If you have knee pain, physical therapy from MyoFit just might be the best option to avoid surgery

By Dr. Adam Cramer, PT, DPT; MyoFit Clinic

The knee is one of the most used joints in the body, and its structure can withstand the repetitive stress of day-to-day use. But when the knee is pushed beyond its limits or turned in a direction it isn’t meant to turn, pain and injury can be the result. If this happens, physical therapy is the best first option for treatment.

At MyoFit physical therapy clinics, knee pain is one of the most common conditions we treat.

Treating Knee Pain
For many, the first step following a knee injury is to consult with a surgeon even though they prefer not to have surgery.

If you’re having difficulty walking because of pain, consult a specialist who focuses on improving walking and reducing pain without surgical intervention, such as an independent physical therapist. A physical therapist should be the first point of contact for pain, especially knee pain.

By consulting with an independent physical therapist, there is no conflict of interest like in orthopedic surgical groups and hospital systems. Independent physical therapists focus only on cost-effective, low-risk physical therapy treatment and not potentially higher-cost, higher-risk surgical procedures.

No referral is needed for physical therapy in the state of Ohio and your medical insurance will cover the cost of treatment.

MRIs and X-rays are usually not needed to diagnose injuries, especially knee pain, when we all have abnormalities within our joints and imaging can often produce false positives resulting in unnecessary surgeries.

Steroid injections and other injections have demonstrated ineffectiveness with not properly addressing the functional limitations (lack of motion and strength) that an individual with knee pain has. Based on evidence, steroid injections can actually deteriorate tendons, promote cartilage loss and create bone fractures under the cartilage in the joint. Injections do absolutely nothing to correct the underlying problem in the first place. They just treat the symptoms.

Addressing the Underlying Cause of Knee Pain
The underlying problem with most joint pain is lack of motion and strength. If you work at improving how well you move, you will move better—plain and simple. Cartilage in joints is like a sponge. When it is used, it will soak up all the nutrients around it while getting rid of waste products in the joint that can degenerate cartilage further.

Movement is the key. By focusing on the structures that make us move, such as muscles, you will undoubtedly move better with less symptoms. When the knee is stressed through exercise, the strength of it is promoted, blood flow increases, oxygenation happens, and, ultimately, healing.

Physical therapy treatment for knee pain will include hands-on treatment to promote blood flow, healing and range of motion. Dry needling will help reduce pain while promoting healing and muscle contraction. Therapeutic exercise will promote strengthening and stabilization of the knee joint to reduce excessive shearing/rotational forces that can lead to further damage.

You will have a thorough understanding of how to maintain and treat your symptoms independently. By seeing an independent doctor of physical therapy first, who is not affiliated with a hospital or surgeon, you will reach your goals fast—avoiding surgery altogether.

Adam M. Cramer, PT, DPT is a licensed doctor of physical therapy and the founder of MyoFit Clinic in Chardon (440-286-1007), Middlefield (440-632-1007) and Ashtabula (440-993-1004). Physical therapy and preventive checkups are covered by insurance, and the clinics accept Medicare, Medicaid and all commercial insurance. Visit MyoFitClinic.com to find out more.