Are you struggling with arthritis-related knee pain? This is a common experience, especially as you get older. Unfortunately, many people don’t realize that physical therapy offers an all-natural approach to managing arthritis symptoms–but that’s why we want to share Mark’s story with you!
Mark (not his real name) is a recent patient of ours who developed knee osteoarthritis in his 50s. Through a personalized treatment program, the Comber Physical Therapy Fusion Chiropractic team helped him effectively manage his symptoms so he could stay active and maintain a high quality of life.
Keep reading to learn more!
How Mark Found Relief from Arthritis-Related Knee Pain
Recognizing Knee Osteoarthritis
When Mark turned 55, he started noticing a dull ache in his right knee whenever he engaged in activity. At first, he brushed it off as a normal part of aging. But over time, the pain became more persistent, making it difficult to enjoy his weekend pickleball sessions. He also noticed these symptoms:
- Knee stiffness first thing in the morning
- Swelling around his knee joint
- A grinding sensation when he bent his knee
Eventually, Mark learned that he had developed osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint condition that occurs when the cartilage in the knee gradually wears down. Without this protective cushion, bones rub against each other, leading to pain, stiffness, and inflammation.
There’s currently no cure for OA. However, Mark was pleased to learn that proper management can slow its progression and improve his function. He scheduled an appointment with Comber Physical Therapy Fusion Chiropractic so he wouldn’t have to manage his arthritis-related knee pain on his own.
Mark’s Personalized Treatment Program
Our goal with Mark was to strengthen the muscles surrounding his knee joint, improving his knee’s range of motion and reducing stress on the knee. To accomplish this, we created a personalized treatment program that consisted of the following:
Manual Therapy
- Manual therapy involves several hands-on techniques that improve joint function and relieve discomfort. For Mark, we focused on:
- Joint mobilization to enhance movement and reduce stiffness
- Soft tissue manipulation to improve circulation and decrease muscle tension
Mobility Work
- Stiffness made it difficult for Mark to fully bend his knee, which made it difficult for Mark to get active. We incorporated targeted mobility stretches into his routine to help improve his range of motion and allow for better movement.
Targeted Strength Training
- Weak muscles around the knee can increase joint stress, worsening pain. To counteract this, we introduced Mark to low-impact strengthening exercises that targeted his quadriceps, hamstrings, and calf muscles, helping to stabilize his knee.
Chiropractic Care for Additional Support
- Since Comber Physical Therapy Fusion Chiropractic also offers chiropractic care, Mark explored additional treatment options to complement his physical therapy. Chiropractic adjustments helped align his knee and hip, reducing unnecessary strain on his joints. This combined approach allowed him to experience better pain relief and improved movement.
Mark’s Progress: A Life with Less Pain
After several weeks of working with Comber Physical Therapy Fusion Chiropractic, Mark noticed significant improvements. His knee felt more stable, and he could walk longer distances without discomfort. He even returned to his weekend pickleball sessions—something he thought he’d have to give up.
With continued therapy, Mark learned how to manage his arthritis-related knee pain through consistent exercise, proper movement mechanics, and lifestyle adjustments. His journey showed that with the right support, knee osteoarthritis doesn’t have to mean giving up the activities you love.
Take the Next Step Toward Knee Pain Relief
If knee osteoarthritis is making daily life difficult, physical therapy can help. Our Williamsburg, VA clinic’s team of physical therapists and chiropractors creates personalized treatment plans to relieve pain, improve mobility, and keep you moving. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and start your journey toward arthritis relief!
Tags: physical therapy, Joint pain relief, knee osteoarthritis, pain management
