Best Practice Rehabilitation for Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis
Lecturer: Anthony Teoli
SUMMARY
The masterclass, delivered by Anthony Teoli, a physiotherapist, focuses on best practices in rehabilitation for patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA). It underscores the importance of understanding OA as a complex, multifactorial condition, rather than simply attributing it to wear and tear or aging. Teoli emphasizes the necessity of addressing modifiable risk factors, such as obesity and physical inactivity, and highlights the significance of patient education. He advocates for a tailored exercise regimen as a primary intervention, supported by substantial evidence from over 50 randomized controlled trials. The masterclass also stresses the importance of considering patient preferences and goals when designing exercise programs to ensure adherence and effectiveness.
In addition to exercise, the masterclass discusses adjunct treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy, manual therapy, and the use of assistive devices, although their effectiveness varies. Teoli advises caution with cortisone and hyaluronic acid injections due to limited evidence of long-term benefits and potential risks. On surgical interventions, he strongly discourages arthroscopic partial meniscectomy for degenerative knee disease due to a lack of efficacy and potential harm. He also highlights important considerations for total knee replacement candidates, including potential predictors of unfavorable outcomes post-surgery. Throughout the masterclass, Teoli stresses the importance of managing patient expectations, using appropriate language, and involving patients actively in their rehabilitation to optimize outcomes.
LECTURER
Anthony Teoli is a specialist in sports physiotherapy and OA, he’s also the founder behind InfoPhysiotherapy which aims to bring evidence based physiotherapy to the masses.