OSTEOPATHY AUCKLAND
Knee osteoarthritis treatment
Improve your quality of life with a holistic approach to knee osteoarthritis with Osteopathy and Shockwave Therapy
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.
Personalised management just for you
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.
Pain management
We combine shockwave therapy with exercise rehabilitation to help reduce pain. Shockwave therapy is clinically proven to stimulate metabolic reactions, which result in the reduction of pain felt by nerve fibres.
Exercise prescription
Exercise can assist with weight loss and the maintenance of muscle strength, and the mobility of arthritic joints. Non-weight-bearing exercises such as swimming are recommended.
Weight management
Maintaining a healthy body weight will reduce stress on weight-bearing joints like hips and knees. A weight loss of 10% can reduce pain by more than half.
What is Osteoarthritis?
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 can be extremely beneficial in managing knee osteoarthritis, particularly when combined with EMS Shockwave therapy. Our Osteopathic practitioners employ a combination of manual techniques, exercise prescription, and patient education to address pain, improve joint function, and enhance overall well-being.
Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT): OMT techniques, such as soft tissue mobilisation, joint mobilisation, and muscle energy techniques (MET), can help improve joint mobility, reduce pain, and restore balance in the musculoskeletal system
High-Velocity, Low-Amplitude Thrust Techniques: These techniques involve a quick and controlled movement applied to specific joints to improve joint mobility and reduce pain. Research supports the use of thrust techniques in improving pain and function in knee osteoarthritis when applied to adjacent joints.
Strengthening Exercises: Targeted exercises to strengthen the muscles around the knee joint, particularly the quadriceps, can help support joint stability and reduce pain. Evidence suggests that strengthening exercises can improve pain, physical function, and quality of life in individuals with knee osteoarthritis.
Aerobic Exercise: Low-impact aerobic activities, such as walking, swimming, or cycling, can improve cardiovascular fitness and overall joint health without excessive stress on the knee joint.
Balance and Proprioception Training: Exercises focusing on improving balance and proprioception can enhance joint stability, reduce the risk of falls, and improve functional outcomes in individuals with knee osteoarthritis.
How can shockwave help Knee Osteoarthritis?
Treatment of knee osteoarthritis can include both pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical methods, such as EMS Shockwave Therapy. The tendency is often to treat the dominating symptom, in this case, pain, but not its cause. Therefore, picking a treatment method that tackles the underlying cause of pain is important. Radial Shockwave Therapy effectively reduces pain and inflammation with no side effects.
Radial shock wave therapy (RSWT) is a specific type of extracorporeal shock wave therapy that uses radial shock waves to treat musculoskeletal disorders. It is a minimally invasive treatment option that is particularly effective for knee osteoarthritis, as it can help reduce pain, improve mobility, and promote healing. RSWT works by delivering radial shock waves to the affected area, which stimulate the body's natural healing processes, enhance blood flow, and reduce inflammation. This type of shock wave therapy is a well-studied and widely used treatment modality, supported by numerous clinical studies and a growing body of evidence that demonstrate its efficacy and safety in treating a variety of musculoskeletal conditions.
