Video consultations with physiotherapists for chronic knee pain can be just as effective as traditional in-person visits, a conclusion supported by a study published in The Lancet. The findings suggest that remote care doesn’t compromise outcomes and may offer practical advantages for people who struggle with mobility, live far from clinics, or have busy schedules that make regular appointments challenging.
The study enrolled 394 participants experiencing knee pain due to osteoarthritis, a common condition that affects joint function and quality of life. Over a three-month period, participants completed five sessions with a physiotherapist, delivered either online or face-to-face. The core goals were to strengthen the muscles around the knee and to help individuals increase their overall physical activity, two interventions proven to influence pain levels and functional capacity in knee osteoarthritis.
Results showed a meaningful reduction in pain for both groups, with an average decrease of about 50% in the online care cohort and approximately 48% in the traditional clinic group. While both formats delivered comparable improvements, the online option emerged as a particularly convenient alternative, removing the need for travel and reducing time commitments without compromising the therapeutic benefit.
Dr. representatives underscored that these findings have practical implications for a wide range of patients. For people who experience chronic knee pain, who regularly face mobility barriers, or who reside in rural or remote regions, video-based physiotherapy can offer the same level of effectiveness as regular clinic visits. This is especially relevant in systems where access to care may be uneven or where scheduling constraints can delay essential rehabilitation steps. The evidence supports a shift in how care can be organized to maximize adherence and outcomes while minimizing logistical hassles.
In other health-oriented guidance, researchers and clinicians note that consistent movement programs are beneficial across age groups and health statuses. For knee osteoarthritis, maintaining a progressive exercise routine—whether delivered online or in person—can support muscle strength, joint stability, and daily functioning. The underlying message is clear: accessibility to high-quality physiotherapy does not have to be limited by location; with modern telehealth modalities, clinicians can deliver effective, personalized care that empowers patients to stay active and manage symptoms more independently. This approach aligns with broader trends toward patient-centered care, where convenience and evidence-based practices converge to improve long-term outcomes. (Lancet study attribution)
Beyond the knee-focused program, experts emphasize the broader health implications of regular physical activity, including improved endurance, better mood, and enhanced energy levels. Clinicians advocate for a holistic rehabilitation plan that combines strength training, balance work, and aerobic activity, all adaptable to online platforms or in-person sessions. The evolving landscape of physiotherapy continues to reveal that the mode of delivery can be tailored to individual needs without compromising the therapeutic value, making care more accessible while maintaining rigorous clinical standards. (Lancet study attribution)