Physical therapy treatment for knee osteoarthritis
Manual therapy and therapeutic exercises have been proven to provide significant improvement among patients with knee arthritis. A randomized, controlled trial compared these treatments to a placebo intervention. Patients received treatment for only 1 month and were found to have clinically and statistically significant functional benefits when re-assessed 1 year later. Five percent of patients receiving exercises and manual therapy and 20% of patients in the placebo group had undergone knee replacement surgery. A combination of manual physical therapy and supervised exercise yields functional benefits for patients with osteoarthritis of the knee and may delay or prevent the need for surgical intervention.
Improving hamstring flexibility: The effects of frequency and duration
Multiple randomized, controlled studies have been conducted in order to determine the best method of improving hamstring flexibility. Holding stretches for 15 seconds did not improve flexibility, however, holding a stretch for 30 seconds or more did result in improved hamstring length. Another study focused on the frequency of stretches. All groups that stretched at least one time per day demonstrated improvement. Based on this research, an effective stretching program consists of holding stretches for 30 seconds and performing only 1-2 repetitions, 1 time per day.
References
Deyle GD, Henderson NE, Matekel RL, et al. Effectiveness of manual physical therapy and exercise in osteoarthritis of the knee. Ann Intern Med. 2000; 132:173-181.
Bandy, WD, Irion JM. The effect of time of static stretch on the flexibility of hamstring muscles. PhysTher. 1994; 74:845-852.
Bandy WD, Irion JM, Briggler M. The effect of time and frequency of static stretching on flexibility of hamstring muscles. Phys Ther. 1997;77:1090-1096.
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