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GAE vs. Physical Therapy: Comparing Treatment Options for Knee Pain
Genicular artery embolization (GAE) and physical therapy are two distinct approaches to managing chronic knee pain, particularly for individuals with osteoarthritis. While physical therapy focuses on improving strength, flexibility, and overall knee function through targeted exercises and manual techniques, GAE is a minimally invasive procedure that aims to reduce pain by decreasing blood flow to inflamed areas in the knee. Understanding the differences, benefits, and potential outcomes of these treatments can help you make informed decisions about the best course of action for managing your knee pain.
Genicular Artery Embolization
GAE is a minimally invasive procedure that alleviates pain and inflammation associated with knee osteoarthritis. GAE reduces inflammation and pain by targeting and blocking the small genicular arteries that supply blood to inflamed areas of the knee.
- Minimally invasive treatment
- Same day procedure
- Lower risk of complications
- Significant reduction in knee pain
- Improvement in knee function and motion
- Long-lasting relief from OA symptoms for up to 2 years or more
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is a non-invasive treatment approach that uses exercise and manual therapy to improve knee function, reduce pain, and enhance mobility in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Physical therapists develop individualized treatment plans based on the patient’s specific needs and goals.
- Non-invasive treatment
- Enhances knee strength and flexibility
- Reduces pain through targeted exercises
- Helps slow the progression of osteoarthritis
- Requires regular appointments with a therapist
- Not a cure for knee OA but helps manage pain
- Ideal for early intervention and mild cases of OA
Don’t let knee pain limit your life any longer! Schedule an appointment with our specialist to start your pain-free journey today.
GAE Procedure vs. Physical Therapy
During physical therapy, a physical therapist performs a thorough assessment of the patient’s knee, evaluating strength, range of motion, and any functional limitations. The physical therapist then creates an individualized treatment plan, incorporating exercises to strengthen the muscles around the knee, improve flexibility, and enhance joint stability. The therapist may also use manual therapy techniques and methods such as heat, ice, and an ultrasound to help manage knee pain. Patients typically go to physical therapy sessions multiple times a week. However, the therapist does adjust the treatment plan as needed to ensure continuous progress.
Before the GAE procedure, you will have a thorough consultation with an interventional radiologist at American Knee Pain Centers. Imaging studies like an MRI are used before the procedure to map the blood vessels around the knee and locate the arteries to target. During GAE, you will receive moderate sedation, and then a small catheter is inserted through a tiny incision, usually in the groin, and guided to the genicular arteries. Tiny particles are injected to block these arteries, reducing blood flow to inflamed areas. The procedure typically lasts one to two hours, and you can return home the same day.
Physical Therapy vs. Genicular Artery Embolization Recovery Time
A typical physical therapy program for knee osteoarthritis can last anywhere from six weeks to three months. It can vary in length depending on the severity of your osteoarthritis, age, and overall health and fitness. Generally, a physical therapy plan can last four to six weeks, but some doctors recommend patients go to physical therapy sessions once or twice a week for two to three months until their PT goals are met.
The recovery time for GAE is a much shorter process than physical therapy. Patients usually go home the same day after the procedure and return to normal activities within a few days. Pain relief from GAE typically takes around two weeks for patients to start experiencing a reduction in knee pain and inflammation.
Which Knee Pain Treatment is Right For You?
Choosing between genicular artery embolization and physical therapy depends on the severity of your osteoarthritis. For patients with moderate to severe cases of knee osteoarthritis who have not responded well to other treatments, GAE may be a better option, while physical therapy typically works best for patients with mild cases or those seeking early intervention to prevent further joint damage. Physical therapy is also a time commitment that requires multiple sessions and provides a gradual improvement in knee OA symptoms.
If you are suffering from moderate to severe osteoarthritis and haven’t found relief through physical therapy, we recommend genicular artery embolization. GAE is a minimally invasive knee pain treatment that offers long-lasting relief from osteoarthritis symptoms. It significantly improves persistent knee pain, swelling, and mobility, helping patients find relief from their symptoms for at least one to two years.
Why Choose American Knee Pain Centers for GAE?
American Knee Pain Centers stands out as the premier choice for patients seeking effective treatment for knee osteoarthritis. Our highly skilled team of interventional radiologists is deeply committed to offering a comprehensive range of minimally invasive solutions, with a particular focus on genicular artery embolization, to alleviate knee pain, discomfort, and inflammation without resorting to surgery. By entrusting your care to American Knee Pain Centers for GAE, you will benefit from access to state-of-the-art technology and a compassionate, patient-centered approach, ensuring that your unique needs are at the forefront of your treatment plan.
Our Knee Pain Specialists
Are you experiencing persistent knee pain? Our team of board-certified interventional radiologists in New York and New Jersey specializes in treating chronic knee pain caused by osteoarthritis. They work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan to relieve knee pain and inflammation and enhance your mobility. Our affiliated knee pain specialists are available for consultations at our outpatient, knee pain centers in New York and New Jersey.
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Don’t let knee pain limit your life any longer! Schedule an appointment with our specialist to start your pain-free journey today.