Understanding Arthritis: Managing Pain and Staying Active with Vancity Physio

Arthritis affects over 6 million Canadians and is one of the leading causes of disability across all age groups. While it's commonly associated with older adults, arthritis can impact anyone from athletes recovering from injuries to office workers with repetitive strain. At Vancity Physio, we’re here to help you manage your symptoms, improve mobility, and get back to living your best life.

What Is Arthritis?

Arthritis is an umbrella term for more than 100 different conditions that cause joint inflammation. The most common types include:

Osteoarthritis (OA) – Often called "wear and tear" arthritis, OA occurs when the cartilage cushioning the ends of your bones wears down over time.
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) – An autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system attacks healthy joint tissue.
Psoriatic Arthritis – Often linked to the skin condition psoriasis, it causes joint pain, stiffness, and swelling.
Post-traumatic Arthritis – Develops after an injury, particularly if a joint didn’t heal properly.

Common Symptoms

Joint pain and stiffness
Swelling or warmth in one or more joints
Reduced range of motion
Fatigue and weakness
Morning stiffness lasting more than 30 minutes

How Physiotherapy Can Help

While there’s no cure for arthritis, physiotherapy is one of the most effective ways to manage symptoms and prevent progression. At Vancity Physio, our experienced therapists use evidence-based techniques tailored to your unique condition and goals.

We offer:

Manual Therapy: To improve joint mobility and reduce pain.
Customized Exercise Programs: Designed to strengthen surrounding muscles and support joint health.
Posture and Movement Coaching: To reduce joint strain during daily activities.
Education and Pain Management Strategies: So you understand your condition and feel empowered in your recovery.

Stay Active, Stay Independent

Many people with arthritis feel they need to stop moving to protect their joints. In reality, staying active is key to managing arthritis effectively. Our team works with you to find safe and enjoyable ways to move that reduce pain — not increase it.

Ready to Move Better and Hurt Less?

At Vancity Physio, we’re committed to helping you take control of your arthritis, regain confidence in your movement, and enjoy life again. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or have been living with arthritis for years, we’re here to support your journey to better health.

📅 Book your assessment today and take the first step toward relief.