Knee Osteoarthritis: Expert Education Tips to Empower Patients

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most common conditions seen in physiotherapy practice. While exercise and load management are well-recognised pillars of treatment, one element that is integral to the successful implementation of these approaches is education.

The way we communicate with patients can significantly impact their understanding, confidence, and adherence to treatment. Instead of simply explaining the condition, physiotherapists should aim to empower patients with knowledge that fosters self-efficacy and long-term engagement in their own care. However, this isn’t always easy in practice–I’ve outlined a few tips in this blog taken from expert physio Dr Allison Ezzat’s Masterclass.

If you want to know more about all things knee OA management, watch Allison’s full Masterclass HERE.

Why education matters

Too often, patients with knee OA arrive in our clinics feeling disheartened by the diagnosis, having been told they have “bone-on-bone” knees or that surgery is inevitable. This creates fear, avoidance of activity, and a sense of helplessness. Our role as physiotherapists is to reframe these beliefs and replace fear with confidence.

Research shows that patient education can improve pain, function, and adherence to exercise programs. When patients understand the mechanisms behind OA, the benefits of movement, and the role they can play in managing their symptoms, they are more likely to stay engaged in rehabilitation, make informed lifestyle choices and feel empowered to self-manage the condition. As physios, implementation of patient education is a key part of our role and often sets the stage for ongoing management, so it’s important to get it right! See Allison outline some of her key education tips in the below snippet from her Masterclass:

Strategies for effective patient education

1 – Understand the patient’s beliefs, needs and readiness for education

There’s no use overwhelming your patient with a bunch of evidence-backed tips if they just aren’t ready to hear it. It’s important to take the time to understand where they are coming from, what they believe about their knee pain, and their receptiveness to new information, so you can meet them where they’re at.

2 – Shift the narrative

Many patients believe knee OA is purely a “wear and tear” condition that worsens with movement. This outdated view must be challenged. Instead of focusing on structural damage, explain that OA is a dynamic process involving joint adaptation and that movement, when done correctly, is one of the best ways to maintain function and reduce symptoms.

3 – Address pain without creating fear

Pain is a huge driver of inactivity in OA, but many patients fear that pain automatically means harm. Explaining the difference between “hurt” and “harm” is essential. Educate patients that some discomfort with movement is normal and does not necessarily mean they are causing further damage.

You can use the traffic light system to guide activity:

• Green: No pain or mild discomfort—safe to continue.
• Yellow: Moderate discomfort—okay to continue with caution and possible modifications.
• Red: Severe pain or swelling—pause and reassess.

This reassures patients and helps them build understanding and confidence in their movement choices. See Allison explain some more simple pain rules she uses with her patients in the below video from her Masterclass:

4 – Make exercise feel achievable

Telling patients they need to exercise is not enough—helping them believe they can do it is key. Many patients associate “exercise” with high-impact activities that aggravate their pain. Instead, frame it as “joint-friendly movement” and tailor recommendations to their interests and abilities. Demonstrate how simple, low-impact movements like sit-to-stands, step-ups, or water-based exercises can help with their symptoms. Small wins—like showing them they can squat pain-free with slight modifications—will help to build confidence and encourage adherence.

5 – Use tools available to you

Visual aids such as joint models, diagrams, or even simple hand-drawn sketches can help clarify concepts. Short, engaging educational videos can also reinforce key messages and provide patients with a reference to revisit at home. Allison recommends checking out the GLA:D Australia page for free infographics and resources for patients.

6 – Set realistic expectations

One of the biggest barriers to adherence is unrealistic expectations. Patients often expect rapid pain relief and may become discouraged when progress is slow. Setting clear, realistic goals—such as improving function rather than eliminating pain—helps manage expectations. Celebrate small milestones, like being able to walk further or getting up from a chair with less effort. Acknowledging these wins reinforces progress and keeps patients motivated.

Wrapping up

Physiotherapists play a vital role in shaping how patients perceive and manage their knee OA. Effective education goes beyond providing information—it builds confidence, fosters self-management, and encourages long-term adherence to beneficial behaviors. By shifting the narrative from degeneration to adaptation, normalising pain, making exercise approachable, and reinforcing key messages over time, we can help our patients take control of their condition and improve their quality of life.

To learn more practical tips on managing knee OA like an expert, watch Dr Allison Ezzat’s full Masterclass HERE.