Navigating knee pain: Raising the Bar article

Knee pain is a common problem that impacts on people's ability to be successful with exercise. With more than 3 million Australians affected by osteoarthritis, many with knee joint issues, and more than 100, 000 joint replacements performed for severe conditions, mainly in the hip and knee, we need to consider how to keep people active and exercising successfully.

Aquatic exercise can be valuable to achieve long-term success with exercise

In this article in Raising the Bar, we discuss some key concepts in how to keep people supported with exercise using the water when they have knee pain. Although this article was written for fitness professionals, it may be an interesting read for everyone.

Here is a summary of the key concepts:

1: GRADED EXPOSURE TO LOAD

Start gradually and build up slowly based on how your client’s pain system tolerates any new exercises.

2: EFFECTIVE EXERCISE OPTIONS

Specifically for knee osteoarthritis, some types of exercise are recommended.

3: EDUCATION ABOUT PAIN WITH EXERCISE IS IMPORTANT

Small amounts of joint pain during and after exercise with osteoarthritis is normal and we need to reinforce that pain does not necessarily mean there is damage being caused to the joint.

4: SUPPORT IS NEEDED FOR LONG-TERM SUCCESS WITH EXERCISE

People need input and control into their programs to keep them comfortable, and confident with exercise.

5: USE LOWER-LOAD EXERCISE OPTIONS IN A FLARE

Lower-impact options during times of increased pain or during a flare can be used to keep people exercising.

If you'd like more details and references on this topic, you can read the full article here:

https://raisingthebar.fitrec.org/navigating-knee-pain-how-aquatic-exercise-can-be-used-to-support-your-workouts/

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