Knee Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of OA in the body. Among adults 60 years of age or older, the prevalence of symptomatic knee OA is approximately 10% in men and 13% in women in the United States. Knee OA is even more prevalent in today’s society due to the active aging population. Arthritis-related conditions are the second most common reason for medical visits related to chronic conditions, only second to hypertension.
Conservative treatment, such as physical therapy, is one type of intervention that has been proven to aid the individual with knee OA in regaining his or her functional capacity and quality of life. Physical Therapists utilize various interventions to help with pain management and improve knee joint mechanics, lower extremity function, dynamic balance, and fall risk. Therapeutic exercises have been proven to be one of the most effective interventions for knee OA, aimed at improving neuromuscular control, muscle strength, knee ROM, and aerobic fitness.
Commonly in patients with knee OA, pain can be a barrier in participating in therapeutic exercise, but a patient must be educated that increasing the lower extremity strength of the involved limb will decrease internal knee forces, therefore reducing pain and limiting the progression of the disease. Various forms of strengthening programs can be used to rehabilitate knee OA patients. Land-based therapeutic exercises have been proven to provide better carryover in terms of performing daily functional activities, reducing pain, and improving quality of life.
At Rehab United, we develop an evidence-based, individualized plan of care focused on functional therapeutic exercises and manual therapy techniques that will optimally provide the most pain relief and restoration of function.
How can Rehab United help you?
From our front desk to our physical therapists, everyone is highly trained to assist you in finding the best possible care. At Rehab United, we excel in combining our services to give you the best experience and get you back to doing what you love.
Arturo Valle, PT, DPT, FAFS, CSCS, STMT-1, BFR-1, CCI, is a Physical Therapist, Clinic Director of Rehab United in Escondido, and Director of Rehab United’s Quality Assurance Program. As a graduate of USC’s Doctor of Physical Therapy Program, Dr. Valle has always emphasized the implementation of Evidence-Based Practice into all plans of care. Throughout his 12 years of experience, Dr. Valle has treated thousands of orthopedic-related and sports injuries, as well as mentored countless Physical Therapists and Students of Physical Therapy.