There is a widespread belief that there is a high discordance between clinical and radiographic knee osteoarthritis. Knee pain is an imprecise marker of radiographic knee osteoarthritis, meaning knee pain does not imply knee joint damage. Likewise, nor does radiographic evidence of knee osteoarthritis mean you have or will have knee pain or disability.
What Do We Want To Know As Your Treating Physiotherapist?
1. Impairments: Pain, stiffness, weakness, muscle tightness and how these might be aggravated or relieved
2. Movement: Does your knee affect your ability to shower, walk, get up out of a chair or climb stairs?
3. Interruption to your normal day: Does your knee stop you from participating in work, leisure or social activities?
A compressive assessment includes a thorough history and physical examination. Early recognition of the above factors will help in developing an individualised care plan, and in identifying other care that may benefit to you. All with the use of unnecessary x-rays, CT scans, ultrasounds and MRI's.
As a musculoskeletal chiropractor based in Penrith, Toby uses techniques proven to work for your knee OA and this will include land based exercise, joint mobility movements and weight loss advice. The aim is to reduce pain, improve range of motion and to increase muscular strength and endurance.
At Sydney Muscle & Joint Clinic our approach is consistent, high quality and based on the best scientific knowledge. We deliver evidence-based physiotherapy, exercise physiology and chiropractic for a range of musculoskeletal conditions, which means you get an approach that is effective, safe, and efficient. Contact your local Penrith physio today.
Bedson J, Croft PR. The discordance between clinical and radiographic knee osteoarthritis: a systematic search and summary of the literature. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders 2008; 9: 116.