No doubt you've come across people using the analogy of a broken down machine to describe an osteoarthritic joint. Or perhaps that too much loading on the joint is responsible for wearing it out - assuming that each joint has a finite number of movements in its lifetime.

You've probably also heard from patients who are concerned that the exercise therapy you prescribe might do more harm to their already worn-out joint. But is that true?

Today, Dr Alessio Bricca (Centre for Muscle and Joint Health, University of Southern Denmark) explores the evidence and refutes these beliefs.

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RESOURCES

Exercise Therapy "Wears Down" My Knee Joint: Myth or Reality?: https://www.jospt.org/doi/10.2519/jospt.2025.13069