Knee arthritis is a condition that causes the cartilage in the knee joint to break down, leading to pain and stiffness. The most common type of knee arthritis is osteoarthritis, which can develop due to wear and tear on the joint from overuse or age. Rheumatoid arthritis is another type of knee arthritis that occurs when the body’s immune system attacks the joint, causing inflammation. Physiotherapy can be an effective treatment for both types of knee arthritis. For osteoarthritis, it can help to reduce pain and stiffness in the joint by improving the range of motion and strengthening the muscles around the joint. For rheumatoid arthritis, physiotherapy can help to reduce inflammation and improve joint function.
What are the benefits of physical therapy for knee arthritis?
1. Physical therapy can help reduce pain and improve function in people with knee arthritis. 2. Physical therapy can help improve the affected joint's range of motion, flexibility, and strength. 3. Physical therapy can help people with knee arthritis avoid or delay joint replacement surgery. 4. Physical therapy can help people with knee arthritis manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life.
Physical therapy for Knee Arthritis –
Clinical practice guideline for OA Knee by the College of Rheumatology strongly recommends exercises, weight loss in individual overweight and obese, Tai Chi, Knee Brace, and using an assistive device such cane for Knee arthritis. Heat/Cold therapy, Electric stimulation, ultrasound, soundwave therapy, Joint mobilization, and massage can be used as adjunctive treatments to exercises but they are not strongly recommended as per the recent studies and clinical practice guidelines.
Flexibility Exercise
Exercising regularly is one of the best things you can do for your health, but if you have knee arthritis, it’s important to choose the right type of exercise. Low-impact activities that don’t put too much stress on your joints are best. Swimming, water aerobics, and cycling are all excellent choices. But what about flexibility exercises? Are they beneficial for people with knee arthritis? The answer is yes! In fact, a recent study showed that a 12-week flexibility training program improved pain, function, and quality of life in people with knee osteoarthritis. There are a lot of Group Exercise Classes in Bergen County New Jersey and Group Fitness Classes in Passaic County New Jersey, that can be beneficial. For more information regarding the program, you can contact MobilePhysiocare. We also offer a Private Home Physical Therapy program that can be beneficial. Flexibility exercises help to lengthen and stretch the muscles and tendons around the joint. This can help to reduce pain and stiffness and improve the range of motion. If you’re not used to exercising, start slowly with just a few minutes each day and build up gradually. As always, check with your physiotherapist or doctor before starting any new exercise program.
Strengthening Exercise
There is strong evidence to support the use of strengthening exercises in the management of knee arthritis. Research studies show exercise intervention shows improvement in knee pain, better function, and less disability than those who do not exercise. Other studies have shown that strengthening exercise can lead to improvements in cartilage health, reduced joint stiffness, and increased range of motion. Therefore, if you are suffering from knee arthritis, undertaking a regular program of strengthening exercises may help to improve your symptoms and slow down the progression of the condition.
Aquatic Therapy
Aquatic therapy, also known as water therapy, is a type of physical therapy that uses water to help patients heal. The water can help support the body and make movement easier. Aquatic therapy has been shown to be helpful for people with knee arthritis. It can help reduce pain, improve range of motion, and increase muscle strength.
Endurance Exercise
1. Endurance exercise helps to improve the function of your heart and lungs, and can also help to reduce arthritis pain and stiffness. 2. Regular endurance exercise can also help you to maintain a healthy weight, which can further reduce the strain on your joints. 3. In addition, endurance exercise can help to increase the strength and flexibility of your muscles and joints, which can further protect your joints from injury.
Are there any limitations or concerns?
Yes, there are some potential limitations and concerns associated with physical therapy in knee arthritis. First, it is important to note that physical therapy cannot cure arthritis. However, it can help to manage the symptoms and improve the quality of life for those who suffer from this condition.
Some people may experience pain or discomfort during certain exercises, and others may not be able to follow the recommended physical therapy program due to other health conditions. That is why we recommend one-on-one consultation and contacting physical therapists and experts.
Arthritis & Rheumatology Vol. 72, No. 2, February 2020, pp 220–233 DOI 10.1002/art.41142 © 2020, American College of Rheumatology, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31908163/
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