Response:

Rehabilitation, which includes physical therapy and physical exercises, helps patients reduce symptoms and improve mobility. It is an indispensable part of osteoarthritis treatment, even in mild stages, regardless of whether surgery is performed.

For physical activity, rehabilitation doctors will design individualized exercise programs based on the extent of the injury and the patient's health condition.

For instance, in mild to moderate stages, patients may not yet need medication or surgery but can alleviate pain through exercises that strengthen the quadriceps muscles, support the production of lubricating fluid for smooth knee movement, and correct improper daily activities to protect the knee joint.

Additionally, physical therapy methods such as shockwave therapy, laser therapy, and ultrasound-guided medication delivery help reduce pain, increase blood flow, and improve metabolism in the affected muscle and joint areas. This enhances the effectiveness of exercises, facilitating the recovery of movement and function.

Doctor Hoang Anh examines a patient's joint function. Illustration: Tam Anh General Hospital

In cases requiring surgery, patients are instructed to undergo rehabilitation before and after the operation. Pre-operative exercises help improve overall physical condition, enhance muscle strength, and familiarize patients with post-operative exercises to reduce surprise and the risk of falls during recovery. Many studies have shown that pre-operative exercise accelerates post-operative recovery by hai den ba lan and reduces swelling and pain more effectively.

Post-operative exercises focus on reducing pain, preventing joint stiffness, preventing thrombosis, and promoting faster recovery of mobility. Notably, even with the best surgical methods or techniques, the desired outcomes will not be achieved without rehabilitation. Therefore, rehabilitation plays a very important role in osteoarthritis treatment, whether surgery is performed or not.

You should seek examination at hospitals with specialties in orthopedic trauma, musculoskeletal health, and rehabilitation. If you have already received an exercise prescription, you should adhere to your doctor's instructions to ensure treatment effectiveness.

Doctor of First Degree Specialist Huynh Hoang Anh

Department of Rehabilitation

Tam Anh General Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City