Morning stiffness
Joints feel tight and slow for the first 30 to 60 minutes of the day.
Arthritis
Joint pain and stiffness, managed with movement and manual care.
About arthritis
Arthritis is inflammation of one or more joints. It can cause pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced range of motion that builds slowly over months or flares with activity. The most common form is osteoarthritis, where cartilage gradually wears down, but rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, gout, and ankylosing spondylitis all present differently and respond to different strategies.
There is no single cure, but the day-to-day picture can change a lot with the right plan. Stronger muscles take load off sore joints, better movement habits reduce flare-ups, and steady activity keeps the joint nourished. The aim is to keep you doing the things you want to do with less pain getting in the way.
Symptoms we see
Joint pain with activity
Aches that build during walking, stairs, or repetitive tasks.
Swelling and warmth
A puffy, tender feeling around knees, hands, or hips after use.
Reduced range of motion
Trouble fully bending or straightening a joint.
Grinding or clicking
A crunchy sensation when moving the joint.
Loss of strength
The surrounding muscles weaken as people move less to avoid pain.
How we approach treatment
Your therapist starts with a thorough assessment of the affected joints, your strength, and how arthritis is showing up in daily life. From there we build a plan that pairs hands-on treatment with a graded exercise program to protect the joint and rebuild the muscles around it. We also coach you on pacing, sleep, and the small daily habits that keep flare-ups in check, and we adjust the plan as your strength and confidence grow.
How we treat it at Prestige
Common treatments we use for arthritis. Your therapist will pick what fits your case.
Common questions
How long until I feel better?
Most patients notice progress within 3 to 6 visits. Recovery timelines depend on the injury, your overall health, and how consistently you follow your home program. Your therapist sets clear milestones at your first visit so you know what to expect.Do you direct-bill my insurance?
Yes. We bill most major extended health insurers directly, as well as Motor Vehicle Accident claims and Workers’ Compensation. Bring your insurance details to your first appointment and we handle the paperwork.Do I need a doctor’s referral?
No. Physiotherapy is a primary-care profession in Alberta, so you can book directly. Some insurance plans do ask for a referral, so we recommend checking with your provider before your first visit.What should I bring to my first visit?
Comfortable clothing you can move in (shorts or yoga pants work well for most assessments). Your insurance info, any imaging or specialist reports if you have them, and your questions.How many visits will I need?
It varies. A simple flare-up may resolve in 2 to 4 visits; chronic or post-surgical conditions can take longer. We track your progress visit-by-visit and adjust the plan to reach your goals as efficiently as we can.
Ready to feel better?
Book online in under 60 seconds, or give us a call.