PIllar 4: Get it Strong
Customizing your Knee OA Program
While generalized exercise programs have their place, our experience is that the best Knee Osteoarthritis exercise programs are developed after full assessment by a physiotherapist. Every individual has their own uniqueness that will either subtlety or substantially change the exercise we recommend for them. A physiotherapist can assess your unique areas of strength and weakness, your goals, your preferences and your resources so that the choice of exercise is placed in the context of that information.
If you have resources to do so, we recommend this as the top option. If not, proceed to options 2 and 3 for more generalized programs that will also give you benefit.
What can you expect from a physiotherapy assessment and exercise program?
A review of your knee osteoarthritis history, general health conditions, imaging, treatment to date
A discussion of your goals - what activities would you really like to get back to?
A review of your preferences and resources - do you want to do your exercise program at home? At a gym? Alone? In a group? What works best for you?
A physical assessment of your knee and lower extremities in general - what muscles have been affected the most? Where are you weak? What influence might your hips and feet have on your knee strain? How is your balance and joint control?
Baseline measures to keep track of your progress (Outcome scores, Range of Motion, Strength)
An analysis of whether the compression, stability, or unload effects of bracing might reduce your pain and help you exercise
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Who is this option best for?
If we had our way, we would have everyone be assessed by a physiotherapist before they start exercising with Knee OA. Having said that, you may particularly want to choose this option
you have moderate to severe Knee Osteoarthritis
you any degree of Knee Osteoarthritis and are not familiar with exercising
you have actively painful Knee OA and would like some support and treatment to assist in starting their exercise program
you have tried an exercise program before and have had trouble controlling your pain levels
you who have extended health benefits or other funding - use these to optimize your care