Your Doctor Says You Have Knee Osteoarthritis (OA), Now What?
As we age, we hear about arthritis, when it happens in our knee (Knee Osteoarthritis), it feels personal and we get faced with options such as physical therapy and/or surgery. Sometimes we just need some help with information.
Knee Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that is slowly developing and takes 15-20 years to start feeling the effects. Cartilage degeneration can occur in multiple knee areas such as the inner knee, the outer knee, and underneath the kneecap.
What Type of Symptoms May I Have if I Have Knee OA?
The most common symptom of knee OA is pain and swelling. The pain can occur in and around the joint. In some cases, people may feel pain in the inner knee or outer knee or deep pain as well. The pain in severe cases is constant and very much on others who say they only feel it when they have been standing for long periods. Patients also experience audible popping or grinding sensation in the knee that can become bothersome. In severe cases, patients will develop deformity that worsens the pain due to the changes in weight-bearing surfaces on the knee.
What Can Physical Therapy Do for Knee OA?
Many people believe that surgery is the only option and in some cases that is true, but in others it is not the only option. Proper skilled physical therapy services are necessary to treat symptoms and also assist in making drastic, positive changes to the joint.
A huge factor in treating knee OA is pain reduction, however, depending on the length of time someone has been experiencing pain it may be difficult to participate in exercise activity due to pain.
The more popular treatment for knee OA is steroid injections and medications since pain is a huge limiting factor in those who suffer from knee OA. The use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications can have detrimental long-term effects that would pose a reason for looking at different forms of treatment for pain. People often seek physical therapy, especially manual physical therapy, as a treatment for OA.
Dry Needling for Knee OA
Dry Needling is a technique that involves inserting thin needles into specific trigger points or tight bands of muscle to relieve pain and improve muscle function. Studies have shown combining electrical dry needling, manual therapy, and exercise has shown promise in treating patients with knee OA.
At Symmetry Physical Therapy in downtown Miami/Brickell, our physical therapists are trained in dry needling treatments, which, as multiple studies suggest, can reduce pain, stiffness, and disability associated with OA. For instance, in a randomized control trial conducted by one of Symmetry’s Physical Therapists on nine patients with knee OA, it was found that the ideal dosing for dry needling sessions was initially twice a week for five weeks, followed by once a month after the initial treatment phase. As a result, patients experienced significant reductions in pain and improvements in physical function; they could walk up and down stairs without increased pain, discontinue pain medications, and even begin exercising without pain as a limiting factor.
Manual Therapy for Knee
Orthopedic manual therapy is defined as “any hands-on therapy given by the physical therapist. If you are looking for a certified manual therapist, we can provide this here at Symmetry Physical Therapy.
Interventions may include:
- Moving joints manually in directions to restore movement and decrease pain. In cases of loss of motion to the knee, these techniques help restore normal knee joint movement.
- Stretching, passive range of motion (ROM) exercise to restore muscle flexibility
- Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization
WinBack Tecar Therapy for Knee OA
WinBack Tecar Therapy uses radiofrequency current to increase the body’s natural healing process and decrease recovery time.
Here’s how Winback TeCar therapy can help with knee OA:
Increased Blood Flow: To improve blood circulation to the affected area. Increased blood flow will help to deliver oxygen and nutrients to the affected tissues while removing waste products and facilitating the healing process.
Pain Reduction: Tecar therapy may help alleviate pain associated with Knee OA. The heat generated by the treatment can enhance blood flow, improve muscle relaxation around the knee, and help to realign abnormal collagen fibers and scar tissue.
Reduction of Inflammation: TeCar therapy may help to reduce inflammation and promote lymphatic drainage.
Here at Symmetry Physical Therapy, we use a multi-modal approach to treatment to better assist in the rehabilitation of your knee OA. We find the root cause and solve the problem of your pain helping you get back to a pain-free lifestyle. If you are suffering from Knee OA, and are looking for a Physical Therapist, come see us at Symmetry Physical Therapy, located in the Miami/Brickell downtown area, where we provide an in-depth assessment and treatment strategies so we can help you get back to normal
Feel free to give us a call at (305) 331 2277 to schedule an appointment.