Does Physiotherapy for Knee Osteoarthritis Works?

Table of Contents

What is knee osteoarthritis?

Knee osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disorder of the knee in which the articular cartilage, which covers and protects the ends of bones – deteriorates, causing pain and difficulty moving. While it can occur in any age group, knee osteoarthritis is most commonly found in individuals over 50 years old due to the wear-and-tear nature of the condition.

Knee osteoarthritis physiotherapy is a type of physical therapy to relieve the pain and debilitation associated with the condition. It is usually implemented in response to a comprehensive diagnosis by an orthopedic specialist.

The primary goals of physiotherapy for knee osteoarthritis are to reduce pain and improve knee movement, flexibility, strength, and stability.

This is accomplished by performing a variety of exercises and stretches that help to strengthen the muscles around the affected joints. In addition, physical therapy treatments may also focus on improving posture, balance, and coordination.

Symptoms of Osteoarthritis Knee Pain

Millions of people worldwide suffer from chronic pain and disability caused by osteoarthritis knee pain. Some symptoms of this condition include:

Pain: Pain is one of the most common symptoms of knee osteoarthritis and can range from mild to severe. It usually increases with activity and may be worse at night.
Stiffness: Early morning stiffness is often a sign of knee osteoarthritis and resolves with easy stretching. However, the pain may be more severe when you first wake up.
Swelling: Swelling in the joint can occur due to inflammation and fluid buildup around the knee joint. It is usually worse after activity.
Deformity: As OA progresses, the cartilage may wear away unevenly, causing deformity in the shape of the joint. This can cause the joint to look misshapen.
Instability: As the cartilage in the knee breaks down, ligaments and other structures around it can weaken, leading to instability and an increased risk of further injury.

If you’re suffering from any of these listed symptoms, you should visit your nearby physio clinic. The personal recommendation for patients in Mississauga is Proremedy Physio Clinic.

Benefits of physiotherapy for Knee Osteoarthritis:

Physiotherapy can offer a range of benefits for those suffering from Knee Osteoarthritis :

Reduce Pain: Physiotherapy can help to relieve pain associated with knee osteoarthritis. It can help to reduce inflammation and improve joint movement, which in turn can reduce pain levels.
Increase Mobility: It can help improve the knee joint’s range of motion, making daily activities such as walking and climbing stairs easier.
Improve Quality of Life: A course of physiotherapy can help to improve the quality of life for those suffering from knee osteoarthritis by improving their ability to perform everyday tasks and reducing pain levels.
Injury Prevention: Knee osteoarthritis can lead to instability in the knee joint, increasing the risk of further injury.
Increase muscle mass around the joints: Physiotherapy can help to increase muscle mass around the affected joints, which can help to provide more support and reduce pain.

What are the techniques used in knee physiotherapy?

The most frequently used physiotherapy methods for knee osteoarthritis are:

Joint Mobilization: Joint mobilization is a technique that involves the use of gentle, passive movements to improve the range of motion and flexibility in a joint.
Muscle Strengthening: Muscle strengthening exercises are essential for knee osteoarthritis as they can help improve the strength and stability of the muscles around the joint, reducing pain levels and improving overall mobility.
Stretching: Stretching exercises can help reduce knee stiffness and increase flexibility, range of motion, and movement quality.
Heat and Cold Therapy: Heat and cold therapy are both effective techniques for reducing pain and inflammation. Heat therapy can help to increase circulation, reduce muscle pains and improve joint mobility.
Massage: Massage therapy is a great way to reduce pain, increase circulation, and improve muscle flexibility. Massage therapy can also help to promote the healing of damaged joints and improve joint function.
Electrical Stimulation: Electrical stimulation is a technique that involves the use of low-voltage electric currents to reduce pain as well as increase circulation in the affected area. This can be used to help manage painful symptoms associated with knee osteoarthritis.

What sort of physiotherapy exercises can I use for my osteoarthritis?

For knee osteoarthritis, the following exercises are commonly recommended by physiotherapists:

Quadriceps Strengthening Exercises: These exercises help strengthen and stabilize your knee joint muscles.
Hamstring Strengthening Exercises: Through hamstring stretching, you can expand the range of motion in your joints and reduce the chances of pain or injury while engaging in physical activity.
Balance and Coordination Exercises: By doing these exercises, you can help yourself by reducing the risk of falls and injuries. These workouts improve your balance and coordination.
Calf Stretch: This exercise helps to improve the flexibility of your calf muscles, which can reduce pain and make walking and standing more comfortable
Straight Leg Raises: This exercise strengthens the muscles around your knee joint while also helping to improve the range of motion.
Side-Lying Leg Lifts: These exercises help to strengthen and stabilize the muscles that support your knee, making it more secure and less prone to injury.

Conclusion :

Osteoarthritis is frequently called wear and tear disease, but it’s more complicated than that. It not only breaks down cartilage but affects the entire joint. However, with the help of physiotherapy, it is possible to manage knee osteoarthritis and improve your quality of life.

At Proremedy, our team of experienced physiotherapists will create a personalized treatment plan that is tailored to your specific needs. Our highly-skilled physiotherapists use the latest techniques and products to help you move better and live life to the fullest. Don’t hesitate to contact us today for a consultation!