Patients with osteoarthritis often consider total knee replacement surgery to resolve pain and increase mobility. However, a recent study found that self-reported knee instability and pain are prevalent in patients both before and after primary unilateral total knee replacement surgery. One-third of the study’s participants still had knee instability after surgery, experiencing knee buckling and shifting associated with pain and limited activity. Using physical performance measurements, researchers linked self-reported knee instability following surgery to pain and poor lower-extremity muscle strength…
When to Refer Rheumatology Patients to Physical Therapy
Consider a physical therapist for your patients if they have difficulty adapting to a new disability, impaired range of motion or strength, a significant balance or gait disturbance, a history of falls, or mobility issues