About ActiveCare Physical Therapy®
The Best Physical Therapists in NYC
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Our therapists are licensed in New York State and active members in the American Physical Therapy Association. We have advanced training in joint mobilization and myofascial release techniques.
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We are dedicated practitioners with a passion for the profession and a comprehensive, holistic approach to treatment and healing. We treat each patient as an individual and treat the whole person, with a plan of care designed to meet the patient’s set goals for health, functionality and a return to work, tasks and activities. We network with a team of physicians, chiropractors, acupuncturists and massage therapists in order to provide guidance to other modalities that may be effective in the patients’ care. We also offer superior Telehealth services for physical therapy.
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Physical Therapist and owner Dr. Karena Wu PT, DPT, OCS is a graduate of the Program in Physical Therapy at Columbia University and is affiliated with several healthcare organizations in New York City. She is certified as a Strength and Conditioning Specialist, Kinesio Taping Practitioner and Pilates Instructor, and uses SpiderTech Taping. She is also a Certified Orthopedic Manual Therapist, Strength and Conditioning Specialist, Graston Technique Specialist and Pilates Instructor. She holds LSVT BIG, FMS and SFMA Level 1 certifications as well. Dr. Wu also specializes in vertigo and temporomandibular joint disorders.
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ActiveCare is primarily an out-of-network facility. We accept all insurance with out-of-network benefits and file for most major insurance plans. We work with all prospective patients to create workable payment plans regardless of insurance coverage.
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ActiveCare accepts Medicare, No-Fault and Workers’ Compensation patients depending on schedule availability.
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ActiveCare’s administrators provide seamless and efficient concierge-style client service to all of our patients. And the whole ActiveCare team makes sure your time with us is a beneficial, productive and enjoyable experience.
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Category Archives: Physical therapy for knee osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis in the Knees: Understanding, Managing, and Finding Relief
Osteoarthritis in the knees, often referred to as “wear and tear” arthritis, is a common joint condition. It occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of your bones wears down over time. This can result in pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility in the knees. In this post, we’ll delve into the causes, symptoms, and effective management of osteoarthritis in the knees to help you better understand and navigate this condition.
Understanding Osteoarthritis in the Knees
Osteoarthritis in the knees typically develops due to a combination of factors, including:
1. Age
The risk of osteoarthritis increases with age, as the wear and tear on the joints accumulate over time.
2. Genetics
Some individuals may have a genetic predisposition to osteoarthritis, making them more susceptible to the condition.
3. Joint Injuries
Previous injuries or trauma to the knees, such as ligament tears or fractures, can increase the likelihood of developing osteoarthritis.
4. Obesity
Carrying excess body weight places additional stress on the knees, increasing the risk of osteoarthritis.
Symptoms of Osteoarthritis in the Knees
Osteoarthritis in the knees can cause a range of symptoms, including:
- Pain: Persistent knee pain, often worsened by weight-bearing activities or prolonged periods of sitting or standing.
- Stiffness: Difficulty in bending or straightening the knees, particularly after periods of inactivity.
- Swelling: Joint swelling and inflammation, especially after activity.
- Crepitus: A grating or cracking sensation when moving the knees.
- Reduced Range of Motion: Limited ability to fully extend or flex the knees.
Diagnosis and Evaluation
If you suspect you have osteoarthritis in your knees, it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional, typically a rheumatologist or orthopedic specialist. Diagnosis may involve:
- Medical History: Discussing your symptoms, risk factors, and medical history.
- Physical Examination: Assessing the range of motion, joint stability, and any signs of inflammation.
- Imaging: X-rays or MRI scans may be used to visualize the extent of cartilage damage and joint deterioration.
Effective Management and Treatment
While there is no cure for osteoarthritis, several strategies can effectively manage the condition and alleviate its symptoms:
1. Lifestyle Modifications
- Weight Management: Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight can reduce stress on the knees.
- Low-Impact Exercise: Engaging in activities like swimming, cycling, or walking can help maintain joint mobility and muscle strength.
- Use of Assistive Devices: Devices such as braces, canes, or shoe inserts can provide support and relieve pressure on the knees.
2. Medications
- Pain Relievers: Over-the-counter pain medications like acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help manage pain and inflammation.
- Prescription Medications: In some cases, stronger medications or injections of corticosteroids or hyaluronic acid may be prescribed for pain relief.
3. Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is a crucial component of managing osteoarthritis in the knees. Therapists can design exercises to improve joint flexibility, strengthen muscles, and enhance overall joint function.
4. Surgical Intervention
If conservative treatments are ineffective, surgical procedures such as knee arthroscopy or knee replacement surgery may be considered to repair or replace damaged joint surfaces.
Osteoarthritis in the Knees: Conclusion
Osteoarthritis in the knees can be a challenging condition, but with the right approach and management strategies, individuals can lead active and fulfilling lives.
If you’re experiencing symptoms of knee osteoarthritis, consult with a healthcare professional or orthopedic specialist, such as those at ActiveCare Physical Therapy™. They can help you develop a personalized treatment plan to manage your condition effectively and improve your knee health.
Contact Information
ActiveCare Physical Therapy™
29 West 38th Street, Suite 601
New York, NY 10018
Phone: (212) 777-4374
Email: staff@bestptnyc.com
Website: https://activecarephysicaltherapy.com/
Physical Therapy for Knee Pain
Physical Therapy for Pain in the Knee
Almost every individual will suffer through some degree of knee pain throughout their lives, with chronic arthritis of the knee the single largest cause of chronic disability in Americans older than 65. Whether caused by arthritis, overuse of the muscles, a sprain or strain of the knee, or foot pronation while running (an inwards curl of the foot during movement that can result in improper weight balance) knee pain is something that affects every aspect of the body. There is good news regarding your knee pain: In many cases, it is entirely avoidable. Treatment of knee pain through physical therapy (PT) and exercise can be just as effective as invasive procedures, as proven by trials by Harvard Medical School and as published in the New England Journal of Medicine. Working on the muscles that support your knee with PT to strengthen and stretch them can provide a large degree of pain relief and help to lengthen their health. Our therapists are very capable of teaching preventative and maintenance techniques that can improve the strength of these muscles.
Treating Knee Pain with Physical Therapy
The exercises your therapists will have you performing are gentle movements to relax the muscles of the knee joint in order to provide pain relief. PT will focus on improving the range of motion of your knee while reducing pain in order to restore function to your knee. Our therapist will also teach you how to avoid knee pain during your treatment by showing you how to quell your pain symptoms, such as with a warm compress or the use of a topical agent. Your therapist will likely ask you what your common day-to-day activities are and explain ways to perform them without placing excess strain upon your knee.
Physical Therapy following Surgery
For patients who have had to undergo surgery due to a muscle tear or severe arthritic damage to the knee, PT is used as part of the recovery process. Depending on the cause of your knee pain, it may be possible to entirely avoid surgery through the use of physical therapy. Contact us today to rid yourself of problematic knee pain. 
Dealing with the Pain of Osteoarthritis in the Knee
Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis with estimates claiming that at least 20 million people in the United States are suffering from this malady. Over the years, the knee joint and the cartilage inside begins to wear down. The knees and joints are body parts that we use constantly, and wear and tear happens even in those who do not have physically demanding jobs. Of course, those who do have careers that take a toll on the knees may find that they develop this type of arthritis even earlier in life.
The degeneration can be quite severe, and it can cause pain, as well as difficulty when it comes to getting around easily. Many people visit their doctors for treatment, and sometimes physical therapy is going to be the best choice. It is sometimes possible to treat with physical therapy so that a patient will be able to avoid any invasive procedures to deal with the condition.
What Types of Things Cause Osteoarthritis?
Quite a few different things can cause osteoarthritis in the knee, including time. Time is one of the biggest issues, as we all have wear and tear over the years. However, some things can cause this degeneration to happen more rapidly. Those who are obese, for example, are putting more weight on their knees and other joints, and this is going to cause them to wear out faster. One of the ways that you can reduce your problems with your joints is to drop weight if you are heavy.
Muscle weakness is another possibility. An injury to the joint such as from a car accident or a fall, could contribute as well. Of course, heredity is another reason, and is one that you may not be able to escape. However, that doesn’t mean that you will not be able to find treatment for it.
What Troubles Does Osteoarthritis in the Knee Cause?
When someone suffers from this condition, he or she is going to notice swelling, pain and tenderness in the knee. In addition, the knee is likely to feel stiff and difficult to move. This is going to hamper your movements and make it more difficult for you to go places and live a normal, full life. Bending the knee and putting weight on it, is going to be difficult.
Types of Treatment
It is fortunate that you will be able to find physical therapy specialists who will be able to help you with your condition. During your physical therapy consultation, you will be able to discuss some of the different treatment options that the therapists will be able to try with you. The therapists have a number of ways that they can help to reduce the swelling and inflammation, such as with ice and massage. They will also be able to offer strengthening and range of motion exercises. Braces, anti-inflammatory medications, and Kinesio taping can also offer relief.
No one likes to deal with osteoarthritis, and you certainly do not want to deal with the pain on your own. Instead, contact the therapists at ActiveCare. They are the best therapists in the field, and they have the skill to help you with your pain.
ActiveCare Physical Therapy, PC
29 West 38th Street
Suite 601
New York, NY 10018
