Physical Therapy for Osteoarthritis Infographic
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis in which the cartilage around joints breaks down, causing the bones to rub together and resulting in inflammation, pain, and swelling. While osteoarthritis can affect the hands, spine, and hips, osteoarthritis of the knee is the most prevalent, affecting 14 million American adults each year. Knee osteoarthritis afflicts 28% of adults over age 50 and 37% of adults over age 65 in the United States.
Osteoarthritis, particularly in the knee, is associated with pain and stiffness, dysfunction of the quadriceps, impaired proprioception, and limited mobility. Common symptoms of osteoarthritis include stiffness in the affected joint, pain during activity that is relieved with rest, locking or catching in the joint, inflammation, swelling, and redness around the affected joint, increased bone growth around the joint, and cracking, creaking, or crunching noises in the joint.
There are a number of factors that can increase the risk of developing osteoarthritis, such as older age due to the natural degeneration and aging of cartilage. Past injury to the joint and sports and occupations that place undue stress on the joint also contribute to osteoarthritis development. Genetics can also play a role, making it more difficult to form cartilage, as can obesity which places stress on weight-bearing joints.
Physical therapy offers a safe and effective treatment option for those with osteoarthritis, helping patients manage pain, improve function and mobility, and slow the progression of the disease. Research has shown that both aerobic and strengthening exercises are effective in patients with osteoarthritis to reduce pain and improve physical function.
A 2018 study noted that rehabilitation involving stretching and strengthening exercises decreased pain intensity and improved knee range of motion, isometric quadriceps strength, and functional performance in knee osteoarthritis patients. In 2020, researchers compared physical therapy treatment for knee osteoarthritis with intraarticular glucocorticoid injection treatment and found that those who underwent physical therapy treatment for OA had less pain and functional disability a 1-year post-treatment.
Physical therapy treatment for osteoarthritis can include:
Pain management, using heat and ice to manage swelling and pain flare-ups
Low-impact aerobic exercise such as swimming or using a stationary bicycle to improve overall fitness and aerobic capacity
Targeted strengthening of muscles around affected joint to increase joint stability and mobility as well as strengthening the hip and core
Balance and gait training on uneven terrain, surfaces, and elevations
Posture training to minimize stress on arthritic joints when sitting, standing, and walking
Manual therapy hands-on soft tissue and joint mobilizations to gently increase joint mobility and muscle flexibility and reduce stiffness
Aquatic therapy in a warm water therapeutic pool allows patients to exercise with decreased stress on the joints and minimize pain and inflammation
Lifestyle education on nutrition, regular movement, wearing supportive shoes, and protecting the joint during daily activity.
Aquatic therapy allows osteoarthritic patients to manage pain, build strength and endurance, and improve posture and walking ability in a warm water therapy pool. The buoyancy of the water reduces the weight-bearing stress on joints and the warmth and hydrostatic pressure of the water promote blood circulation and a gentle compressive force to reduce pain, swelling, and stiffness. A meta-analysis of eleven trials studying aquatic therapy for knee and hip osteoarthritis patients confirmed that aquatic exercise can have a positive effect on pain, stiffness, physical function, and quality of life in osteoarthritis patients.
Osteoarthritis pain can negatively impact your function and mobility and cause debilitating pain. Work with a physical therapist today to combat osteoarthritis and regain strength to return to the activities you love!
