Is the pain in your knee or hip stopping you from doing the things you love? Are you no longer you because of these symptoms? Or, have you been diagnosed with arthritis and have been told that there is nothing you can do about it? Keep reading. You may be surprised about what the newer research on osteoarthritis is showing.

Most people are familiar with the term arthritis. However, it is very misunderstood when it comes to pain. As we age, our tissues change, including our joints. We use our bodies every day so there will be signs of “wear and repair.” If you take an x-ray of anyone over 40 years old and look at their knees or hips you will find changes on their image. The medical community used to believe that these changes were the cause of pain. However, recent studies of people who have NO PAIN have the same changes on their image. In fact, more people have osteoarthritis and no pain than people who have it with pain. This suggests you can have joint changes and no pain!

Lets use a different example. Everyone knows that as we age, we develop wrinkles and our hair turns grey (or falls out). We accept this as a normal part of aging. If someone had face pain, it would be very silly to say their pain is due to their wrinkles. Mild to moderate joint changes (osteoarthritis) are wrinkles on the inside.  This is why there is disconnect with the structural changes on imaging and with the level of pain experienced. This is good news because osteoarthritis is not modifiable, but there are modifiable factors that will positively impact your pain. Lets focus on the modifiable factors next.

There are 4 different modifiable factors that research supports to improve hip and knee pain related to osteoarthritis; movement and/or physical activity, weight loss, education, and improvement in overall health. The research is clear that movement and physical activity are extremely beneficial for mild to moderate OA.  You got to get active (Start TODAY!). There is a misconception that being active is harmful when you have osteoarthritis. Research clearly shows that movement is safe and you will NOT cause more damage. The weakness and deconditioning from being inactive is MORE of a risk factor for the progression of pain. In fact, exercises can decrease osteoarthritis pain by up to 25-40%.  A recent study on the impact of education and a supervised exercise program found total knee replacements were avoided 68-74% of the time.

When arthritis is severe and is impacting function, joint replacements are indicated. Following joint replacement surgery, it is imperative that post-surgical rehab is fully completed.  Rehab will focus on restoring range of motion, strengthening supporting muscles, walking mechanics, and slowly returning back to the functional activities you love.  If these impairments are not addressed, it could lead to long standing functional deficits.

We hear you, and we understand. We get to listen to stories just like yours every day. Stories of people who have hip and knee OA and don’t know what to do, or who have been lost in the medical system.  You may have even failed to respond to traditional physical therapy or chiropractic care, but that’s okay!  Don’t lose hope.  Contact us today to see if you are a good canadate for conservative care. 

The final result of working with us, is you get your life back.  At OneAccord we know that “Movement is life, exercise is your friend. . . and we are here to guide you get back to pain-free living, without surgery or drugs.”

Do NOT delay and let knee or hip arthritis pain continue stealing from your future. The longer you wait, the longer it will take to get back to the life you desire. You deserve to enjoy the activities and relationships that are important to you.