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+++++++++++++++++++++++++ +++ +++ +++++++++++++++++++++++++ PAIN MANAGEMENT + + Conservative Management OF KNEE OSTEOARTHRITIS By Cody Barnett, P.T. O STEOARTHRITIS OF THE knee is a common problem encountered with an aging U.S. population. Research has shown, however, that patients with osteoarthritis of the knee benefi t from physical therapy. In a 2001 study of 146 patients with knee osteoarthritis who participated in a regular physical therapy program, quadriceps strength, walking speed and health-related qual- ity of life all improved. The program lasted eight weeks, and its gains were maintained for at least eight more weeks. Small group physical therapy versus individualized treatment showed no signifi cant difference. The above study certainly supports the hypothesis that physical therapy is benefi - cial for patients with osteoar thr it is. More recently, the Ot t awa M e t h o d s G r o u p e x a mi n e d this hypoth- esis in greater detail. It used The Cochrane Col laborat ion methods to exam- ine the benefits of exercise and manual therapy in patients with osteo- arthritis in any stage. Ultimately, they chose 26 research articles that met the controlled and ran- domized criteria. Of these, 13 reviewed articles resulted in a "Grade A" recommendation, and three resulted in a "Grade C+" recommendation in favor of the use of exercise (primarily strength- ening) and manual therapy for the management of patients with osteoarthritis. MDNEWS.COM MD NEWS Greater Kansas | 5 Physical therapists specialize in pre- scribing therapeutic exercise and treating osteoarthritis patients with manual therapy techniques to achieve the objec- tives of decreasing pain and improving function. Clinically, we have found that patient education is the key to teach- ing patients helpful self-management techniques. A conservative course of physical therapy is a good option for many seniors who complain of pain with routine daily activities, such as transfers, climbing stairs, walking and recreation. Cody Barnett, P.T., is in private practice in Wichita, KS. He specializes in the treatment of orthopedic and musculoskeletal injuries with a special emphasis in lower body biome- chanics, pediatric and adult sports injuries, and neck and back pain. He may be reached at www.BodyworxPhysicalTherapy.net or (316) 558-8808. s References: Fransen M, Crosbie J, Edmonds J. Physical therapy is effective for patients with osteoarthritis of the knee: a randomized controlled clinical trial. J Rheumatol. 2001 Jan; 28(1):156-64. Ottawa Panel Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guidelines for Therapeutic Exercises and Manual Therapy in the Management of Osteoarthritis. Phys Ther Vol 85, 9, 2005 Sept.