A progressive disease causing inflammation and degeneration of the bones that form the knee joint that worsens over time. Its progression is influenced by age, body mass index, bone structure, genetics, strength, and activity level. OA/DJD may also develop as a secondary condition following a traumatic knee injury. Knee OA/DJD leads to knee pain that is worsened during or following activity, particularly with walking, stairs, or standing from a sitting position. A feeling of grinding, popping, or cracking when moving the knee is not uncommon. People with knee OA/DJD also frequently complain of loss of knee range of motion, stiffness, and/or weakness in their thigh muscles.
The Physical Therapists at Apple Physical Therapy will design a personalized treatment plan specific to you and your injury that will include range of motion, stretching and strengthening exercises to improve mobility and strength in your knee, leg and core musculature to allow you to return to normal daily activity. We will include manual therapy techniques such as massage and stretching of the knee and surrounding muscles to restore normal motion. In patients with knee OA/DJD, the addition of manual therapy techniques to exercise has been shown to decrease pain and increase function. If necessary, your PT may elect to use modalities such as heat, ice and/or electrical stimulation to help reduce pain and ready the body for exercise.
With convenient locations in both Cherry Hill NJ and Marlton NJ, Apple Physical Therapy proudly serves such areas as Cherry Hill, Marlton, Medford, Voorhees, Mount Laurel, Maple Shade, Berlin, Moorestown and all of South Jersey’s Camden and Burlington counties. If you are looking for a Physical Therapist in the Cherry Hill area, we welcome you to our practice. Meet our team and schedule your appointment with us today!