Physical and manual therapies

Physical and manual therapies can play a powerful role in helping you manage arthritis symptoms and maintain your independence. Whether you’re living with osteoarthritis, inflammatory arthritis, or another form, these therapies can help reduce pain, ease stiffness, and improve how your body moves and feels.

Many therapies involve gentle, hands-on techniques, guided movement, or equipment designed to support your joints and muscles. Registered health professionals provide some complementary therapies, while others you might explore on your own. Finding what works for your body is part of your journey.

Let’s explore the different types of arthritis physical therapies and how they can support your wellbeing.

Many people with arthritis find that physical and manual therapies help with:

• Reducing joint pain and stiffness
• Supporting better balance and posture
• Strengthening muscles around painful joints
• Improving flexibility and daily movement
• Helping you stay independent and active
• Boosting your mood, energy, and confidence

Everybody is different, and not all therapies will work the same for everyone, but they’re worth exploring as part of your arthritis care plan.

Physiotherapists support people with arthritis to move better and feel stronger. They provide:

• Tailored exercise plans to support strength, joint stability, and mobility
• Hands-on treatments like joint mobilisation or massage
• Guidance around posture, pacing, and safe movement
• Tools like taping, heat/cold therapy, or dry needling

How to access physiotherapy in New Zealand:

• Public system: your GP or specialist can refer you to public or hospital-based physio
• Private clinics: you can book directly and pay privately or use health insurance
• ACC cover: if your arthritis pain was triggered by an injury, treatment may be covered
• Online physio: telehealth services are now widely available
• Regional programmes: some areas offer funded arthritis physio programmes (e.g., AWA, MAP, SCOTS). Ask your GP about referral pathways in your region

Hydrotherapy (aquatic therapy) involves exercising in warm water, which can reduce pressure on your joints and ease movement. It's a gentle and effective way to improve strength, mobility, and confidence.

Check with your local pool or council to see if hydrotherapy classes are available in your area.

Occupational therapists help you stay independent, safe, and comfortable in daily life. They can help you:

• Protect your joints and manage energy
• Use adaptive tools for cooking, dressing, or working
• Make changes to your home or workspace
• Help you to continue hobbies or work in ways that feel manageable

Ask your GP or health provider for a referral. Some services are free or low-cost, depending on your region and health needs.

Chiropractors use manual adjustments to focus on spinal alignment and nervous system health. Some people with osteoarthritis find relief from stiffness or discomfort.

• Evidence: limited to short-term relief for back/neck pain. Not recommended during active inflammatory flares or if you have spinal fusions
• Access: no referral needed. ACC may help cover costs. Choose a registered practitioner
• Safety: if you have back or neck pain with osteoarthritis, chiropractic is usually safe. If you have an inflammatory form of arthritis, you need to be more careful. You should not be treated with chiropractic if you have fusions or active inflammation (a flare). Side effects after a session are rare and may involve a pain flare

Visit the New Zealand Chiropractors' Association

Osteopaths use gentle manipulation and touch to support muscle and joint function. They treat the body as a whole, using techniques like stretching, soft tissue work, and posture alignment.

• Evidence: may help lower back pain. Less evidence for other conditions.
• Access: no referral needed. ACC may help cover costs. Avoid during flares or if taking blood thinners
• Safety: make sure you talk to your practitioner about the extent of your arthritis, as direct application techniques may not be able to be performed in some cases

Visit the Osteopathic Council of New Zealand

Acupuncture uses fine needles placed at specific points to reduce pain and support overall balance.

• Evidence: some studies show short-term pain relief for certain types of arthritis, especially when used alongside conventional treatment
• Access: no referral needed. Look for registered practitioners with ACC affiliation

Visit Acupuncture NZ

Massage can help reduce tension, improve circulation, lower stress, and ease pain. It’s also a great way to relax and feel cared for.

• Evidence: strong support for short-term pain relief, better sleep, and reduced anxiety.
• Access: no referral needed. ACC may help cover costs. Communicate clearly with your therapist about pain, flares, and what feels comfortable

Visit Massage NZ

• Not every therapy is right for every person. Talk with your healthcare team before starting something new
• Some therapies can complement medical treatment, but aren’t replacements
• Check qualifications, especially for hands-on treatments. Registered practitioners follow safety and quality guidelines
• Listen to your body. If something doesn’t feel right, speak up