Keeping up with the demands of our profession requires the ability to learn and grow. Our goal here at ProMet Physical Therapy is to inspire our community and give them a glimpse about what we are working on internally.
As Clinicians, our greatest priority is delivering high-quality care. Only by keeping up with innovations to our field are we able to bring that to you.
A recent 2020 article discussed the very common topic in healthcare: Should I receive “injections” for pain control?
Many individuals with joint pain—whether in their shoulder, back, hip or knee—seek out orthopedic assistance and guidance for their pain. It isn’t uncommon for them to be told they should receive injections to help with their pain.
In a key study entitled Physical Therapy versus Glucocorticoid Injection
for Osteoarthritis of the Knee, the researchers compared Physical therapy with steroid injections. One group attended PT and the other received steroid injections. Participants were anywhere from 35 to 80 years of age. On average, participants were 50 year old retirees from active duty. There were approximately an equal number of male and female participants.
The Takeaway Points!
The researchers measured each participant’s pain, stiffness, and ability to walk at certain time markers (2 weeks, 2 months, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year). Participants also answered questionnaires, revealing that PT was favored at all time points but was especially significant at the 6-month and 1-year marks.
Data revealed that patients did better with PT than with injections supported by the fact that they had less pain, stiffness and did better on functional tests, as well as the ability to walk pain-free.
In addition to these results, it was shown that PT provided short-term benefits that were at least, if not more effective as the injections. They were able to walk better with less pain and enjoyed greater mobility.
Some people are concerned that PT has to be done over countless sessions to see results. However, this study only further reinforced that this is a misconception. Participants were able to see and feel results in 2 to 12 visits.
Fun Facts!
Out of all patients with knee pain: 50 percent of patients get the injection and only 10 percent go to PT, despite the literature that shows its effectiveness.
Patients are typically not educated in PT on the reasons behind the stiffness and achiness of their knee.
Once a Patient goes down the medical pathway with prescribed medication, MRI, injections, and eventually surgery, this momentum keeps them away from PT.
Patients also have misconceptions that they think the knee replacement in-and-of-itself is the permanent solution and everything else is irrelevant or ineffective. Regardless of if you get the surgery or not, you still need to learn how movement helps your body stay flexible and strong.
Getting the right assessment from a Physical Therapist at ProMet Physical Therapy to observe the flaws and detect these critical components can prevent headaches down the road. Seeing a movement specialist here at ProMet PhysicalTherapy at the Atlas Mall location, in Manhasset or Kew Gardens provides that evaluation. Seeing an expert in movement who can catch the subtleties of something we do every day is valued care that goes beyond words. This is a matter of bringing thoughts to action!
Antonio Colletti, DPT
References
Deyle GD, Allen CS, Allison SC, et al. Physical Therapy versus Glucocorticoid Injection
for Osteoarthritis of the Knee. N Engl J Med. 2020;382(15):1420-1429.
