Arthritis is one of the most common causes of knee pain and discomfort in adults. Roughly 1 in 4 adults in the United States have been diagnosed with some form of arthritis, according to the CDC. Two of the most common varieties are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis is caused by natural degeneration of the cartilage between our joints as we age. Rheumatoid arthritis is an auto-immune condition that causes inflammation of the joints.

While there are several surgical options available for treating arthritis of the knee, surgery may not be the best option for some people. Surgery can be extremely costly, and recovery from knee surgery can take months. Many people often need to take prescription pain medication after surgery, which can come with unwanted side effects.

For patients looking for an option to rehabilitate their knee without surgery, physical therapy is proven to be an effective option. The aim of physical therapy is to reduce pain, increase mobility and improve overall function.

How can physical therapy help to rehabilitate an arthritic knee without surgery?

There are many ways that a qualified physical therapist can help to rehab an arthritic knee. Physical therapists use a variety of trusted techniques to help you return to your daily activities without the pain and stiffness of arthritis:

• Therapeutic exercise — A physical therapist can guide you through exercises designed to reduce pain in your knee. These exercises also increase mobility and restore function in your arthritic knee. They can also instruct you on exercises that you can do at home.
• Joint mobilization — Your therapist can help to mobilize your knee by applying manual pressure to the affected joint. They do this by deliberately moving and directing the joint in an effort to improve overall function.
• Manual therapy — Some forms of arthritis cause uncomfortable swelling around the joints. A physical therapist can use hands-on techniques to help increase circulation and reduce pain and swelling in the affected area. This can be done with their hands, or with specialized tools.

Can Franklin Rehab help to rehab my arthritic knee without surgery?

Our qualified team at Franklin Rehab is ready and willing to help treat the pain and stiffness in your knee. A consultation at our convenient clinic can help us to determine the best plan of treatment to suit your needs.

Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment.