Overview
About Joint Stiffness Treatment
Joint stiffness may result from arthritis, prolonged immobilisation after injury or surgery, post-inflammatory scarring, or capsular contracture. The treatment approach depends on the underlying cause — ranging from targeted physiotherapy and anti-inflammatory medications to joint injections or, in resistant cases, surgical release procedures such as manipulation under anaesthesia or arthroscopic capsular release.
Key Benefits
Accurate identification of the cause of stiffness for targeted treatment
Progressive improvement in range of motion with structured physiotherapy
Injection therapies to reduce inflammation contributing to stiffness
Surgical options available for resistant or severe stiffness
Faster return to work, sport, and daily activities
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes joint stiffness?
Common causes include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, post-surgical scarring, prolonged immobilisation, capsular contracture (frozen shoulder), and inflammatory conditions. Blood tests and imaging help identify the cause.
Is morning stiffness normal with arthritis?
Morning stiffness lasting less than 30 minutes is typical of osteoarthritis. Stiffness lasting more than 30–60 minutes may suggest inflammatory arthritis (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis) and needs further evaluation.
Can physiotherapy alone fix joint stiffness?
In many cases yes — targeted stretching, strengthening, and mobilisation exercises are very effective. For severe or post-surgical stiffness, additional interventions like injections or manipulation may be needed.
What is manipulation under anaesthesia?
It is a procedure where the joint is gently moved through its full range while the patient is under anaesthesia, breaking down adhesions (scar tissue) that are causing stiffness. Commonly used for frozen shoulder and stiff knee after replacement.
How long does it take to improve joint stiffness?
This depends on the cause and severity. Mild stiffness from inactivity may improve in 2–4 weeks. Post-surgical or arthritic stiffness may take 3–6 months of consistent physiotherapy.