This post will highlight the importance of maintaining a consistent regime of daily exercise in the presence of osteoarthritis (OA) in the knee.
A common misbelief when it comes to OA is that it is due to wear and tear of the joint. This can lead people into the ideology that loading the knee is inherently bad, and create further fears of loading it through therapeutic exercise.
It is important to understand that the development of knee OA is complex, and is thought to be due to many other factors. In fact, being overly inactive can aggravate the common symptoms particularly experienced with knee OA! Loading the knee can be achieved through therapeutic exercises, such as aerobic exercise (walking/running), resistance training (weights/pilates), and balance training.
A carefully structured program can help with pain levels, muscle loss, muscle strength, and enhance quality of life.
It is important to note that everyone’s experience with knee OA will be different; everyone’s tolerance levels to exercise will be different as well. Therefore, it is important to get in contact with your physiotherapist if this is something you are living with to go through an appropriate action plan.
If you have any further questions or queries, please feel free to get in contact with us on 9872 5445 to organise a Free Initial Assessment, or an online telecommunication consultation, to discuss treatment options.
Yianni Griffiths – Clinical Services Coordinator – Back in Motion Mitcham