By Jerry Moczerniuk PT, DPT
Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the leading causes of global disability.
Arthritis foundation estimates that approximately 27 million people in the United States have osteoarthritis, with the knee and hip joints being most commonly affected. These two forms of osteoarthritis are also most adversely impactful on an individuals mobility, as well as their ability to perform routine daily activities such as walking in the supermarket, getting around the house, climbing stairs, and even getting in and out of a chair.
Over the years research strongly suggested utilization of physical therapy services as primary treatment for knee and hip osteoarthritis. Furthermore, research often strongly recommended conservative approaches over arthroscopy for both knee and hip osteoarthritis.
A recent commentary in the Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy went a step further. The authors looked at research identifying the benefits of exercise therapy on an individual with hip and knee osteoarthritis The commentary identified OA as a significant barrier to physical activity, and physical inactivity as being an underappreciated factor in diseases such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, OA and even dementia.
The authors also discussed fear of movement in individuals with OA as being functionally limiting, and in some instances a cause for those individuals to further lose their mobility and have increased symptoms.
Exercise therapy, defined as specific physical activity designed for specific therapeutic goals, is particularly important. More than 60 high quality research studies support land based exercise therapy for reduction of symptoms and impairments in individuals with knee and hip OA.
The evidence also suggests that exercise therapy is at least as effective as NSAIDs (Aleve or Advil), and more beneficial than acetaminophen in reducing knee pain. The recommendations call for a minimum of 12 supervised exercise sessions lasting 30-60 minutes, over a six week period of time.
These sessions should be individual based and targeting specific functional deficits and patient needs. In their commentary, authors reported a sustained benefit of six-plus months after completion of exercise therapy. A short term bout of skilled physical therapy, including supervised therapeutic exercises every six months, may significantly reduce pain and improve the quality of life in patients with osteoarthritis.
In New Jersey you can be evaluated and treated by a physical therapist without a referral from your doctor.
Dr. Moczerniuk is a Doctor of Physical Therapy, member of American Physical Therapy Association, and a clinical director at db Orthopedic Physical Therapy of Manalapan LLC, located at 120 Craig Road, Suite 2. Dr. Moczerniuk can be reached at 732-462-2162 or via email at [email protected]. For more information, visit dborthopt.com