Title : A forgotten component of knee osteoarthritis
Abstract:
The term, “Degenerative Changes,” have been noted by many Chronic Pain Specialists to be associated with worse outcomes, yet the word “degeneration” is in the diagnosis. What can rehab do with a process that is degenerative (read as “inevitable”), likely progressive, and expected to worsen over time? This can tend to sound a bit hopeless – is a Knee Replacement Surgery the only option? While there have been many advancements in technology and surgical techniques, we will explore research and practice guidelines for the rehabilitative management of Knee Osteoarthritis and propose some specific types of exercise that are well tolerated for the patient with DJD / OA. Appropriate management may even prolong function and delay the progression of degenerative changes. Could this change our messaging or how we practice? We will view up-to-date research and clinical case studies to highlight alternatives to current rehabilitation models.
