In 2015 over 7 million people in the US were living with knee or hip joint replacements done for arthritis pain. Major studies done on the knee in 2000 and hip in 2013 show many people didn’t need the surgery.
The Knee Study
In this study the real physical therapy included treatment sessions with hands on manipulation of all the joints from the back to the ankle, and exercise to make muscles around the knee stronger. A comparison group received fake treatment with ultrasound without the power turned on. In the group with the real treatment, 75% improved so much they decided not to have the knee joint replacement surgery.
The Hip Study
In this study the real physical therapy included treatment sessions with specific exercises for the hip but did not include any hands-on manipulation. The fake treatment group attended 3 education sessions. In the group with the real treatment, 44% improved so much they decided not to have the hip joint replacement surgery.
The Best Treatment for Joint Arthritis – Good Physical Therapy
When the real joint arthritis physical therapy treatment included only exercise, 44% less people decided to have surgery.
When the real joint arthritis physical therapy treatment included manipulation of the joints and exercise, 75% less people decided to have surgery.
Good physical therapy, for most conditions, should include both hands on manipulation of joints and tissue, and exercises including exercises you can do at home.
It’s the best way to avoid medications, injections, or surgery you may not need.
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Christopher DiPasquale, PhD, PT, OCS, SCS, CHT is a physical therapist at Performance Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine with offices in Hebron and Colchester, Connecticut. He is board certified by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties in Orthopedic Physical Therapy and Sports Physical Therapy and a Certified Hand Therapist by the Hand Therapy Certification Committee.
For more information visit pptsm.com or call the office: Colchester 860-537-3014 or Hebron 860-228-4883