Abstract

Rehabilitation in osteoarthritis

Author(s): Olivier Bruyere, Jean-Yves Reginster, Jean-Louis Croisier, Jean-Michel Crielaard and Didier Maquet

Osteoarthritis is a major public health problem. In addition to pharmacological and surgical therapies, nonpharmacological therapies, including, but not restricted to, education and self-management, regular telephone contact, referral to a physical therapist, aerobic, muscle strengthening and water-based exercises, weight reduction, walking aids, knee braces, footwear and insoles, thermal modalities, and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation or acupuncture, are of primary importance in the management of osteoarthritis. The objective of this article is to review basic and current concepts of nonpharmacological management of osteoarthritis, with a special focus on exercise intervention.