How Unweighting Can Help Treat Knee Osteoarthritis
April 4, 2018
The ways we develop osteoarthritis of the knee are many. There’s the sports we play, the jobs we hold. For most of us, though, knee osteoarthritis develops as we age.
Who knew that knee cartilage had an expiration date?
Osteoarthritis is typically characterized by chronic pain, swelling, and stiffness. And it can limit our range of motion and ability to do even the most simple daily tasks. So, no matter the cause, the way we treat knee osteoarthritis can be the difference between a manageable condition and a painful one that inhibits our way of life.
Treatment Options for Knee Osteoarthritis
Unfortunately, there is no cure for osteoarthritis of the knee, and treatments will vary from case to case. Beyond a daily regimen of Tylenol, glucosamine and chondroitin, and a grin-and-bear-it attitude, physicians may recommend anything from lifestyle changes to arthroscopic surgery. Sometimes, osteoarthritis sufferers are advised to lose weight and avoid high-impact activities such as climbing, distance running, and sports.
Suffering from Knee Osteoarthritis? Try Unweighting Therapy
One way to reduce the impact exercise has on the knee is with unweighting therapy. Thanks to technologies like the AlterG® Anti-Gravity Treadmill™, physical therapists can reduce body-weight impact during walking and running, all while precisely monitoring pain levels.
Just check out this knee osteoarthritis case study. At the time of her initial treatment, this 71-year-old patient was reporting 5/10 pain levels for even basic daily activities like walking. By the end of her treatment regimen with AlterG Anti-Gravity Treadmill technology, this patient was nearly pain-free and able to return to one of her life’s passions: hiking.
Chronic conditions and severe injuries often require more than traditional physical therapy protocols. For patients suffering from knee osteoarthritis, unweighting therapy is a great place to start.