Using Sports Physiotherapy to Combat Knee Osteoarthritis: Time for Athletes

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a common condition, particularly among athletes and active individuals. It occurs when the cartilage in the knee joint breaks down over time, pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. While OA is more common as people age, it can also develop in younger athletes due to overuse, previous injuries, or genetic predisposition. Fortunately, sports physiotherapy offers an effective solution to manage knee OA, reduce symptoms, and help athletes maintain their active lifestyle. In this article, we’ll explore how Sports physiotherapy Edmonton can combat knee osteoarthritis and improve quality of life for athletes.

Understanding Knee Osteoarthritis

Knee osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease where the cartilage that cushions the knee joint wears away, bone-on-bone contact. This can cause pain, swelling, stiffness, and decreased range of motion. For athletes, knee OA can be especially challenging, as it impacts their performance and ability to engage in sports.

The key risk factors for knee OA in athletes include:

Previous injuries: ACL tears, meniscus damage, and fractures can lead to an increased risk of developing OA.

Overuse: Repetitive motions or high-impact activities can cause stress on the knee joint over time.

Age: While OA is more common in older adults, athletes may experience earlier onset due to the demands placed on their joints.

How Sports Physiotherapy Helps Combat Knee Osteoarthritis

Sports physiotherapy is an essential part of managing knee osteoarthritis. A physiotherapist can design a personalized treatment plan that focuses on reducing pain, improving strength, and enhancing joint function. 

Pain Management:

One of the primary goals of sports physiotherapy is to manage and alleviate pain. Techniques such as ice, heat therapy, ultrasound, and TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) are used to reduce inflammation and relieve pain. Manual therapy, including joint mobilizations and soft tissue massage, can also help ease discomfort and improve joint movement.

Strengthening Muscles Around the Knee:

Strengthening the muscles surrounding the knee joint is crucial for managing OA. Strong quadriceps, hamstrings, and calf muscles help reduce the load on the knee joint, providing better stability and support. A physiotherapist will prescribe targeted exercises to improve muscle strength, which can help prevent further joint damage and reduce pain.

Improving Range of Motion:

Knee OA can lead to stiffness and a limited range of motion. Physiotherapists use specific exercises and stretches to improve flexibility and restore mobility to the knee joint. This enables athletes to perform daily activities and sports movements with greater ease.

Conclusion

Sports physiotherapy is an invaluable tool for athletes dealing with knee osteoarthritis. Through a combination of pain management, strengthening exercises, mobility improvements, and movement retraining, physiotherapists help athletes manage their condition, stay active, and continue to enjoy the sports they love. At Next Step Physiotherapy in Edmonton, our team of experts is dedicated to helping athletes overcome the challenges of knee OA and improve their quality of life. If you’re experiencing knee pain or suspect that you may have knee osteoarthritis, contact us today to learn how physiotherapy can help you maintain an active, healthy lifestyle.

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