From the Guidelines
Yes, patients with degenerative osteoarthritis can and should receive physical therapy (PT) as it is a cornerstone of treatment for this condition. PT typically includes exercises to improve joint mobility, strengthen supporting muscles, and enhance overall function. A comprehensive PT program for osteoarthritis usually involves a combination of low-impact aerobic activities (like walking, swimming, or cycling), resistance training to build muscle strength, and specific range-of-motion exercises.
Key Points to Consider
- Most patients benefit from 2-3 PT sessions per week for 6-8 weeks, though this can vary based on individual needs 1.
- PT helps manage osteoarthritis by reducing pain, improving joint function, and potentially slowing disease progression.
- The therapist will also teach proper body mechanics and may recommend assistive devices like braces or walking aids if needed.
- PT works by strengthening the muscles around affected joints, which helps distribute weight more evenly and reduces stress on damaged cartilage.
- Additionally, movement helps maintain joint lubrication and nutrition, which can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life even though PT cannot reverse the underlying cartilage degeneration.
Recommendations
- All people with hip or knee OA should be offered an exercise programme (eg, strength, aerobic, flexibility or neuromotor) of adequate dosage with progression tailored to their physical function, preferences and available services 1.
- Exercise recommendations to patients should focus on the patient’s preferences and access, both of which may be important barriers to participation 1.
- A substantial body of literature supports a wide range of appropriate exercise options and suggests that the vast majority of OA patients can participate in, and benefit from with regard to pain and function, some form of exercise 1.
From the Research
Patient Eligibility for Physical Therapy
- A patient with degenerative osteoarthritis can receive physical therapy (PT) as a treatment modality 2, 3, 4, 5.
- Studies have shown that PT can help reduce pain and improve function in patients with osteoarthritis, with strength training, aquatic therapy, and balance and perturbation therapy being the most beneficial 2.
- The effectiveness of PT in treating osteoarthritis can depend on various factors, including the severity of the disease, the patient's age, and their overall health status 3, 4.
Types of Physical Therapy for Osteoarthritis
- Various types of physical therapy can be used to treat osteoarthritis, including kinetic therapy, manual massage, and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) 3.
- Other forms of physical therapy, such as moxibustion and electrotherapy, may also be effective in treating knee osteoarthritis and can be used at home 5.
- The choice of physical therapy modality will depend on the individual patient's needs and preferences, as well as the severity of their osteoarthritis 2, 4.
Benefits and Challenges of Physical Therapy for Osteoarthritis
- Physical therapy can help improve the quality of life for patients with osteoarthritis by reducing pain and improving function 2, 4.
- However, there may be barriers to the acceptance of physical therapy as a treatment for osteoarthritis, including fatalistic patient and provider perspectives, inadequate analgesia, and a fear among some patients and providers that increased activity will lead to progression of the disease 2.
- Further research is needed to fully understand the benefits and challenges of physical therapy for osteoarthritis and to develop effective treatment strategies 4, 5.