Knee Osteoarthritis Orlando Treatment | Alternative Treatment To Avoid Surgery - Pursuit Physical Therapy
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Knee osteoarthritis pain…

Around a third of adults in the U.S. within the age range of 45-60 years currently deal with osteoarthritis (OA) – a high chronic pain contributor. OA is caused by cartilage degeneration, microscopic fractures alongside other factors and manifests as pain and stiffness within the joint. This manifestation leads to a pain barrier when attempting exercise and strength training.

Knee osteoarthritis treatments

Although there are currently no curative treatments, due to the discouragement of long term NSAID use, nonpharmacological treatments are available and preferred. A recent randomized clinical trial completed on the use of manual and needling therapy showed promise for those dealing with OA. Manual therapy allows for mobilization within the joints, while needling involves the insertion of a tiny needle into the muscles alongside the surrounding tissues and nerves to manage pain. Needling is considered a close relative to acupuncture, and can also utilize electrical simulation, also known as electric dry needling. In the case of this particular trial, the use of both electric dry needling with manual therapy were proven to be effective when the needling was performed 1-2 times a week over the course of 6 weeks paralleling the use of manual therapy performed separately.

Why use Electro Dry Needling when treating knee osteoarthritis?

In treating OA of the knee specifically, it is important to reach the proper depth with the needle to cause the proper effect. Targeting the right muscles, trigger points, tendons, and bone allows for proper depth of the needle to be reached. The results found upon using this method have provided a significant amount of improvement for patients dealing with the physical effect of OA in the knee. Electro Dry Needling helps decrease pain at 3 levels…the brain, spinal cord, and in the peripheral tissue.  This relief occurs upon the electrical stimulation caused by the needle leading to the release of pain substances from the targeted area leading to the dilation of the blood vessels enhancing circulation and decreasing inflammation.
Reference:
Dunning, J., Butts, R., et. al. (2017, September 26). Periosteal Electric Dry Needling for Knee Osteoarthritis: Effectiveness & Mechanisms. Osteopractic Physical Therapy. https://osteopractor.wordpress.com/2017/09/26/periosteal-electric-dry-needling-for-knee-osteoarthritis-effectiveness-mechanisms/