Managing Knee Pain & Arthritis: Enhancing Quality of Life with Physiotherapy and Regenerative Therapy

Knee Osteoarthritis (KOA) & its associated pain present significant challenges globally, impacting physical functionality & overall well-being. Treatments like anti- inflammatories and painkillers offer temporary relief but fail to address the underlying damage. In severe cases, invasive procedures like knee replacement surgery may be necessary.

Osteoarthritis is characterized by chronic degeneration of synovial joints, commonly affecting weight bearing joints like the knee joint, with prevalence increasing with age and weight gain. However, effective pain management & treatment approaches can greatly improve quality of life. This blog explores the roles of physiotherapy & regenerative therapy in managing arthritis & knee pain.

Regenerative Medicine offers promising avenues for treating arthritis & knee pain. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) & mesenchymal stem cell injections have emerged as potential game-changers, harnessing the body’s healing processes to repair damaged tissues & reduce inflammation.

These treatments not only alleviate pain but may also slow down arthritis progression, providing long-term benefits.

There is evidence that early osteoarthritic changes might even be reversed by re- growth of cartilage which is a soft bone that gets affected in early stages of arthritis.

Physiotherapy plays a crucial role in managing knee pain & arthritis by addressing muscular imbalances, improving joint mobility, and promoting overall function. Through exercises, manual therapy, & education, physiotherapists help patients regain strength, flexibility, and reduce pain & stiffness.

By tailoring treatment plans to individual needs, physiotherapists empower patients so they can play an active role in managing their condition & enhancing their quality of life.

Integrating regenerative therapy with physiotherapy holds immense potential in enhancing knee pain & arthritis management. A holistic approach addressing lifestyle factors like weight management & exercise complements regenerative therapy, optimizing treatment outcomes.

By embracing a multidisciplinary approach encompassing physiotherapy, regenerative therapy, & lifestyle modifications, individuals can reclaim mobility & enhance their quality of life despite the challenges of knee pain & arthritis.

Anmol Thomas
MSK & Sports Physiotherapist
YOS Sports Health Specialists

References:

  1. McKay, Janine, et al. “Rehabilitation following regenerative medicine treatment for knee osteoarthritis-current concept review.” Journal of Clinical Orthopaedics and Trauma 10.1 (2019): 59-66.
  2. Im, Gun-Il. “The concept of early osteoarthritis and its significance in regenerative medicine.” Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine 19.3 (2022): 431-436.
  3. Richards, Masters M., et al. “Intra-articular treatment of knee osteoarthritis: from anti-inflammatories to products of regenerative medicine.” The Physician and sportsmedicine44.2 (2016): 101-108.
  4. Van Doormaal, Mitchell CM, et al. “A clinical practice guideline for physical therapy in patients with hip or knee osteoarthritis.” Musculoskeletal care 18.4 (2020): 575-595.

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