The PEAK OA Knee Program (Physiotherapy Exercise and Physical Activity for Knee Osteoarthritis) is an evidence-based initiative developed by leading researchers at the University of Melbourne. It aims to provide best-practice care for people with knee osteoarthritis (OA) through a combination of education, individualized exercise, and physical activity planning.
🔍 What is the PEAK Program?
The program typically involves five one-on-one physiotherapy consultations over a 12-week period, delivered either in-person or via telehealth. These sessions cover:
- Education about knee OA, its causes, symptoms, and how to manage it effectively.
- Individualized strengthening exercises tailored to your needs, using minimal equipment like resistance bands or body weight.
- Physical activity planning to encourage safe and sustainable increases in everyday movement.
The program is designed for adults aged 45 years and older who have knee pain associated with OA, particularly those with pain that worsens with activity, morning stiffness lasting less than 30 minutes, and difficulties with activities like walking or climbing stairs.
📝 Education Component in the PEAK Program
Education is a cornerstone of the PEAK OA Knee Program and aims to empower you to manage their condition effectively. Topics typically covered include:
- What is Knee OA? — Understanding how the cartilage and underlying bone change over time, leading to pain and stiffness.
- Why OA develops — Factors such as aging, previous injuries, genetics, and mechanical stress on the knee.
- Common symptoms — Joint pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced mobility.
- The role of exercise — Why targeted exercise helps reduce pain and improve function, and how to exercise safely.
- Self-management strategies — Tips for pacing activities, modifying daily tasks, using ice/heat, and managing pain flare-ups.
- Evidence-based treatments — Overview of effective treatments (e.g. exercise, education, weight management) and debunking common myths (e.g. that surgery is always necessary).
- Setting goals — Helping you develop realistic goals for your activities and exercise.
- When to seek additional help — Recognizing when symptoms might need further medical assessment.
🏃♂️ Why Have a Physiotherapist Guide the Exercise Component?
Although you can perform exercises independently, research shows that supervision by a physiotherapist offers significant benefits:
1️⃣ Personalized Exercise Prescription
- Exercises are tailored to the your pain, joint mobility, muscle strength, and overall goals.
- The physiotherapist selects exercises that are challenging but achievable, avoiding those that might cause pain or strain.
2️⃣ Correct Technique and Safety
- Physiotherapists demonstrate correct technique, ensuring exercises are done safely and effectively.
- They provide real-time feedback, helping you avoid compensatory movements that can strain other joints.
3️⃣ Progression and Motivation
- The exercise program is progressed gradually to build strength and function over time.
- Physiotherapists help balance exercise with rest, reducing the risk of flare-ups.
- Ongoing support helps you stay motivated and accountable.
4️⃣ Managing Flare-Ups
- Physiotherapists help adjust the program if pain increases or if new symptoms develop.
- They provide advice on using ice, heat, or modifying activities to manage symptoms while maintaining activity.
5️⃣ Reinforcing Education
- During exercise sessions, physiotherapists reinforce why each exercise is important and how it fits into the overall management plan.
- This builds your confidence and supports self-management skills.
🌟 Summary
The PEAK OA Knee Program offers a structured, evidence-based approach to managing knee osteoarthritis through education and exercise. The education component provides a thorough understanding of OA and how to manage it, while guided exercise by a physiotherapist ensures exercises are safe, personalized, and progressive. This approach helps reduce pain, improve function, and empowers you to manage your OA long-term.