Exercise and physiotherapy play an important role in the overall rehabilitation of the patient suffering from arthritis. Physiotherapy includes exercises, traction, heat therapy, shortwave diathermy, ultrasound etc.

           The timings of exercise in the natural history of arthritis is very important. In the acute stage joints need rest, but once the swelling begin to subside the joints need to be exercised through their normal range of movement. Exercise to begin with, should be supervised by the physiotherapist, but later can be easily performed by the patient.

           Individuals who maintain proper body weight and exercise regularly rarely suffer from severe forms of degenerative arthritis. However, despite exercise and sometimes yoga too, chronic arthritis, like rheumatoid arthritis, can manifest in a genetically predisposed individual. But exercise continues to be an important step in the long term management.