Knee Osteoarthritis
The Role of PT
Therapydia Weighs In:
Helping patients with knee osteoarthritis reduce pain and get moving again
Osteoarthritis of the knee is a common condition that affects more than 14 million Americans. Unfortunately, the lack of movement caused by knee pain causes ligaments, tendons and muscles around the joint to shorten and get weaker, making the problem even worse. Every episode of knee osteoarthritis is unique.
Therapydia’s physical therapists are trained to assess the condition of each patient and develop a plan of care that is specific to their condition, lifestyle, and the degree of pain and swelling the patient is experiencing. The treatment plan may include manual therapy massage which helps relax muscles, increase circulation and ease pain in the soft tissues. Manual therapy may also include mobilization or slow, measured movements that twist, pull, or push bones and joints. This can loosen tight tissues around a joint and help with flexibility and alignment. Manipulation is another technique that applies pressure to a joint. This can be done using the therapist’s hands or a device and can range from gentle to strong, or slow to rapid pressure. Typically, a treatment plan also includes stretching and core exercises to build strength in the core and hip muscles, which can help control knee pain and help your patient get back to activities.
Watch PT TV Now
- Learn how treatment plans vary depending on the patient’s recovery process and the extent of the injury.
- Discover how manual therapy techniques and rehabilitative exercises can help patients reduce knee pain.
- Learn about steps patients can take prior to knee joint replacement surgery and after surgery.
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