Knee arthritis is a common complaint that walks into doctors offices and therapy clinics across the country. Every person with knee pain over the age of 20 thinks they have knee “arthritis”. Many think that is their problem because of a friend or family member said it must be so. Genetics can play a role, but doesn’t always. People also feel because they have “arthritis” they can no longer be active. That they are resigned to inactivity.

Why???

Because some doctor who did not even take the time to listen to their story, only looked at an x-ray of their knee said their problem was “arthritis” and nothing can be done….Except wait to have a knee replacement. This person leaves scared and confused and searches Dr. Google. What will they find? Thousands of articles, stories, random garbage painting a bleak picture (some will be good- don’t get me wrong). So what does the person do? Sits and waits for the inevitable knee replacement, avoiding once enjoyable activities, taking medication to keep the pain at bay, watching life pass by.

But it does NOT have to be like this…

Successful treatment and the ability to resume many enjoyable activities is possible. A person no longer has to be limited by their knee(s). They no longer need to rely upon pain medications or injections that only put a band-aide on the situation. Interested in the solution???

To begin with, understand that “arthritis” is just normal aging of the joints (wrinkles on the inside). Simply because some picture shows changes in a joint does not mean IT is the cause of pain (but doctors will tell you so)….BECAUSE there is BIG money in medication interventions (surgery). This is a cynical viewpoint I know – but that does not mean my assertion is wrong. I cannot begin to tell you the number of stories of individuals who were told they have arthritis when they were not even complaining of joint pain. Just why the #$%^ are doctors telling people this, when if they would actually listen and examine the person, they would know the issue was something else.

Next, DO NOT, I repeat DO NOT wait until you feel horribly limited or in pain to seek help. The best time to address ANY muscle or joint issue is early. So those small aches or stiffness or slight trouble with stairs, getting up from a chair or other you feel in your 40s should be dealt with then, not when you are 60 and STRUGGLING a great deal. If you must ask the why…that is because the body adapts (and not always in a good way). Over time, our bodies will find a new way to accomplish a task (even a sub-optimal way). It will then be more difficult to regain the proper patterns again.

The Answer beyond just getting help…

In many (most) cases getting a program developed specifically for you that helps to improve your lower body strength, flexibility, and balance is key. The specifics for you may be different then for the next person. But I can almost guarantee that anyone who takes the initiative to improve in these domains under the guidance of a professional will find great improvement in their life. This is not to say you will need to be seen 3x/wk for 6 wks to find improvement; rather once you learn the program…a good deal can be completed at home or gym on your own. Its true…people who achieve success are those who are willing to put in the work own their own once they learn the program.

I am sure this did not answer all your questions; if you have more, why not start HERE for some more helpful advice. Or call 717-440-6197 to get more specific answers to the questions you have.