Taking care of your knee right now can benefit you a lot in the future. Osteoarthritis of the knee is one common condition today that most individuals suffer and it can strike any age. Treatment for such condition varies and depends on the severity of the condition. Most doctors do recommend non-surgical form of treatment while there are some cases that surgery is necessary.
However, there is a new study today that doubts efficacy of arthroscopic surgery for osteoarthritis of the knee. This result should push patients to try out physical therapy as an effective non-surgical alternative according to American Physical Therapy Association (Published at New England Journal of Medicine).
The study found out that Physical therapy as part of a comprehensive medical plan is as effective as surgery in relieving stiffness and pain for cases of severe to moderate osteoarthritis of the knee. Indeed this study has given lots of patient of osteoarthritis high hopes for they can now avoid the pain and emotional stress of surgery. Most often, surgery is recommended with this condition when it does not have to be. Physical therapy has proven to be effective thus it should not be considered by patients alone but also with orthopedists and primary health care providers.
Other studies made that will further support physical therapy as an effective treatment alternative of osteoarthritis of the knee are the following – A report published regarding the reviewed researched of osteoarthritis of the knee from year 2000 to 2007 and it found out that the evidence of weight loss and exercise lessens pain and improve physical mobility or function (Physical Therapy Journal, January 2008 issue).
Another study completed and published found out that a combination of directed exercise and manual physical therapy results to functional benefits for individuals who suffer osteoarthritis of the knee and may prevent or delay the need for surgery (Annals of Internal Medicine, Feb. 1, 2000 issue).
Base from the results of the studies above it is safe to conclude that patients with osteoarthritis of the knee have a brighter future ahead with physical therapy. It has indeed play an important role in rehabilitating and treating the knee but still the cooperation of the patient plays a big factor too in achieving a positive result.
Patients should work hand in hand with their Physical therapist. A Physical Therapist will be the one to design your exercise program but before that, your physical therapist will evaluate your condition and base on this evaluation a program is designed that will aid you to gain your normal functions as well as strength and conditioning.
The program may include a sequence of exercise created to aid in improving mobility or motion. Activities in this stage may include flexibility exercise, swimming and water walking. It is an exercise sequence that will promote restoration of strength as well as functional progression that will slowly bring you back to doing your normal activities.
Indeed having a program designed by your physical therapist can also be your best solution in protecting your knee from any injury. Being guided with a right exercise can prevent further damage to your knee.