Managing Knee Osteoarthritis Through Physical Therapy

The results of a recent study has shown that surgery may not be necessary for the common knee condition of arthritis and those with meniscal tears in the knee, as reported by the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA). Meniscal tears of the knee occurs when the meniscus or what is considered as the shock absorber of the knee becomes torn or damaged, resulting to great pain, stiffness, and swelling. And since this affect the knee which is very vital in overall mobility, this condition can have a huge impact on a person quality of life, often times compelling patients to undergo surgical procedures.

No Significant Differences in Functional Improvement

It was reported in the clinical trial that there were no significant differences in the functional improvement between patients who had knee surgery and those who were given standardized physical therapy alone. This was the outcome after an evaluation was conducted at the conclusion of the six-month period. The same results were maintained even after a period of one year. Participants for the study included patient who were diagnosed with meniscal tears and mild-to-moderate osteoarthritis of the knee.

First-Line Treatment of Meniscal Tears and Knee Osteoarthritis

According to Miss Clare Safran-Norton of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), the outcome of the study may strongly suggest that a course of physical therapy may be a good first choice in the treatment of meniscal tears and knee osteoarthritis. This is especially true with the result that showed that there were no differences in functional improvement in 6 months and 12 months between physical therapy and knee surgery, known as arthroscopic partial meniscectomy surgery.

Physical Therapy May Offer Huge Benefits to Patients

It was pointed out by Miss Mary Ann Wilmarth, the chief of physical therapy at Harvard University and a member of APTA, that patients availing of physical therapy for the treatment of their knee conditions may gain so many benefits. For one, a surgical intervention can be very costly, especially when compared to the other option of using physical therapy.

Secondly, it was emphasized by Miss Wilmarth that like any other surgical procedure, a patient may be exposed to complications when undergoing a knee surgery. This is a valid point particularly with the reports of numerous patients experiencing blood clots as a result of the procedure. There have even been reports that numerous patients experienced severe complications as a result of the medications given which were intended to prevent blood clotting.