Physio Finds: Physical Therapy versus Glucocorticoid Injection for Osteoarthritis of the Knee

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PhysioFindsMarch2022

This interesting article focuses on a randomized trial to compare physical therapy with glucocorticoid injection in the primary care setting in the U.S. Military Health System. Patients with osteoarthritis in one or both knees were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive a glucocorticoid injection or to undergo physical therapy.

The primary outcome was the total score on the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) at 1 year (scores range from 0 to 240, with higher scores indicating worse pain, function, and stiffness).

The secondary outcomes were the time needed to complete the Alternate Step Test, the time needed to complete the Timed Up and Go test, and the score on the Global Rating of Change scale, all assessed at 1 year.

“This trial comparing physical therapy with glucocorticoid injection in symptomatic patients with clinical and radiographic evidence of osteoarthritis in one or both knees showed that physical therapy was more effective than glucocorticoid injections in leading to improved outcomes at 1 year, as assessed by the total WOMAC score.”  – Taken from the Physical Therapy versus Glucocorticoid Injection for Osteoarthritis of the Knee article

It's an insightful read, and you can find it here

 

Physio Finds is a monthly News Update in collaboration with PABC’s Knowledge Services Manager Terri McKellar.

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