Physical Therapy for Osteoarthritis of the Knee

Michael Cormican, MSPT

Co-Founder, Metro Sports Physical Therapy
New York, NY
metrosportspt.com

When assessing patients with osteoarthritis, it is imperative that physical therapists begin by taking a thorough history primarily founded on a combination of direct and open-ended questions. Patients with osteoarthritis of the knee should be evaluated with a thorough physical examination, including measurements of swelling and/or effusion, tenderness, passive and active range of motion, and strength of the muscles above and below the knee. Exercise programs that include both stretching and strengthening activities may result in functional improvement in the affected knee. Additional treatment modalities, such as ultrasound, heat packs, and electrical stimulation, have been demonstrated to decrease pain in patients with osteoarthritis. By targeting the clinical treatment and appropriately dosing the exercise to improve joint motion, muscular strength, and cardiovascular fitness, therapists may help patients return to their highest level of function. Here, Michael Cormican discusses how a combination of manual physical therapy and supervised exercise can yield functional benefits for patients with osteoarthritis of the knee.

References

1. Carvalho N, Bittar S, Pinto F, Ferreira M, Sitta R. Manual for guided home exercises for osteoarthritis of the knee. Clinics. 2010;65:775-780.
2. Abbott JH, Robertson MC, McKenzie JE, et al. Exercise therapy, manual therapy, or both, for osteoarthritis of the hip or knee: a factorial randomised controlled trial protocol. Trials. 2009;10:11.
3. Deyle GD, Allison SC, Matekel RL, et al. Physical therapy treatment effectiveness for osteoarthritis of the knee: a randomized comparison of supervised clinical exercise and manual therapy procedures versus a home exercise program. Phys Ther. 2005;85:1301-17.

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