STRUGGLING WITH ARTHRITIS OR JOINT STIFFNESS?

Struggling to get moving in the morning? Finding stairs, walking or getting out of a chair more difficult?

Arthritis is a common condition that often develops with age, causing stiffness, pain, and reduced mobility in the joints. It may develop as a result of age-related changes, inflammatory conditions or previous joint injury.

Although arthritis itself cannot be cured, the right care can make a significant difference to comfort, mobility and quality of life. While we don't claim to treat the underlying arthritis itself, we can help many people manage its symptoms and improve their function.

Common Causes of Arthritis-Related Stiffness

• Osteoarthritis (age-related joint changes)
• Inflammatory arthritis (rheumatoid, psoriatic, ankylosing spondylitis, others)
• Previous joint injury or overload
• Genetic and lifestyle factors

Why Choose Us

• Comprehensive care - combining hands-on therapy, rehabilitation exercise and practical self-management advice for more complete musculoskeletal care
• Evidence-based approach - every treatment is guided by the latest NICE and World Health Organisation musculoskeletal care guidelines
• Individualised treatment plans - no generic handouts; your plan is tailored to your specific condition, goals, and lifestyle
• Local, trusted expertise - supporting patients across Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire, and Ceredigion with professional, patient-centred care that understands the wider healthcare picture in West Wales

When to Seek Help

You should consider professional assessment if you experience:

• Morning joint stiffness
• Aching with use of a joint
• Reduced range of motion
• Swelling or tenderness
• Recurring stiffness that limits daily activity

You should seek urgent medical attention if you develop sudden hot, swollen joints with fever, or unexplained weight loss and fatigue.

How We Assess Arthritis-Related Stiffness

At Tenby Health, your initial consultation includes:

• Case history - understanding how your symptoms developed and how they affect you
• Medical, drug and surgical history - factoring in the bigger health picture and understanding your complaint in context
• Physical examination - assessing joint movement, function, strength, and surrounding muscle tone, alongside blood pressure and other health checks
• Diagnostic musculoskeletal ultrasound (when appropriate) – Ultrasound can assess tendons, ligaments, bursae, joint lining (synovium) and other superficial soft tissues that may be contributing to your symptoms. It can also identify signs of inflammation within joints and around tendons, which may suggest an inflammatory type of arthritis. Ultrasound findings are interpreted alongside your symptoms and clinical examination. Where appropriate, we may recommend further investigations, such as blood tests or X-rays, through your GP or an appropriate healthcare provider.

Managing Arthritis and Joint Stiffness

Our aim is to help you move more comfortably, remain independent and continue doing the things that matter to you.

• Manual therapy (when appropriate) - gentle, evidence-informed hands-on techniques that may help improve movement and reduce discomfort alongside an active rehabilitation programme.
• Rehabilitation exercises - tailored programmes to maintain strength, flexibility, and independence
• Posture & ergonomic advice - practical guidance for daily life to reduce joint strain
• Self-care plans - advice on activity pacing, joint protection, and healthy lifestyle strategies including stress and nutrition support, and we will also signpost you to other resources to help you with self-care
• Exercise prescription - structured exercise to support joint health and overall wellbeing
• Clear referral pathway - if further medical review is required, we will write to your GP or refer you for private imaging with one of our trusted partners. 

Book your new patient consultation today and let us help you understand what's contributing to your symptoms, answer your questions and develop a personalised plan to help you keep moving.