Management of Knee Osteoarthritis

Course overview

This Practical takes clinicians through the key first and second line treatment options for patients with knee osteoarthritis. Multiple international clinical practice guidelines strongly recommend exercise-therapy and education for all patients with knee osteoarthritis regardless of disease severity. Exercises should be individualized and targeted to address patients' impairments and should be progressed over time. Examples of specific key exercises are demonstrated with suggested progressions and modifications. Providing the patient with education about how best to self-manage their disease is critical. In order to do this, it is necessary to understand the patients' prior beliefs about osteoarthritis and exercise. Specific behaviour change techniques, such as motivational interviewing or goal setting, are discussed. Second line treatments including manual therapy and taping techniques are also demonstrated.