Did you know knee osteoarthritis is the leading cause of lower extremity disability?
Osteoarthritis is defined as degeneration of joint cartilage and the underlying bone. Some risk factors that increase your risk of having osteoarthritis are age, history of trauma to a joint repetitive activity and obesity. People who suffer from osteoarthritis usually have muscles weakness, altered muscle function, increased joint stiffness and lower aerobic fitness.
Research suggests that exercise and education on weight-loss is the first line of treatment for osteoarthritis. The most beneficial forms of exercise include; flexibility training (stretching), strength training (squats) and cardiovascular training (bike/walking).
Physiotherapists are equipped with skills to assess and treat people who suffer from osteoarthritis of the knee.
Physiotherapy includes techniques to help the joint move better through massage and joint mobilizations as well as providing you with a specific exercise program that is tailored to your needs and to make it the most enjoyable for you.
Kristy Maksymyk, Physiotherapist