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Beat Knee Arthritis

Beat Knee Arthritis

Beat Knee Arthritis

Living with knee arthritis can be a daily struggle, impacting your quality of life and mobility. But there’s hope. At Excel Physical Therapy, we specialize in helping individuals like you manage knee arthritis effectively through physical therapy. 

Our therapists are experts in the identification and treatment of knee arthritis, with a focus on the pivotal role that exercise and targeted therapy techniques play in alleviating pain and improving your overall well-being. Our goal is to empower you with the knowledge and support needed to regain your active lifestyle.

Understanding Knee Arthritis

Knee arthritis is a widespread condition that occurs when the protective cartilage in the knee joint wears away over time. This results in pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. Let’s explore how you can identify and manage knee arthritis through physical therapy:

Step 1: Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms

The first step in managing knee arthritis is recognizing the telltale signs and symptoms:

  • Persistent knee pain that is often worse after periods of inactivity.
  • Swelling and tenderness in the knee joint.
  • Difficulty in bending or straightening the knee.
  • A grating sensation during knee movement.
  • Reduced range of motion in the knee joint.

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, seeking guidance from our skilled physical therapists is crucial! 

Step 2: Consultation with an Excel Physical Therapy Physical Therapist

When knee pain becomes a persistent issue, it’s time to consult one of our physical therapists, who is experienced in arthritis management. Our team of skilled therapists will conduct a thorough evaluation to assess the extent of your knee arthritis. This assessment includes a comprehensive physical examination and may involve reviewing imaging tests like X-rays or MRI scans.

Step 3: Personalized Physical Therapy Plans

Following your evaluation, our physical therapists will create a tailored treatment plan that suits your unique needs. Physical therapy plays a pivotal role in managing knee arthritis, offering a range of benefits:

  • Pain Management: Techniques like manual therapy and modalities to help alleviate pain and reduce inflammation.
  • Mobility: Stretching routines enhance joint mobility, reduce stiffness, and improve overall function.
  • Strengthening: Targeted exercises are designed to strengthen the muscles around your knee, providing better support and stability.
  • Balance and Coordination: Balance exercises are incorporated to enhance stability and coordination, reducing the risk of falls.
  • Education: Our physical therapists provide valuable education on arthritis management, teaching you how to protect your joints during daily activities.
  • Lifestyle Modifications: We work with you to make lifestyle adjustments, including activity modification and weight management, to reduce the strain on your knee joint.

Step 4: A Holistic Approach to Knee Arthritis

At Excel Physical Therapy, we adopt a holistic approach to managing knee arthritis. Beyond addressing physical symptoms, we recognize the emotional and psychological impact of chronic pain. Our comprehensive support and education empower you to regain control of your life.

Step 5: Your Path to Pain-Free Living

Your journey to a pain-free life begins here. Our physical therapists are committed to helping you manage knee arthritis through physical therapy. Our compassionate team will guide you through each step of the process, focusing on reducing pain and improving your mobility.

Physical therapy offers numerous advantages for individuals dealing with knee arthritis:

  • Non-Invasive: Unlike medications or injections, physical therapy is a non-invasive approach to pain management, emphasizing natural healing and improved function.
  • Customized Care: Your physical therapy plan is tailored to your specific needs, addressing your unique challenges and goals.
  • Prevention: Physical therapy focuses on injury prevention, reducing the risk of further damage to your knee joint.

Knee arthritis doesn’t have to dictate your life. At Excel Physical Therapy, our dedicated team is here to help you understand, manage, and overcome the challenges posed by knee arthritis through physical therapy. By recognizing the signs, seeking professional evaluation, and embracing a personalized physical therapy plan, you can find relief, regain mobility, and enjoy a more active lifestyle.

Don’t let knee pain hold you back any longer. Contact us today and take the first step towards a pain-free future. Your journey to pain-free living starts with us, and we’re here to support you every step of the way!

Three Simple Tips for Starting Up
Running This Spring

Running is one of the most popular forms of exercise, and as the weather warms up, it’s a great way to work on your health while enjoying the outdoors. However, it’s important not to overdo things, especially if you are just getting started.. 

At Excel Physical Therapy, our physical therapists can help you safely start (or restart) a new running practice. To learn more about injury prevention and conditioning exercises for runners, request an appointment with us today!

Three Things To Remember When You Start Running

Start slowly and build up as you go: If you’re just starting (or you’re restarting after taking a break from running), it’s important to start slowly so as to avoid the risk of injury. True beginners should alternate between walking and running until they build strength and stamina.

When progressing your training, focus on “F.D.I.” (in that order):

  • Frequency — Progress until able to run 3-4 days a week
  • Duration — Next, increase how long you are running
  • Intensity — Finally, focus on improving your speed

Understand the differences between indoor and outdoor running: If you’ve spent winter running on a treadmill, remember that running outdoors offers more challenges, including a greater need to be aware of your surroundings. On the upside, outdoor running provides more fitness benefits than a treadmill.

Make sure you have proper form: One of the best ways to avoid a running injury is to ensure you’re using proper biomechanics when you run. Our team of physical therapists can help you perfect your running form with a comprehensive assessment to identify any limitations that may affect your running.

Schedule An Appointment For More Running Tips From Our Experts

No matter where you are in your running journey, our team of experts can help you resolve your pain or injuries and give you the tools to help you start your training safely. We will assess your running gait and provide corrections to ensure you’re running with proper form, and we can help you develop a running routine that works for your goals and fitness levels.

Call Excel Physical Therapy to request an appointment today!

Clinic News: Burn Boot Camp

Excel PT Appleton was invited to be a part of the Burn Boot Camp grand opening!

Joel R.

After undergoing knee surgery, Joel R. is back to doing what he loves—skiing in the Colorado mountains! He crushed 22,000 vertical feet in just two days, proving that with determination, the right care, and a strong PT recovery plan, anything is possible. Joel is a true success story, and we couldn’t be prouder.

Way to go, Joel! Keep conquering those slopes!

May Word Scramble

Healthy Recipe:

Spring Asparagus Risotto

  • 4 cups (1-inch) sliced asparagus (about 1 1/2 pounds), divided
  • 3 cups fat-free, low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 1/2 cups water
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 2 cups chopped onion (about 1 large)
  • 2 cups uncooked Arborio or other medium-grain rice 
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine
  • 1 cup (4 ounces) grated fresh Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, divided
  • 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper

Place 1 cup asparagus and 1 cup broth in a blender; puree until smooth. Combine puree, remaining 2 cups broth, and 1 1/2 cups water in a medium saucepan; bring to a simmer (do not boil). Keep warm over low heat. Melt butter in a large heavy saucepan over medium heat. Add onion to pan; cook 8 minutes or until tender, stirring occasionally. Stir in rice; cook 1 minute, stirring constantly. Stir in wine; cook 2 minutes or until liquid is nearly absorbed, stirring constantly. Add 1/2 cup broth mixture; cook 2 minutes or until the liquid is nearly absorbed, stirring constantly. Add remaining puree mixture, 1/2 cup at a time, stirring constantly until each portion of broth is absorbed before adding the next (about 30 minutes total). Stir in remaining 3 cups asparagus; cook 2 minutes. Stir in 3/4 cup cheese, cream, salt, and pepper. Transfer risotto to a bowl. Serve with remaining 1/4 cup cheese.

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