Knee osteoarthritis treatment
MOVEMENT MECHANICS OSTEOPATHY AUCKLAND
Shockwave therapy has been shown to have modifying effects on cartilage and subchondral bone alterations in osteoarthritis progression, as well as improving chronic pain and joint mobility. We recommend combining EMS Dolorclast® shockwave therapy with traditional osteopathic management of knee OA for the best treatment outcomes.
Fast
Treatments typically take 5 to 15 minutes, depending on the treatment site.
Non-invasive
A great alternative to steroid injections and surgery.
Effective
Reduces the average pain score from 8/10 to 2/10 within 4 weekly sessions.
A Holistic approach to managing knee osteoarthritis
We combine shockwave therapy with exercise rehabilitation to manage pain, reduce symptoms, and improve joint function. Shockwave therapy is clinically proven to stimulate metabolic reactions that reduce pain felt by nerve fibres. Exercise prescription, including non-weight-bearing activities like swimming, helps with weight loss, maintains muscle strength, and improves the mobility of arthritic joints. Maintaining a healthy body weight is crucial, as it reduces stress on weight-bearing joints like hips and knees; even a 10% weight loss can significantly reduce pain by more than half.
What is osteoarthritis or OA?
Osteoarthritis (OA), the most common degenerative joint disease, is characterised by chronic pain and joint restriction. It is a long-term condition that causes the gradual breakdown of soft tissue in certain joints. Treatment will focus on reducing pain and disability through lifestyle changes (diet, exercise), physical and occupational therapies, medication, and (in some cases) surgery. About one in ten adults in New Zealand are affected by the condition. In OA of the knee, pain can have multiple origins, such as mechanical strain, degeneration of tissues, inflammation, and oedema.
Osteopathy for knee osteoarthritis
Osteopathic treatment is highly effective in managing knee osteoarthritis, especially when combined with EMS Shockwave therapy. Our osteopathic practitioners use a combination of manual techniques, exercise prescriptions, and patient education to alleviate pain, enhance joint function, and improve overall well-being. Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT) techniques, including soft tissue mobilisation, joint mobilisation, and muscle energy techniques (MET), work to enhance joint mobility, reduce pain, and restore musculoskeletal balance. High-velocity, low-amplitude thrust techniques apply quick, controlled movements to specific joints to improve mobility and pain, with research supporting their effectiveness in knee osteoarthritis when applied to adjacent joints. Strengthening exercises, particularly for the quadriceps, support joint stability and reduce pain, while low-impact aerobic activities like walking, swimming, or cycling improve cardiovascular fitness and joint health. Balance and proprioception training further enhance joint stability, reduce fall risk, and improve functional outcomes in individuals with knee osteoarthritis.
How can Shockwave Therapy help knee osteoarthritis
The treatment of knee osteoarthritis can include both pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical methods, such as EMS Shockwave Therapy. While the focus is often on addressing pain, it is crucial to select treatments that tackle the underlying causes. Radial Shockwave Therapy (RSWT) is an effective, minimally invasive option that reduces pain and inflammation without side effects. RSWT, a specific type of extracorporeal shock wave therapy, uses radial shock waves to stimulate the body’s natural healing processes, enhance blood flow, and reduce inflammation, making it particularly effective for knee osteoarthritis. It helps improve mobility, promotes healing, and is supported by extensive clinical evidence demonstrating its efficacy and safety in treating various musculoskeletal conditions.
Through the use of exercise, diet and other proven non-operative treatments for osteoarthritis, you can stay active, or get back to being active again. You will be guided and supported through a programme designed specifically for you by our team of experienced osteopaths, whose aim is to improve your wellbeing.