Every year on October 12th, the world comes together for World Arthritis Day (WAD), a day to raise awareness of rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases
(RMDs) and their impact on millions of lives.
In 2025, to highlight the resilience, sense of community and people coming together to invest in striving for a better future, the theme is #RMDreams. This theme celebrates the hopes, goals, and aspirations of people living with these conditions.
At goPhysio, we’re proud of all the work we do to support this locally by helping people across Chandler’s Ford, Eastleigh, Winchester and the wider Hampshire community move better, feel stronger, and live well with arthritis and related conditions.
What Are Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Diseases (RMDs)?
RMDs are a group of more than 200 conditions that affect joints, muscles, bones, and soft tissues in the body. Some of the most common include:
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Osteoarthritis
- Psoriatic arthritis
- Lupus
- Ankylosing spondylitis (spondylarthritis)
- Juvenile idiopathic arthritis
- Gout and Sjögren’s syndrome
These conditions can cause pain, stiffness, swelling, and fatigue and often make simple daily activities feel like a challenge.
Yet despite their prevalence, RMDs remain one of the most overlooked health issues across Europe and the UK.
How Physiotherapy Can Help People with Arthritis
Living with arthritis doesn’t have to mean giving up on the things you love. With the right support, movement and exercise can make a world of difference. Having the support and expertise of physio can make such a difference to quality of life and being able to still live with dreams, goals and quality. Adding Life To Your Years.
At goPhysio, we help people manage arthritis and RMDs through:
- Personalised physiotherapy to help ease pain and stiffness
- Targeted strength and mobility programmes to protect joints and build confidence
- Clinical Pilates to improve posture, balance, and control
- Ongoing support and advice to help you stay active, independent, and positive
Our experienced Physiotherapists work with you to create a plan that fits your lifestyle – helping you move better, feel stronger, and focus on what matters most.
Achieving Your Dreams
We know and appreciate that living with a longstanding condition often means facing daily challenges, but it also means having to live with incredible strength and determination.
Arthritis FAQs
What’s the difference between arthritis and RMDs? “Arthritis” refers to inflammation in the joints, while RMDs include over 200 related conditions that affect joints, muscles, bones, and connective tissue.
Can exercise really help arthritis? Yes! Movement is medicine. Gentle, regular exercise helps keep joints flexible, strengthens supporting muscles, and reduces pain and fatigue.
How can physiotherapy help with arthritis pain? Physiotherapy offers tailored exercises, hands-on treatment, and education to help manage pain, maintain mobility, and improve quality of life.
What types of exercise are best for arthritis? Low-impact activities such as walking, swimming, Pilates, and strength training are ideal. Our team can design a plan suited to your condition and ability.
When should I seek help? If you experience persistent joint pain, stiffness, or swelling for more than a few weeks, it’s worth seeking advice from your GP or a physiotherapist.
Learn more about physiotherapy and exercise for arthritis at goPhysio
Osteoarthritis and how Pilates can help you
#RMDreams #WAD2025 #WorldArthritisDay #goPhysio