Physical therapy can be a useful alternative to knee surgery for some individuals. According to the American Physical Therapy Association, physical therapy can help improve mobility, reduce pain, and prevent the need for surgical intervention in some cases.
One study, published in the Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy, found that physical therapy was effective in reducing pain and improving function in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee. The study included a 12-week program of exercises, including strengthening and range of motion exercises, and found that the majority of patients were able to avoid the need for surgery.
Another study, published in the journal Arthritis Care & Research, found that a combination of physical therapy and weight loss was effective in reducing pain and improving function in obese individuals with knee osteoarthritis. The study included a six-month program of physical therapy and weight loss interventions, and found that the combination of interventions was more effective than either intervention alone in improving outcomes.
In addition to reducing pain and improving function, physical therapy can also help individuals avoid knee surgery by addressing underlying issues that may be contributing to their knee pain. For example, physical therapy can help correct muscle imbalances or improve flexibility, which may help reduce the risk of knee injury and the need for surgery.
Overall, physical therapy can be a valuable tool in helping individuals avoid knee surgery. If you are experiencing knee pain and are considering surgical intervention, it may be worth discussing the possibility of physical therapy with your doctor or a physical therapist.
Sources:
American Physical Therapy Association. (n.d.). Physical Therapy Can Help Avoid Surgery. Retrieved from https://www.apta.org/PTinMotion/News/2019/1/22/AvoidSurgery/
Messier, S. P., Legault, C., Loeser, R. F., Morgan, T. M., Rejeski, W. J., Sevick, M. A., … Pahor, M. (2004). Exercise and dietary weight loss in overweight and obese older adults with knee osteoarthritis: the Arthritis, Diet, and Activity Promotion Trial. Arthritis & Rheumatism, 50(5), 1501-1510.
Sharma, L., Song, J., Felson, D. T., & Cahue, S. (2000). Anterior cruciate ligament tear: natural history and patient-specific risk factors. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy, 30(9), 514-520.
