Joint Pain Treatment in Cardiff
Stiff, achy joints can make everyday life harder. Climbing the stairs, getting up from a chair, walking the dog or staying active can all start to feel like hard work.
At ADT Chiropractic, our Cardiff chiropractors look at how your joints are moving and what is putting them under strain. We then build a clear, hands-on plan to ease your pain, improve movement and help you stay active.
Book a new patient consultation or call 02920 501880.
"Pain is often the final warning sign, not the first."
What causes joint pain?
Joint pain can affect the spine, hips, knees, ankles, shoulders, elbows or wrists. Much of the joint pain we see is mechanical, which means it comes from how the joint and the muscles around it are moving and coping with load.
Common causes include:
-
Joint stiffness and restriction – joints that don't move as freely as they should
-
Wear-and-tear changes (osteoarthritis) – stiffness and aching, often worse in the morning or after rest
-
Overuse – pain from repetitive movements at work, in sport or around the home
-
Old injuries – joints that never fully recovered after a sprain or knock
-
Muscle weakness or imbalance – putting extra strain on the joint
Things that commonly contribute:
-
Long periods of sitting or inactivity
-
A sudden increase in activity
-
Carrying extra body weight
-
Weakness in the muscles that support the joint
How we can help
We look at the painful joint and the areas around it, as stiffness or weakness elsewhere can add strain. Your plan usually combines:
-
Joint adjustments and mobilisation to improve movement
-
Soft tissue therapy and massage to ease surrounding muscle tension
-
Strengthening exercises to support the joint and help it cope with load
-
Practical advice on staying active and managing flare-ups
UK guidelines from NICE recommend exercise as a core treatment for osteoarthritis, with manual therapy alongside it. That combination is how we work.
Your first visit
Your new patient consultation lasts up to 60 minutes and costs £60. It includes:
-
A full case history: your symptoms, health, work and lifestyle
-
A physical, orthopaedic and neurological examination
-
A clear explanation of what we think is going on
-
Your first treatment where appropriate, and a plan for what comes next
Follow-up appointments are 30 minutes and cost £42.
How many sessions will I need?
Everyone is different. Some people notice a change within the first few sessions, while longer-standing joint pain can take longer. Our aim is to get you managing well on your own, and we'll always be upfront about what to expect.
What you can do in the meantime
-
Keep moving. Gentle, regular activity like walking, cycling or swimming usually helps more than rest.
-
Pace yourself. Spread demanding tasks through the day rather than doing everything at once.
-
Use heat for stiffness if it feels comfortable.
-
Don't push through sharp pain, but don't stop moving altogether.
When to get urgent help
Contact your GP or NHS 111 urgently, or go to A&E, if you have:
-
A hot, red, swollen joint, especially with a fever or feeling unwell
-
A joint that looks deformed after an injury, or that you can't move or put weight on
-
Several swollen, painful joints with no clear cause
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a GP referral?
No. You can book directly with us. We will let you know if we think you need to see your GP as well.
Can you help with arthritis?
We can help people with wear-and-tear (osteoarthritis) changes to manage pain, improve movement and stay active. Inflammatory types of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis, need managing by your GP or a specialist, but we can sometimes help alongside that care.
Will I need a scan?
Most joint pain doesn't need a scan. We will tell you if we think one would help.
Is exercise safe if my joints hurt?
Yes, the right exercise is one of the best things you can do. We'll show you what's suitable for you.
Book your appointment
We are at Maindy Centre, Crown Way, Cardiff CF14 3AJ, with free parking. We're open Monday to Thursday 07:30–20:30 and Friday 07:30–17:00.
Book online or call 02920 501880.
Related reading