Chiropractic Care for Arthritic Pain
Living with arthritis can make everyday activities genuinely difficult. Whether it's a constant ache in your knees, stiffness in your neck and spine when you wake up, or joint pain that flares up during physical work, it wears on you. If you're looking for a joint pain chiropractor, our chiro Dr Asha Burkett offers gentle, evidence-based chiropractic care suitable for all ages.
Understanding joint pain and arthritis
Arthritis is a broad term covering a range of conditions that affect the joints. The most common types of arthritis include osteoarthritis, where the cartilage that cushions your joints gradually wears down, and inflammatory arthritis conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis, where the body's immune system attacks the joints and surrounding tissues.
Arthritis symptoms vary widely. Some people experience mild stiffness that comes and goes; others deal with persistent swelling, reduced range of motion, or chronic pain that affects their quality of life. It can affect people of all ages, though it's particularly common in older adults and those whose work involves repetitive physical demands.
How chiropractic care may help arthritic joints
Chiropractic care for arthritis takes a natural hands-on approach to improving joint function and reducing pain. Rather than masking symptoms, our chiropractor focuses on addressing the musculoskeletal factors that may be contributing to your discomfort.
For those dealing with back pain, neck pain, or pain in other joints, chiropractic adjustments use controlled force to help restore movement and ease pressure on irritated tissues. Where full spinal manipulation isn't appropriate (for example, in cases of acute joint swelling or inflammatory flares), gentler approaches are used instead.
What to expect at your first visit
When you come in for your first appointment, we take the time to understand what's going on for you. We'll go through your medical history, ask about your arthritis symptoms, and carry out an assessment that may include orthopaedic and neurological checks. If imaging would be helpful, we can refer you for that too.
From there, we'll put together a personalised treatment plan that reflects your specific needs and goals. No two patients are the same, and we don't treat them that way.
You don't need a GP referral to book your appointment, and private health rebates are available, so make sure to bring your health fund card.
Our approach to arthritic pain treatment
We use a range of techniques, depending on what's most appropriate for your condition:
Gentle joint mobilisation and chiropractic adjustments to help improve range of motion and reduce stiffness in arthritic joints, including the spine, knees, and neck
Soft tissue therapy to address tension and discomfort in the muscles and connective tissue surrounding affected joints
Low-force techniques such as Activator and Thompson methods, which are especially useful when a softer approach is needed for sensitive or inflamed joints
Exercise guidance and lifestyle advice to support long-term joint health and help you stay active between appointments
The goal is always to work with you, not just treat a set of symptoms. For more information on our chiropractic services, visit our main chiropractic page.
Book your appointment
Living with arthritis doesn't have to be your normal. If you're dealing with a recent injury or chronic discomfort, our team is here to help you get back on track.
You don't need a referral to see a chiropractor, and private health rebates are available. Call us on (08) 9949 4444 or contact our friendly team to discuss whether chiropractic care is right for your arthritis. We're ready to support your recovery.
The information on this page is general in nature and is not a substitute for personalised medical advice. Please consult a qualified health professional for guidance specific to your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Chiropractic care may help ease stiffness, improve joint mobility, and reduce discomfort associated with osteoarthritis, particularly in the spine, hips, and knees. Our chiropractor will assess your condition thoroughly and tailor a treatment plan to what's most appropriate for you. Gentle mobilisation and soft tissue therapy are often well-suited to arthritic joints.
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It can be, but the approach needs to be carefully tailored. During active inflammatory flares or in the presence of significant joint swelling, direct manipulation may not be suitable. In those cases, we use lower-force techniques or focus on surrounding soft tissue and supportive care instead. We always assess your current condition before proceeding.
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Your initial consultation involves a thorough review of your medical history, a physical assessment, and a conversation about your symptoms and goals. We'll explain what we find and discuss our recommended treatment plan.
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This varies from person to person and depends on the type and severity of your arthritis, your overall health, and your goals. Some patients notice an improvement in comfort and mobility within a few sessions; others benefit from a longer-term management plan. We'll give you a realistic picture of what to expect after your initial assessment.
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No referral is needed. You can contact us directly to book an appointment at any time. If you have private health insurance, please bring your card along as we can help you claim your benefits up front.