logoPhysical Therapy Associates
 of Schenectady, P.C.
Injury Prevention Tips and News

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Did you know that
approximately 19 million visits are made to doctors' offices each year for knee problems?


   Office Locations
 
Schenectady
1533 Union Street
Schenectady, NY 12309
(518) 381-9166
 
Scotia/Glenville
42 Saratoga Rd.
Glenville,NY 12302
(518) 399-6861
 
Rotterdam/Guilderland
3434 Carman Rd.
Schenectady, NY 12303
(518) 356-7445
 
Clifton Park
17 Halfmoon Executive  Park  Dr.
Clifton Park, NY 12065
(518) 371-6777
 
Latham
1182 Troy Schenectady Rd
Suite LL02
Latham, NY 12110
(518)220-9705
 
Troy
1 Conway Court
Troy, NY 12180
(518) 273-2715
 
West Sand Lake
43 Mall
West Sand Lake, NY 12196
(518) 674-1744  

Amsterdam
178 Clizbe Ave 
Amsterdam, NY 12010
(518) 842-1425
 
Tamarac
Tamarac Plaza
PO Box 118
3991 State Rte. 2
Cropseyville, NY 12052
(518) 279-4610

Ballston Spa
220 Church Ave.
Ballston Spa, NY 12020
(518) 885-1541

 
Hand Therapy at Guilderland Accepting New Patients
 
 
Located within our Rotterdam/Guilderland office is Hand Therapy at Guilderland. Sheryl Sturn OTR/L, CHT is available for all hand therapy needs.
 
Call 630-6167
to schedule an appointment.

 

 

       March 2013 
 
Knee Arthroscopy vs.
Physical Therapy
 
     
    Knee arthroscopy is a common procedure done daily in the United States. Arthroscopy is a common surgical procedure in which a joint (arthro-) is viewed (-scopy) using a small camera. Arthroscopy gives doctors a clear view of the inside of the knee. This helps them diagnose and treat knee problems (courtesy of AAOS.com). Doctors then use special tools that they pass through portals (metal tubes) to clean out degenerative cartilage or meniscus tears.
Knee Arthroscopy 
A 2011 study found that the knee arthroscopy rate in the United States was more than twofold higher than in England or Ontario, Canada, in 2006! (PubMed.gov) The increased incidence of this procedure has called into question its effectiveness and necessity.
    Knee arthroscopy is often done for meniscus (cartilage) tears or degenerative changes. Some studies have shown that individuals without knee pain still have degenerative changes in their knees on X-ray. This calls into question how significant degenerative changes are as pain sources in some individuals.
    A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine in March 2013 further called into question the effectiveness of arthroscopic surgery for the knee when compared to physical therapy. Individuals in the study were divided into two groups. One group received physical therapy alone, the second had surgery followed by postoperative physical therapy. The researchers found that at 6 and 12 months post the outcomes were similar between the two groups. These results indicate that in many patients with knee osteoarthritis and meniscal symptoms, surgery followed by a standardized physical-therapy program may not provide added benefits over physical therapy alone. Physical therapy is less invasive than surgery and much more cost effective for the patient and their insurer. With the Affordable Care Act on the horizon insurance companies will be looking for cost effective conservative care options even more. Physical therapists are a vital part of conservative care for musculoskeletal conditions and should be among the first choices to treat knee pain.


Rehabilitation for Knee Pain 

 

Rehabilitation for knee pain whether it is from arthritis or a suspected/confirmed meniscal tear usually is broken into 3 phases. Total rehab time varies depending on the extent of injury and the individual. Typically it can last 4-8 weeks.   

   

 

Phase one- concentrates on reducing pain/inflammation
E-Stim for Muscle re-educatio
and keeping any swelling under control. Exercises are prescribed in order to aid this. Manual therapy techniques and modalities such as ice or E-Stim may also be used.

 

 

 

Phase two- emphasizes restoration of muscle strength and endurance as well gaining full and painless range of motion. Use of modalities should be tapered off as manual therapy  techniques and specific exercises are emphasized.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Phase three- emphasis here is on maintenance of range of motion, enhancing muscle strength and endurance. Gradual return to sports/recreational activities is also a goal here. Specific exercises are prescribed to be continued after discharge.                                

 

 

 

 

We Want To Hear From You 
We want our newsletter to be specific to the needs of our clients. We would like your help to do this. Please feel free to email any requests for specific topics to be addressed or questions you might have regarding physical therapy and we will do our best to address them in upcoming newsletters. Email requests to [email protected] attn. Kevin.