Osteoarthritis: Why Do My Joints Hurt and What Can I Do About It?
Arthritis and Osteoarthritis: Support for Painful, Stiff Joints
The first few steps after sitting feel stiff. Your knees complain on the stairs. Opening a jar takes more effort, or an aching hip is shortening the walks you enjoy.
You may already have an arthritis diagnosis and be wondering what else could help. Or perhaps you’re noticing joint pain and aren’t sure why.
Having arthritis doesn’t mean your comfort, movement and independence stop mattering.
I’m Sarah Boughtwood, a Master’s-qualified osteopath in Milford, Auckland, with over 10 years’ clinical experience. I’ll take time to understand how joint pain affects you, assess your movement and discuss suitable care alongside any medical treatment you need.
Book your appointment with Sarah
No referral required · Free onsite parking · Care tailored to you
What Has Become Harder Lately?
Sometimes arthritis changes your routine gradually. You start choosing easier routes, using both hands to lift the kettle or thinking twice about getting down to the floor.
You might notice:
Knee pain when using stairs or rising from a chair.
Hip stiffness when putting on shoes or getting into the car.
Sore hands when gripping, cooking or fastening clothing.
Difficulty kneeling in the garden.
An ache that interrupts exercise or sleep.
Less confidence in how much activity your joints can manage.
At your appointment, we’ll talk about these practical difficulties. Your goals might be walking to the beach, tending the garden or keeping up with your grandchildren.
Those are meaningful goals to build a plan around.
Book an appointment to discuss your joint pain
Are Arthritis and Osteoarthritis the Same Thing?
Arthritis is an umbrella term for several joint conditions. Osteoarthritis is one type. Understanding the distinction matters because treatment differs.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis involves changes throughout a joint and may cause pain, stiffness and reduced function. Symptoms vary, and a diagnosis doesn’t automatically mean you need surgery.
Inflammatory arthritis
Conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis involve inflammation and need medical management. Persistent joint swelling, prolonged morning stiffness or symptoms affecting several joints should be discussed promptly with your GP.
Osteopathic care does not replace treatment to control inflammatory arthritis or prevent joint damage.
If you haven’t had a diagnosis, we’ll consider whether medical assessment should be your next step rather than assuming your pain is osteoarthritis.
How Osteopathic Care can Help
When joint pain makes everyday movement difficult, an individual plan can help you understand your options. I’ll assess the affected area, consider your health and existing care, and discuss exercises, activity changes and suitable hands-on techniques. For hip or knee osteoarthritis, hands-on treatment may be considered alongside therapeutic exercise to support comfort and movement. It cannot reverse arthritis, but care can focus on managing symptoms and improving what you’re able to do.
Exercise is a central part of osteoarthritis care. Hands-on treatment should support an active plan rather than replace it.
If you have inflammatory arthritis, any musculoskeletal care must be adapted to your condition and coordinated with medical advice. Actively inflamed joints may need medical review rather than treatment.
Book your joint pain assessment in Milford
Your Appointment Starts With What Matters to You
We’ll discuss your symptoms, diagnosis if you have one, medical history and any medicines or specialist care.
I’ll ask what you’ve stopped doing, what you’re concerned about and which activities you want to maintain.
Your assessment may include checking relevant movement, strength and everyday tasks such as walking or getting up from a chair. We’ll work within your comfort and adapt the examination where needed.
Afterwards, I’ll explain the findings and discuss a plan that may include:
Exercises suited to your current ability.
Ways to pace demanding activities.
Appropriate hands-on treatment.
Practical changes to make everyday tasks easier.
Referral or communication with your GP or specialist.
You’ll have time to ask questions and decide what feels manageable.
“Should I Avoid Exercise If My Joints Hurt?”
It’s understandable to feel cautious. However, tailored strengthening and aerobic exercise are recommended for osteoarthritis and can improve pain and function. Some discomfort may occur when starting, so advice should help you progress appropriately rather than leave you guessing.
We can discuss a starting point that fits your life. That might mean shorter walks, supported strength exercises or adjusting an activity you already enjoy.
The aim isn’t a perfect routine. It’s a realistic plan you can build on.
Book your appointment to discuss movement and exercise
Will I Need Imaging or a Specialist?
Not every painful joint needs a scan. Typical osteoarthritis can often be diagnosed clinically, and routine repeat imaging is usually unnecessary.
If your symptoms are unusual, the diagnosis is uncertain or an investigation could change your care, I can discuss appropriate imaging and referral pathways.
Where indicated, I can refer for suitable investigations, such as an X-ray, or arrange specialist referral. Suspected inflammatory arthritis needs prompt medical assessment and may require rheumatology input.
For osteoarthritis that substantially affects quality of life despite suitable non-surgical care, an orthopaedic opinion may be appropriate.
Book an appointment to understand your options
When Joint Pain Needs Urgent Medical Attention
Seek urgent medical assessment if a joint becomes suddenly very painful, hot or swollen—particularly if you have fever, chills or feel unwell.
You also need urgent assessment if you cannot bear weight, have severe pain after an injury or a joint appears out of place.
Don’t assume a sudden change is simply an arthritis flare. These symptoms may need urgent treatment rather than a routine osteopathy appointment.
Arthritis Care in Milford, North Shore Auckland
My clinic is at Milford Health Clinic, 50 East Coast Road, Milford, with free onsite parking.
You’re welcome to bring a support person. Babies and children can also accompany you, so organising childcare doesn’t have to prevent you from attending.
Bring any relevant scan reports, specialist letters or exercise plans if you have them.
Book your appointment online
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a referral?
No. You can book directly. If your symptoms need medical assessment first, I’ll explain this.
Can osteopathy cure arthritis?
No. Osteopathic care cannot cure arthritis or restore damaged cartilage. Appropriate care can focus on symptoms, movement and function alongside your wider management.
Can I come if I already see a rheumatologist?
We can discuss whether care for associated musculoskeletal symptoms is appropriate alongside your specialist treatment. Please bring relevant medical advice and continue prescribed treatment unless your medical team advises otherwise.
Is arthritis covered by ACC?
Arthritis itself is generally not an accidental injury. An eligible injury may have separate cover, so contact me if you’re unsure which appointment to select.
How many appointments will I need?
We’ll agree on goals and review whether care is helping. Ongoing appointments aren’t automatically necessary; the plan should reflect your needs and progress.
Keep the Focus on What You Want to Do
You may want to enjoy a walk, manage the stairs more comfortably or keep doing the everyday things that help you feel independent.
Let’s start by understanding your symptoms and discussing a practical way forward.