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Exercise programs help provide pain relief among patients with osteoarthritis
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A well-designed exercise program prescribed prior to referral for orthopedic surgery can play a key role in reducing waiting lists and lead to better selections of patients likely to benefit from surgery, according to a presenter at the EFORT Congress in Istanbul.
Ewa M. Roos, PT, PhD, of the Institute of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics and faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Southern Denmark, Odense, said it is paramount patients with osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee and hip be prescribed exercise regimes tailored to their individual needs.
“The current evidence supports exercise as a safe and effective intervention for OA patients. Based on that evidence and clinical experience I would recommend a 6-week supervised, individualized exercise program for all patients with hip and knee osteoarthritis, together with information on their condition and weight loss where relevant,” Roos said.
Since their condition could mean a shortened lifespan, patients need to understand the benefits of an exercise regimen, such as strength and neuromuscular training, Roos said. Orthopaedic surgeons and physical therapists can help inform and prescribe an exercise regimen that suits patients’ lifestyles and conditions and to help postpone total joint replacement. An exercise regimen should be prescribed before and after total joint replacement and will help the patient avoid arthroscopic surgery and pain, according to Roos.
“Orthopedic surgeons and physical therapists should collaborate for optimized treatment of the OA patient, and a great majority of patients should be treated in primary care,” Roos said.
Reference:
Roos EM. Exercise as a means of pain relief for patients with osteoarthritis. Presented at: EFORT Congress; June 5-8,2013; Istanbul.
Disclosure: Roos has no relevant financial disclosures.