Restrictions and Contraindications for Exercise Therapy in Patients with Hip and Knee Osteoarthritis: What You Need to Know

 

There are several restrictions and contraindications that must be considered when prescribing exercise therapy for patients with hip and knee osteoarthritis. First, it is important to understand the patient's overall health status and any comorbidities that may be present. Patients who have significant cardiovascular disease or are at risk for heart attack or stroke should not participate in high-intensity exercise therapy. Additionally, patients with uncontrolled diabetes or who are pregnant should not participate in exercise therapy. Finally, patients who have joint pain that is not controlled with medication should not participate in exercise therapy until their pain is under control.

In addition to the above restrictions, there are several contraindications that must be considered when prescribing exercise therapy for patients with hip and knee osteoarthritis. First, patients who have had a recent joint replacement surgery should not participate in high-impact exercise activities until their surgical incisions have healed and they have been cleared by their orthopedic surgeon. Second, patients who have active infections or inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis should not participate in exercise therapy until their condition has been resolved. Finally, patients who are obese or have significant joint deformities may not be candidates for exercise therapy.

At WV Physical Therapy, we want to tell you that if you are prescribing exercise therapy for a patient with hip and knee osteoarthritis, it is important to understand the restrictions and contraindications that may apply. By doing so, you can ensure that your patient receives the safest and most effective care possible.

The above are just a few of the restrictions and contraindications that must be considered when prescribing exercise therapy for patients with hip and knee osteoarthritis. If you have any questions about whether or not a particular patient may be a candidate for exercise therapy, be sure to consult with their orthopedic surgeon.