WOMAC Scoring in Physical Therapy for Knee Osteoarthritis

If you suffer from a knee complication, you most assuredly understand the implications a knee disorder can have upon your mobility and quality of life. For many adults, the complications of knee pain are associated with osteoarthritis for which there are few options for resolving pain and decreased range of motion.

In an effort to manage the deterioration and loss of range of motion in the knee, many adults who suffer from knee osteoarthritis pursue an aggressive physical therapy program. With physical therapy, the muscles, ligaments and knee joints are stretched and articulated so as to improve flexibility and strength. With this type of physical therapy, the chronic deterioration of knee osteoarthritis can be managed effectively and slowed in progress. If you suffer from knee pain, associated with osteoarthritis, it is important to understand the impact therapy may have and how your therapist will gauge your goal attainment in therapy.

Using a physical therapy assessment tool simply known as the WOMAC, Western Ontario McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index, many patients are guiding their therapy regimen effectively. While the assessment tool was designed outside of the United States, many U.S. physical therapists and occupational therapists find the tool quite effective in managing patients with osteoarthritis. Using a three-score system, measuring pain, stiffness and function, your physical therapy program is tailored to your specific osteoarthritis needs.

In addition to treating osteoarthritis of the knee, you may find the WOMAC scoring system is also effective in structuring other therapy programs you may require. In many adults, complications involving fibromyalgia and even other arthritic complications often require therapy. Asking your physical therapist to assess and develop your plan based upon the WOMAC scoring system may prove to be an optimal way in which to reach your therapeutic goals.