Did you know that millions of Americans suffer from knee osteoarthritis each year in the United States? Meniscus tears are found in most people with knee osteoarthritis. To manage knee pain, which can cause swelling, stiffness, and pain in the knees as well as limited range of motion and pain in the legs, medications, injections, surgery, and physical therapy are all common treatments. However, injections and medication may not be able to relieve your pain. Surgery can be expensive and taxing for your body. Renew Concierge Physical therapy, however, focuses on a holistic approach to the body and emphasizes education, pain management, strength, and conditioning.
It can seem frustrating to be referred to physical therapy to treat knee pain due to structural issues such as osteoarthritis and a knee joint tear. Does the physical therapist promise to heal your meniscus or reverse your arthritis? Instead of “strengthening around” the problem, why not address it head-on?
Not necessarily.
Physical therapy or surgery for osteoarthritis?
We can dig deeper and ask the question, “Do I need to modify the structure of my knee to resume the activities that I enjoy?” Many studies have shown that abnormal findings on MRIs and X-rays can occur even in people who don’t have knee pain. This does not mean that every person with knee pain should have surgery. Sometimes surgery is the best option to improve your quality of life. It is important to have a physical therapist as part of your health care team, before and after surgery, in order to correct structural abnormalities.
What is the benefit of physical therapy if it doesn’t solve the “structural problem”?
Pictures are not enough. Pain is more complex than the pictures show. While MRI and X-ray findings are helpful in the development of a care plan, they are just one piece of the puzzle. Although physical therapy will not result in a change in the MRI or X-ray findings, it can help identify and modify factors that contribute to knee pain and other functional limitations.
A physical therapist will work with you to assess your condition and determine what the best treatment is for you.
- Your knee pain can be caused by lifestyle and health factors
- Modification of activity so that you can safely do daily activities
- Stretches and strategies for improving strength and motion
- Pain control and swelling
- How to return to activities that cause pain or discomfort.
Combining these two can help patients better understand their condition and create a plan to assist in recovery. This combination can greatly improve your quality of living and reduce the symptoms and pain you currently experience.
If you and your doctor decide that knee surgery is necessary for you, physical therapy will be a crucial part of your preparation and recovery. We will work together before surgery to make sure you are as strong and healthy as possible. This will allow for a faster and more successful post-surgical recovery. We will work with you to help you regain your strength, balance, and flexibility after surgery.
Physical therapists will help you to be as mobile, independent, and pain-free no matter what. We want to establish a trusting relationship where you can ask us questions and be an active participant in your care. This will allow us to achieve the best possible outcomes.
Contact us today if you are suffering from knee pain and want to learn more about physical therapy.