In this episode, Dr. Christopher Bise, PT, DPT, PhD, an Associate Professor at the University of Pittsburgh and value-based care expert, joins host Phil Plisky, PT, DSc, ATC, CSCS, to challenge outdated narratives surrounding osteoarthritis (OA). Together, they discuss the “inflammatory reframe,” explaining why the dreaded “bone-on-bone” label is often clinically inaccurate and how it can stall patient recovery, and they provide evidence-based, clinically applicable recommendations for your patients with OA. You will discover why the latest research has reversed recommendations on common treatments like manual therapy and TENS, while reinforcing the dose-response power of weight loss and exercise. Tune in to learn how to move beyond simple “quad sets“ and lead the charge in primary care musculoskeletal management for the millions of patients facing this diagnosis.

Learning Outcomes

• Analyze the evidence around the global burden of osteoarthritis (OA) and the effectiveness of conservative interventions versus low-value treatments like TENS and manual therapy
• Apply evidence-based, practical strategies to actionably address OA diagnosis using Altman‘s criteria and the implementation of exercise and weight management programs

• Solve patient case scenarios involving OA complicated by “bone on bone“ narratives, imaging mismatches, and the need for pain neuroscience education

Timestamps

• (00:00:00) Welcome
• (00:00:05) Understanding osteoarthritis: a comprehensive overview
• (00:17:17) Interventions for osteoarthritis: weight loss and beyond
• (00:22:37) Manual therapy: efficacy and application
• (00:26:57) Debunking myths: glucosamine and chondroitin
• (00:28:26) Evaluating current research on osteoarthritis treatments
• (00:30:22) Translating research into clinical practice
• (00:34:07) The role of exercise in rehabilitation
• (00:39:10) Case studies: practical applications in therapy
• (00:46:45) Key takeaways for rehabilitation professionals
• (00:49:53) Future directions in physical therapy

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