Knee Osteoarthritis Physical Therapy

Osteoarthritis of the knee is a painful disease that affects millions of Americans. It is probably the most common complaint to orthopedic doctors, especially in the elderly, or in people who have played hard impact sports. The condition is a wearing away of cartilage around the bones of the kneecap and the upper and lower leg bones. Once this cartilage is gone, the bones grind against each other painfully with each flex. Weight causes the bones to be pressed against each other, and every movement causes more damage and more pain. There is no cure for osteoarthritis, but you can treat the symptoms.

Types

• There are many variations of osteoarthritis. Beginning stage osteoarthritis can be slowed to the point where there is almost no noticeable change. The treatment is usually weight loss, increase in nutrients that are good for the bones and cartilage, and a daily, low impact exercise routine that keeps the joints moving. Moderate osteoarthritis will follow the same guidelines, with the addition of injections for the pain and swelling. End stage osteoarthritis will usually employ the injection of hyaluronic acid, a bio-lubricant, into the joint to try and alleviate the grinding of bone on bone. In all these cases, physical therapy is a must, even at end-stage osteoarthritis--because in order keep that joint moving, you must flex it and strengthen the muscles around it.

Effects

• The main effect of physical therapy on osteoarthritis of the knee is to slow the disease by strengthening the muscles around the knee, thereby alleviating some of the pressure the knee experiences on a day to day basis. This is hugely important, as the less strain and weight the knee joint has to bear, the less wear and tear will occur. Another effect of physical therapy, which is no less important, is to keep the joint moving. The physics law of an object at rest tends to remain at rest and an object in motion tends to remain in motion is absolutely true in the case of the knee joint. Despite pain or discomfort, it is imperative to keep the joint moving. Otherwise scar tissue will build up, making the knee stiffer and stiffer, and breaking through the scar tissue to regain movement can be agonizing.

Exercises

• The types of physical therapy exercises will vary from patient to patient, depending on how severe their osteoarthritis is, and how limited their range of motion. In most cases, the Physical Therapist will first determine the range of motion on a patient by having them perform some basic flexing exercises, such as lying on your back with your foot flat on the floor and sliding your heel towards your rear end. Your limit will be measured. They will then usually perform several other flexing and strength tests on the leg and knee to see just how advanced the pain is at various degrees. Once a baseline is established, the PT can work with the patient on their own personal program. Leg lifts, leg curls, stationary biking, leg presses, resistance training, and many other exercises will be assigned and performed under the watchful eye of your therapist.

Time Frame

• It is important to note that physical therapy for your osteoarthritis is not a timed event. In all cases, some physical therapy will need to continue for life. Although the first several weeks of PT may be in the office under the care of a professional, at some point you will be released with only occasional visits. The assignments given to you by your PT as homework should be taken quite seriously. Daily flexing, stretching, and leg lifts can only benefit and help your disease. The regular practice of some of the assigned exercises, as well as daily activity such as walking, swimming, gentle biking, and other low or non-impact exercise is critical to the health of your knees and the slowing of your disease.

Misconceptions

• Osteoarthritis is not a curable condition. Once it is well established, there is nothing left to do but try and slow the disease and treat the symptoms. Some personal trainers or other health consultants may try to convince you that certain types of physical therapy or dietary supplements can cure or reverse osteoarthritis. While there are many treatments, exercises, and lifestyle changes that can help osteoarthritis and improve the quality of life of the patient, it is important not to buy into any false claims of healing. If you have been diagnoses with osteoarthritis of knee, understand it is a common condition, and that with a little effort and some determination on your part, you can make a difference in the stage and rate of your disease.