Osteoarthritis is a very common condition! In fact, it may effect > 80% of adults over the age of 65. Although it is considered an older person’s condition, I can tell you we see the signs of osteoarthritis in joints beginning in people who are 30 and 40 years old!
Exercise is the recommended first line of treatment- not medication! See a previous blog I wrote here on exercise and osteoarthritis. In summary, exercise is needed to maintain the health of a joint.
Manual therapy is a treatment performed by a physical therapist. A PT will utilize hands on techniques to massage, stretch, manipulation or facilitate joints, nerves, and muscles to improve mobility and reduce pain. Manual therapy can be utilized in people with knee osteoarthritis to enhance outcomes. Researchers in 2013, found 11 manual therapy sessions in people with knee and hip OA was able to decrease their pain and improve their function. Interestingly, the participants in their study were able to maintain their gains up to 1 year after beginning the trial!
Another study in 2015 study compared the effectiveness of providing treatment over the course of a year versus 9 weeks. Receiving care over an extended period of time was superior in reducing pain and improving mobility. In the real world, I often see my patients over an extended period of time. They will often remark it helps with exercise accountability. We both agree it helps to provide additional hands on treatment and modifications to an exercise program.
If you are dealing with joint pain due to osteoarthritis I can help you. Through a combination of manual therapy, exercise and advice, I will provide a plan to help you feel and move better. Together we will execute the plan to enhance your life!
It starts with an scheduling an evaluation:
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