aim is to ease pain and stiffness, keep the joint moving, and build the strength around it so it's better supported day to day.

I start by assessing how the joint and the areas around it move, the strength of the muscles that support it, and how you walk, sit and get through your day. I'll also ask what you'd like to get back to, so we can build the plan around that.

Hands-On Treatment

• A relaxed, comfortable session, always within what you can tolerate
• Warmth first to loosen things, then myofascial and trigger point work for the muscles crossing the joint, and gentle stretching
• Gentle joint mobilisation within a comfortable range to ease stiffness, with care around the ends of the range where there are bony changes
• Work on the other side of the body and the areas that have been compensating
• If the joint is hot and swollen, a cool application in the clinic and gentle lymphatic drainage to help move fluid along

Strength and Movement

1. NHS (2023a) Osteoarthritis. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/osteoarthritis/ (Accessed: 7 October 2026).
2. NHS (2023b) Osteoarthritis – treatment and support. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/osteoarthritis/treatment/ (Accessed: 7 October 2026).
3. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) (2022) Osteoarthritis in over 16s: diagnosis and management (NICE guideline NG226) – Recommendations. Available at: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng226/chapter/Recommendations (Accessed: 7 October 2026).