Knee and Hip Arthritis Physical Therapy in Chardon, OH
Arthritis doesn't have to mean slowing down.
Your knees or hips ache on stairs, on walks, or getting up from a chair. You've been told it's "just arthritis" and to take it easy, or that you'll need a replacement someday. But you still want to golf, hike, play with your grandkids, and stay active.
You deserve more than "live with it." You deserve a plan to stay strong and active.
We know how frustrating this is
Most of our clients come to us after other treatments didn't work. We know how discouraging it is to hurt, feel stuck, and not know who to trust. That's why the Doctors of Physical Therapy at Chardon Performance Therapy start by listening, until we understand your story and your goals.
We've helped thousands of active people regain confidence, strength, and control, even after other treatments didn't work.
What we help with
Knee osteoarthritis
Hip osteoarthritis
Stiffness and pain with walking, stairs, and getting up
Strength work before a knee or hip replacement (prehab)
Rehab after a knee or hip replacement
Staying active in golf, pickleball, hiking, and the gym
Hand and wrist arthritis
How it works
1. Share your story. Your initial assessment is a 75-minute, one-on-one visit with a Doctor of Physical Therapy. We listen to your goals, your history, and what you've already tried, so we understand what truly matters to you.
2. Get a comprehensive care plan. We look at how your joints move, how strong the muscles around them are, and how you walk, then explain it in clear, simple language. We track your strength with VALD force plates and dynamometry, so progress shows up in real numbers.
3. Work with an accountable guide. Your follow-up sessions are a full hour, one-on-one. We use hands-on care, dry needling, and a progressive strength program, so your joints feel better and you can do more.
What the research says
Exercise is one of the most effective treatments for knee and hip arthritis, and major medical guidelines recommend it as a first-line treatment. Stronger muscles take stress off the joint, which often means less pain and better function. And if a replacement is in your future, getting stronger first makes recovery easier.
What our clients say
"I went to CPT with knee and leg pain… It was to the point where taking a short walk was excruciatingly painful… CPT put me back on track for an active life. 65 and playing basketball again is the best result we could imagine."
Steve H. ★★★★★
"Both of my wrists have arthritis. Dave did dry needling and improved pain and improved flexibility 10 fold. Can play golf again."
Jeff L. ★★★★★
"I started "prehab" at CPT a few months before my recent knee replacement surgery. Dave and his team helped me get strong and fit, building a solid physical and mental foundation for the challenges ahead."
Carol O. ★★★★★
Rated 5.0 stars from 253 Google reviews.
Don't stay stuck
If you wait, arthritis pain often leads to doing less, which leads to weaker muscles and more pain. You can break that cycle.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a doctor's referral for physical therapy in Ohio?
No. Ohio law lets you see a physical therapist directly, without a referral.
How long are the sessions?
Your initial assessment is 75 minutes. Follow-up sessions are 60 minutes, always one-on-one with a Doctor of Physical Therapy.
Do you take insurance?
We're out of network with all insurance companies. We accept HSA and FSA cards, and many clients are reimbursed through their out-of-network benefits. We'll walk you through your options on a quick call.
Will exercise make my arthritis worse?
The right exercise usually makes it better. We'll start where you are and build up at a pace your joints can handle.
Can physical therapy help me avoid a joint replacement?
Often it can delay or even avoid surgery. When a replacement is the right call, we'll help you prepare for it and recover from it.
Is it too late to get stronger?
Never. Strength improves at any age, and it's one of the best things you can do for your joints.
When should I see a doctor instead?
If a joint is suddenly hot, red, and swollen, you have a fever, you can't put weight on your leg, or your pain started after a fall, see a physician or go to urgent care right away.
More for staying active: You're Capable of More Than You Think (video) · Single Leg Glute Med for Hip Stability (video) · Personalized One-on-One Physical Therapy (video)
Serving Chardon and Northeast Ohio
Our clinic is at 520 5th Ave in downtown Chardon. Clients come to us from Chesterland, Mentor, Painesville, Perry, Eastlake, Willoughby, Pepper Pike, Cleveland Heights, and across Geauga and Lake County.