Struggling with Hip or Knee Osteoarthritis? Physiotherapy is Proven to Help
If you’re dealing with the achiness, stiffness and limited mobility caused by hip or knee osteoarthritis, you may be wondering what treatment options exist besides surgery or medication. The good news is, plenty of high-quality medical research shows physiotherapy can be an extremely effective conservative approach.
According to multiple Level 1A evidence studies, structured physiotherapy programs have demonstrated incredible benefits for people suffering from hip and knee osteoarthritis of all severity levels. Here’s a quick look at some of the proven advantages:
Pain Reduction
One of the primary goals of physiotherapy is to reduce the pain levels associated with arthritic hip and knee joints. Through manual therapy, therapeutic exercise, and other modalities, physiotherapy has been shown to provide significant, lasting pain relief.
Improved Strength and Mobility
Osteoarthritis often leads to muscle weakness, stiffness, and reduced range of motion around affected joints. Physio programs focus heavily on strengthening and flexibility exercises tailored to each patient’s needs and abilities. This improves strength, range of motion, and overall physical function.
Less Medication Needed
By improving joint mobility and decreasing pain, physiotherapy has been demonstrated to reduce the need for potentially risky anti-inflammatory or opioid medications in osteoarthritis patients.
Surgery Avoided
Perhaps most impressively, high-quality research shows physiotherapy leads to a 74% reduction in the number of patients requiring joint replacement surgery for their hip or knee osteoarthritis!
Slowed Progression
On average, physiotherapy interventions result in a 32% reduction in the overall progression of osteoarthritis symptoms over time compared to no treatment.
So what is involved in an effective physiotherapy program for hip and knee OA? The latest evidence shows a comprehensive approach works best:
Exercise
Depending on each patient’s individual condition and abilities, physiotherapists will prescribe targeted exercise routines including strengthening, aerobic, flexibility, and functional movements. These can be done in the gym, at home, or in a pool. Here’s some examples!
Education
Understanding osteoarthritis, proper movement patterns, activity modification, and weight management (if needed) are also key components addressed through educated provided.
Manual Therapy
Hands-on manual therapy like joint mobilisations, massage, and taping can be helpful adjuncts when combined with an appropriate exercise program.
The bottom line is, if you’re struggling with hip or knee arthritis, physiotherapy offers a proven, low-risk treatment approach before having to pursue major surgery. Guided by an experienced physiotherapist, you’ll receive a customized plan to reduce pain, improve strength and function, delay progression of the arthritic condition, and potentially avoid going under the knife.
Our physiotherapists have extensive experience developing and supervising osteoarthritis rehabilitation programs for patients of all ages and ability levels. We’d be happy to perform an assessment and start you on your path to better joint health and mobility. Contact us today to request an appointment.
