Self-managed exercise to strengthen knees
The Hospital Authority (HA) has gradually launched the Structured Nonsurgical Treatment Programme (SNTP) since 2020. It provides a four-year non-surgical treatment courses for patients with knee osteoarthritis and those waiting for joint replacement surgery. The major components of the programme include structural exercise and self-management. As one of the pilot hospitals, Yan Chai Hospital (YCH) launched the programme three years ago. The programme has benefited more than 2,000 patients till now, of whom more than half are waiting for joint replacement surgery. Statistics show that patients do have significant improvement on relieving their symptoms after joining the programme. It is also expected that surgeries are no longer necessary for some of the patients.
Dr Lee Qunn-jid, Director of Total Joint Replacement Centre and Consultant of Department of Orthopaedics & Traumatology at YCH, stated that there are over 30,000 patients currently waiting for joint replacement in HA, some of them may not require surgery. Regular knee strengthening exercise and weight management can effectively slow down the deterioration and improve the impact on life. Vivian Li, Department Manager of Physiotherapy at YCH, mentioned that the SNTP programme is designed to have 12 exercise sessions, such as stretching and leg lifting. Everyone can do the knee strengthening exercise to keep the knees in good condition.
Let’s exercise together
Dr Lee Qunn-jid, Director of Total Joint Replacement Centre and Consultant of Department of Orthopaedics & Traumatology at YCH, stated that there are over 30,000 patients currently waiting for joint replacement in HA, some of them may not require surgery. Regular knee strengthening exercise and weight management can effectively slow down the deterioration and improve the impact on life. Vivian Li, Department Manager of Physiotherapy at YCH, mentioned that the SNTP programme is designed to have 12 exercise sessions, such as stretching and leg lifting. Everyone can do the knee strengthening exercise to keep the knees in good condition.
Let’s exercise together