Managing Knee Arthritis with Physical Therapy

Your Path to Pain-Free Living

Living with knee arthritis can be a daily struggle, impacting your quality of life and mobility. But there’s hope. At Preferred Physical Therapy, we specialize in helping individuals like you manage knee arthritis effectively through physical therapy. 

Our therapists are experts in the identification and treatment of knee arthritis, with a focus on the pivotal role that exercise and targeted therapy techniques play in alleviating pain and improving your overall well-being. Our goal is to empower you with the knowledge and support needed to regain your active lifestyle.

Understanding Knee Arthritis    

Knee arthritis is a widespread condition that occurs when the protective cartilage in the knee joint wears away over time. This results in pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. Let’s explore how you can identify and manage knee arthritis through physical therapy:

Step 1: Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms

The first step in managing knee arthritis is recognizing the telltale signs and symptoms:

• Persistent knee pain that is often worse after periods of inactivity.

• Swelling and tenderness in the knee joint.

• Difficulty in bending or straightening the knee.

• A grating sensation during knee movement.

• Reduced range of motion in the knee joint.

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, seeking guidance from our skilled physical therapists is crucial! 

Step 2: Consultation with a Physical Therapist

When knee pain becomes a persistent issue, it’s time to consult one of our physical therapists, who is experienced in arthritis management. Our team of skilled therapists will conduct a thorough evaluation to assess the extent of your knee arthritis. This assessment includes a comprehensive physical examination and may involve reviewing imaging tests like X-rays or MRI scans.

Step 3: Personalized Physical Therapy Plans

Following your evaluation, our physical therapists will create a tailored treatment plan that suits your unique needs. Physical therapy plays a pivotal role in managing knee arthritis, offering a range of benefits:

• Pain Management: Techniques like manual therapy and modalities to help alleviate pain and reduce inflammation.

• Mobility: Stretching routines enhance joint mobility, reduce stiffness, and improve overall function.

• Strengthening: Targeted exercises are designed to strengthen the muscles around your knee, providing better support and stability.

• Balance and Coordination: Balance exercises are incorporated to enhance stability and coordination, reducing the risk of falls.

• Education: Our physical therapists provide valuable education on arthritis management, teaching you how to protect your joints during daily activities.

• Lifestyle Modifications: We work with you to make lifestyle adjustments, including activity modification and weight management, to reduce the strain on your knee joint.

Step 4: A Holistic Approach to Knee Arthritis

At Preferred Physical Therapy, we adopt a holistic approach to managing knee arthritis. Beyond addressing physical symptoms, we recognize the emotional and psychological impact of chronic pain. Our comprehensive support and education empower you to regain control of your life.

Step 5: Your Path to Pain-Free Living

Your journey to a pain-free life begins here. Our physical therapists are committed to helping you manage knee arthritis through physical therapy. Our compassionate team will guide you through each step of the process, focusing on reducing pain and improving your mobility.

The Benefits of Physical Therapy for Knee Arthritis    

Physical therapy offers numerous advantages for individuals dealing with knee arthritis:

• Non-Invasive: Unlike medications or injections, physical therapy is a non-invasive approach to pain management, emphasizing natural healing and improved function.

• Customized Care: Your physical therapy plan is tailored to your specific needs, addressing your unique challenges and goals.

• Prevention: Physical therapy focuses on injury prevention, reducing the risk of further damage to your knee joint.

Knee arthritis doesn’t have to dictate your life. At Preferred Physical Therapy, our dedicated team is here to help you understand, manage, and overcome the challenges posed by knee arthritis through physical therapy. By recognizing the signs, seeking professional evaluation, and embracing a personalized physical therapy plan, you can find relief, regain mobility, and enjoy a more active lifestyle.

Don’t let knee pain hold you back any longer. Contact us today and take the first step towards a pain-free future. Your journey to pain-free living starts with us, and we’re here to support you every step of the way!
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ANOTHER
5 STAR REVIEW

“As a healthcare professional, I would not hesitate to highly recommend this wonderful physical therapy facility. First of all, the entire staff is great & very kind! The therapist who treated me successfully is in my opinion BRILLIANT & a true expert in his chosen profession. His dedication for his patients’ welfare & wellness is exemplary!”

–Angela S., RN — Actual 5 Star Google Review  

Upcoming

MEMBERSHIP PROGRAM

Due to the ever-changing world of healthcare, and the field of physical therapy, Preferred Physical Therapy Associates has decided to establish a Membership Program, to maintain the high quality of care we have provided for 18 years. We believe this program will help us establish and maintain our relationships with our patients, build trust with our patients, and allow us to offer enhanced services to the Members. We believe this program will serve the best interests of both the practice and our Member patients. All patients of Preferred Physical Therapy Associates are eligible to become Members of the PT Program. In fact, we hope that all our patients become Members, although we do offer the option of opting out of Membership.

Membership Program

Click to find out more about the benefits of the Membership Program at Preferred Physical Therapy!

Reducing Knee Swelling

Proven Physical Therapy Techniques

In our commitment to helping individuals effectively manage knee arthritis, alleviating swelling is a crucial aspect of the process. At Preferred Physical Therapy, our skilled physical therapists use proven techniques and strategies to reduce swelling in the knee, ultimately enhancing your comfort and mobility. 

Let’s delve into these techniques in detail:

• Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD): MLD, a gentle massage technique, stimulates the lymphatic system to remove excess fluids and reduce knee swelling. 

• Compression: By using compression garments, bandages, or specialized units to apply mechanical compression, our physical therapists can effectively prevent fluid buildup, promote circulation, and reduce your swelling.

• Elevation: Proper elevation of the affected knee is a fundamental technique for reducing swelling. Physical therapists instruct patients to elevate the knee to at least 60 degrees (i.e., having your foot on the back of the couch or a physioball) to facilitate the drainage of excess fluid and the reduction of swelling.

• Active Motion: Physical therapists guide patients through controlled movements that promote fluid circulation within the knee, enhance joint mobility, and reduce swelling.

Reducing knee swelling is a critical component of effectively managing knee arthritis. Our dedicated physical therapists utilize a comprehensive range of proven techniques to help you alleviate swelling and improve your overall comfort and mobility. We are committed to assisting you in your journey toward a pain-free and active life.

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Feel Better by Eating Better!

Garlic Parmesan-Stuffed Mushrooms 

These garlic parmesan stuffed mushrooms are a flavor explosion in every bite! Loaded with garlic, cream cheese, parmesan cheese and fresh herbs, these mushrooms will be the first appetizer to go at your next gathering.


Directions:

Preheat oven to 350° F (180°C). Cut the stems off of each of the mushrooms and finely chop them, setting the mushroom caps aside for later. Heat the oil in a pan over high heat. Cook the chopped stems with the garlic, salt, and pepper for about six to eight minutes, constantly stirring. Remove from heat. In a medium bowl, combine cooked stems, cream cheese, breadcrumbs, half of the parmesan, parsley, salt, and pepper, mixing until evenly combined. Space out the mushroom caps evenly on a baking sheet, upside down. Spoon a generous amount of the cream cheese mixture on top of each mushroom. Top each mushroom with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese. Bake for 20 minutes. Garnish with a sprinkle of parsley, then serve!  

https://tasty.co/recipe/garlic-parmesan-stuffed-mushrooms

Ingredients

  • 15 mushrooms
  • 1 tbsp canola oil
  • 2 tbsp garlic, chopped
  • ½ tbsp kosher salt
  • ½ tbsp black pepper
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • ¼ cup italian breadcrumbs
  • ½ cup shredded parmesan cheese, divided
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, to garnish

Exercise of the Month

Knee Extension AROM

Start by sitting up straight on the edge of a table with your legs hanging off. Slowly extend one knee all the way until your leg is straight without letting your back round. Then, allow your knee to bend back down. Repeat with your other leg. Continue alternating as directed by your physical therapist. Perform 3 sets of 10 reps.

Meet Our Team

Let’s Get You Better ASAP!

Don’t let pain dictate your life. Take the first step towards reclaiming your mobility and well-being with our expert support. Start your journey to a healthier you today.

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