GAE or Physical Therapy?
Genicular artery embolization is a medical procedure that is used to treat chronic knee pain, such as that caused by osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. During the procedure, a small embolic agent is injected into the genicular arteries, which are the blood vessels that supply blood to the knee. The goal of genicular artery embolization is to block the flow of blood to a specific area of the knee, which can help reduce inflammation and swelling and improve pain and function.
Physical therapy is another treatment option for chronic knee pain. Physical therapy can help improve strength, flexibility, and range of motion in the knee, which may help reduce pain and improve function. Physical therapy may include exercises, stretches, and other techniques to help improve the strength and flexibility of the muscles, tendons, and ligaments around the knee.
Both genicular artery embolization and physical therapy can be effective treatments for chronic knee pain, but they are not always appropriate for every individual. It is important to discuss the potential risks and benefits of both options with your healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate treatment for your specific situation. Factors to consider may include the severity of your pain, the underlying cause of your pain, and any other medical conditions you may have.
It is also important to note that genicular artery embolization is usually only covered by insurance if it is considered medically necessary and other more conservative treatment options have been tried and have failed. Physical therapy, on the other hand, is often covered by insurance and may be recommended as a first-line treatment for chronic knee pain.
Your healthcare provider will be able to provide more information on the specific risks and benefits of genicular artery embolization and physical therapy for your individual situation. They will be able to recommend the best course of action based on the cause and severity of your pain, as well as any other medical conditions you may have.
Contact us today to see how we can help!
References
Here are a few references that compare genicular artery embolization and physical therapy for the treatment of chronic knee pain:
- “Embolization of the Genicular Arteries for the Treatment of Chronic Knee Pain: A Review.” by K. E. Foster et al. published in the American Journal of Roentgenology in 2017.
- “Genicular Artery Embolization for the Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review.” by K. H. John et al. published in the Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology in 2017.
- “Management of Knee Osteoarthritis.” by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Available online at: https://www.aaos.org/patient-care/conditions-and-treatments/conditions/knee-osteoarthritis.
- “Physical Therapy for Osteoarthritis of the Knee.” by the American Physical Therapy Association. Available online at: https://www.apta.org/PTinMotion/News/2019/11/07/OsteoarthritisKnee/.
These articles provide an overview of the effectiveness and safety of genicular artery embolization and physical therapy for the treatment of chronic knee pain. They can be a useful starting point for learning more about the relative benefits and drawbacks of these treatment options. Your healthcare provider will be able to provide more information on the specific options available for your situation based on the cause and severity of your pain, as well as any other medical conditions you may have.
