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🦵 Knee — Exercises Studied in Research
Real findings from published clinical studies. Not opinions, not ads — just what researchers actually found, with the evidence behind each approach.
Compiled and reviewed by: Milena Orlandić — Licensed Physiotherapist — Specialist in Applied Physiotherapy (Neurorehabilitation) · Nikola Orlandić — Licensed Physiotherapist — Specialist in Applied Physiotherapy (Neurorehabilitation) · Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Technology
Evidence last updated:
Does it work? — what research found
Every approach studied for conditions in this area, sorted by where clinical guidelines stand — not by popularity. Open a condition below for its own evidence summary. Full details and dosing are part of the complete review.
| Approach | Studies | Reviewed by | What science says |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exercise Therapy (Combined Programs)you can do this at homeStudies: 45 · NICE NG226 2022 — Osteoarthritis in over 16s, Beating osteoARThritis: stepped care strategy (Smink 2011) +4 | 45 | NICE NG226 2022 — Osteoarthritis in over 16sBeating osteoARThritis: stepped care strategy (Smink 2011) +4 | Evidence supports it |
| Weight Managementyou can do this at homeStudies: 6 · NICE NG226 2022 — Osteoarthritis in over 16s, Beating osteoARThritis: stepped care strategy (Smink 2011) +3 | 6 | NICE NG226 2022 — Osteoarthritis in over 16sBeating osteoARThritis: stepped care strategy (Smink 2011) +3 | Evidence supports it |
| Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES)done with a specialistStudies: 5 · NICE NG226 2022 — Osteoarthritis in over 16s, van Melick 2016 (Dutch ACL Rehab CPG) +1 | 5 | NICE NG226 2022 — Osteoarthritis in over 16svan Melick 2016 (Dutch ACL Rehab CPG) +1 | Evidence supports it |
| NSAIDs (Topical)done with a specialistStudies: 4 studies (for pain at 3-6 weeks); 2 studies (for function at 8-12 weeks) · Beating osteoARThritis: stepped care strategy (Smink 2011), OARSI 2019 (Bannuru) +1 | 4 studies (for pain at 3-6 weeks); 2 studies (for function at 8-12 weeks) | Beating osteoARThritis: stepped care strategy (Smink 2011)OARSI 2019 (Bannuru) +1 | Evidence supports it |
| Patient Educationyou can do this at homeStudies: 9 · Beating osteoARThritis: stepped care strategy (Smink 2011), OARSI 2019 (Bannuru) +1 | 9 | Beating osteoARThritis: stepped care strategy (Smink 2011)OARSI 2019 (Bannuru) +1 | Evidence supports it |
| Quadriceps Strengtheningyou can do this at homeStudies: 9 · EULAR 2024 (Moseng), van Melick 2016 (Dutch ACL Rehab CPG) +1 | 9 | EULAR 2024 (Moseng)van Melick 2016 (Dutch ACL Rehab CPG) +1 | Evidence supports it |
| Self Managementyou can do this at homeStudies: 5 · OARSI 2019 (Bannuru), ACR/AF 2020 (Kolasinski) +1 | 5 | OARSI 2019 (Bannuru)ACR/AF 2020 (Kolasinski) +1 | Evidence supports it |
| Tai Chiyou can do this at homeStudies: 7 · OARSI 2019 (Bannuru), ACR/AF 2020 (Kolasinski) +1 | 7 | OARSI 2019 (Bannuru)ACR/AF 2020 (Kolasinski) +1 | Evidence supports it |
| Yogayou can do this at homeStudies: 3 · OARSI 2019 (Bannuru), ACR/AF 2020 (Kolasinski) +1 | 3 | OARSI 2019 (Bannuru)ACR/AF 2020 (Kolasinski) +1 | Evidence supports it |
| Closed Kinetic Chain Exerciseyou can do this at homeStudies: 3 · van Melick 2016 (Dutch ACL Rehab CPG), Aspetar 2023 ACL Rehab CPG | 3 | van Melick 2016 (Dutch ACL Rehab CPG)Aspetar 2023 ACL Rehab CPG | Evidence supports it |
| Early Weight-Bearingyou can do this at homeStudies: 3 · van Melick 2016 (Dutch ACL Rehab CPG), Aspetar 2023 ACL Rehab CPG | 3 | van Melick 2016 (Dutch ACL Rehab CPG)Aspetar 2023 ACL Rehab CPG | Evidence supports it |
| Eccentric Quadriceps Exercisedone with a specialistStudies: 3 · van Melick 2016 (Dutch ACL Rehab CPG), Aspetar 2023 ACL Rehab CPG | 3 | van Melick 2016 (Dutch ACL Rehab CPG)Aspetar 2023 ACL Rehab CPG | Evidence supports it |
Show all 104 approaches ↓
| Approach | Studies | Reviewed by | What science says |
|---|---|---|---|
| Neuromuscular / Motor Control Trainingyou can do this at homeStudies: 6 · van Melick 2016 (Dutch ACL Rehab CPG), Aspetar 2023 ACL Rehab CPG | 6 | van Melick 2016 (Dutch ACL Rehab CPG)Aspetar 2023 ACL Rehab CPG | Evidence supports it |
| NSAIDs (General)done with a specialistStudies: 1 · Beating osteoARThritis: stepped care strategy (Smink 2011), OARSI 2019 (Bannuru) | 1 | Beating osteoARThritis: stepped care strategy (Smink 2011)OARSI 2019 (Bannuru) | Evidence supports it |
| Open Kinetic Chain Exerciseyou can do this at homeStudies: 4 · van Melick 2016 (Dutch ACL Rehab CPG), Aspetar 2023 ACL Rehab CPG | 4 | van Melick 2016 (Dutch ACL Rehab CPG)Aspetar 2023 ACL Rehab CPG | Evidence supports it |
| Prehabilitationyou can do this at homeStudies: 6 · van Melick 2016 (Dutch ACL Rehab CPG), Aspetar 2023 ACL Rehab CPG | 6 | van Melick 2016 (Dutch ACL Rehab CPG)Aspetar 2023 ACL Rehab CPG | Evidence supports it |
| Progressive Resistance Trainingyou can do this at homeStudies: 4 · van Melick 2016 (Dutch ACL Rehab CPG), Aspetar 2023 ACL Rehab CPG | 4 | van Melick 2016 (Dutch ACL Rehab CPG)Aspetar 2023 ACL Rehab CPG | Evidence supports it |
| Proprioceptive Trainingdone with a specialistStudies: 2 · van Melick 2016 (Dutch ACL Rehab CPG), Aspetar 2023 ACL Rehab CPG | 2 | van Melick 2016 (Dutch ACL Rehab CPG)Aspetar 2023 ACL Rehab CPG | Evidence supports it |
| Cyclingyou can do this at homeStudies: 1 · EULAR 2024 (Moseng) | 1 | EULAR 2024 (Moseng) | Evidence supports it |
| Flexibility Exerciseyou can do this at homeStudies: 2 · EULAR 2024 (Moseng) | 2 | EULAR 2024 (Moseng) | Evidence supports it |
| Self-Efficacy Trainingdone with a specialistStudies: 1 · van Melick 2016 (Dutch ACL Rehab CPG) | 1 | van Melick 2016 (Dutch ACL Rehab CPG) | Evidence supports it |
| Aquatic Exerciseyou can do this at homeStudies: 5 · OARSI 2019 (Bannuru), ACR/AF 2020 (Kolasinski) +1 | 5 | OARSI 2019 (Bannuru)ACR/AF 2020 (Kolasinski) +1 | May help |
| Cognitive Behavioral Therapydone with a specialistStudies: 4 · OARSI 2019 (Bannuru), ACR/AF 2020 (Kolasinski) +1 | 4 | OARSI 2019 (Bannuru)ACR/AF 2020 (Kolasinski) +1 | May help |
| Intra-articular Corticosteroiddone with a specialistStudies: 7 · Beating osteoARThritis: stepped care strategy (Smink 2011), OARSI 2019 (Bannuru) +1 | 7 | Beating osteoARThritis: stepped care strategy (Smink 2011)OARSI 2019 (Bannuru) +1 | May help |
| Manual Therapydone with a specialistStudies: 5 · NICE NG226 2022 — Osteoarthritis in over 16s, OARSI 2019 (Bannuru) +1 | 5 | NICE NG226 2022 — Osteoarthritis in over 16sOARSI 2019 (Bannuru) +1 | May help |
| Aerobic Exerciseyou can do this at homeStudies: 11 · ACR/AF 2020 (Kolasinski), EULAR 2024 (Moseng) | 11 | ACR/AF 2020 (Kolasinski)EULAR 2024 (Moseng) | May help |
| Cryotherapyyou can do this at homeStudies: 6 · van Melick 2016 (Dutch ACL Rehab CPG), Aspetar 2023 ACL Rehab CPG | 6 | van Melick 2016 (Dutch ACL Rehab CPG)Aspetar 2023 ACL Rehab CPG | May help |
| Duloxetine (SNRI)done with a specialistStudies: 6 · OARSI 2019 (Bannuru), ACR/AF 2020 (Kolasinski) | 6 | OARSI 2019 (Bannuru)ACR/AF 2020 (Kolasinski) | May help |
| EMG Biofeedbackdone with a specialistStudies: 3 · van Melick 2016 (Dutch ACL Rehab CPG), Aspetar 2023 ACL Rehab CPG | 3 | van Melick 2016 (Dutch ACL Rehab CPG)Aspetar 2023 ACL Rehab CPG | May help |
| Heat Therapyyou can do this at homeStudies: 4 · OARSI 2019 (Bannuru), ACR/AF 2020 (Kolasinski) | 4 | OARSI 2019 (Bannuru)ACR/AF 2020 (Kolasinski) | May help |
| Home-Based Rehabilitationyou can do this at homeStudies: 3 · van Melick 2016 (Dutch ACL Rehab CPG), Aspetar 2023 ACL Rehab CPG | 3 | van Melick 2016 (Dutch ACL Rehab CPG)Aspetar 2023 ACL Rehab CPG | May help |
| NSAIDs (Oral)done with a specialistStudies: 7 · OARSI 2019 (Bannuru), ACR/AF 2020 (Kolasinski) | 7 | OARSI 2019 (Bannuru)ACR/AF 2020 (Kolasinski) | May help |
| Plyometric & Agility Trainingyou can do this at homeStudies: 2 · van Melick 2016 (Dutch ACL Rehab CPG), Aspetar 2023 ACL Rehab CPG | 2 | van Melick 2016 (Dutch ACL Rehab CPG)Aspetar 2023 ACL Rehab CPG | May help |
| Supervised Rehabilitation Trainingdone with a specialistStudies: 1 · van Melick 2016 (Dutch ACL Rehab CPG), Aspetar 2023 ACL Rehab CPG | 1 | van Melick 2016 (Dutch ACL Rehab CPG)Aspetar 2023 ACL Rehab CPG | May help |
| Tapingyou can do this at homeStudies: 1 · OARSI 2019 (Bannuru), ACR/AF 2020 (Kolasinski) | 1 | OARSI 2019 (Bannuru)ACR/AF 2020 (Kolasinski) | May help |
| Aquatic Therapyyou can do this at homeStudies: 2 · Aspetar 2023 ACL Rehab CPG | 2 | Aspetar 2023 ACL Rehab CPG | May help |
| Blood Flow Restriction Trainingyou can do this at homeStudies: 8 · Aspetar 2023 ACL Rehab CPG | 8 | Aspetar 2023 ACL Rehab CPG | May help |
| Cold Therapyyou can do this at homeStudies: 2 · ACR/AF 2020 (Kolasinski) | 2 | ACR/AF 2020 (Kolasinski) | May help |
| Core Stability Trainingyou can do this at homeStudies: 4 · Aspetar 2023 ACL Rehab CPG | 4 | Aspetar 2023 ACL Rehab CPG | May help |
| Cycling Aerobic Trainingyou can do this at homeStudies: 1 · Aspetar 2023 ACL Rehab CPG | 1 | Aspetar 2023 ACL Rehab CPG | May help |
| Isoinertial Trainingyou can do this at homeStudies: 1 · Aspetar 2023 ACL Rehab CPG | 1 | Aspetar 2023 ACL Rehab CPG | May help |
| Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA)done with a specialistStudies: 1 · NICE NG226 2022 — Osteoarthritis in over 16s | 1 | NICE NG226 2022 — Osteoarthritis in over 16s | May help |
| BMAC + PRP Augmentationdone with a specialistStudies: 2 · not yet reviewed | 2 | not yet reviewed | May help |
| Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT)done with a specialistStudies: 1 · not yet reviewed | 1 | not yet reviewed | May help |
| Manual Therapy + Exercisedone with a specialistStudies: 1 · not yet reviewed | 1 | not yet reviewed | May help |
| Modeling Videosdone with a specialistStudies: 2 · not yet reviewed | 2 | not yet reviewed | May help |
| Peripheral Nerve Stimulationdone with a specialistStudies: 1 · not yet reviewed | 1 | not yet reviewed | May help |
| Pilates Exercisedone with a specialistStudies: 3 · not yet reviewed | 3 | not yet reviewed | May help |
| Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy (PEMF)done with a specialistStudies: 2 · not yet reviewed | 2 | not yet reviewed | May help |
| Paracetamol / Acetaminophendone with a specialistStudies: 2 · NICE NG226 2022 — Osteoarthritis in over 16s, Beating osteoARThritis: stepped care strategy (Smink 2011) +2 | 2 | NICE NG226 2022 — Osteoarthritis in over 16sBeating osteoARThritis: stepped care strategy (Smink 2011) +2 | Not enough research yet |
| Acupuncturedone with a specialistStudies: 2 · NICE NG226 2022 — Osteoarthritis in over 16s, ACR/AF 2020 (Kolasinski) | 2 | NICE NG226 2022 — Osteoarthritis in over 16sACR/AF 2020 (Kolasinski) | Not enough research yet |
| Biofeedback Trainingdone with a specialistStudies: 2 · van Melick 2016 (Dutch ACL Rehab CPG), Aspetar 2023 ACL Rehab CPG | 2 | van Melick 2016 (Dutch ACL Rehab CPG)Aspetar 2023 ACL Rehab CPG | Not enough research yet |
| Knee Brace / Unloader Bracedone with a specialistStudies: 3 · OARSI 2019 (Bannuru), ACR/AF 2020 (Kolasinski) | 3 | OARSI 2019 (Bannuru)ACR/AF 2020 (Kolasinski) | Not enough research yet |
| Topical Capsaicindone with a specialistStudies: three systematic reviews · OARSI 2019 (Bannuru), ACR/AF 2020 (Kolasinski) | three systematic reviews | OARSI 2019 (Bannuru)ACR/AF 2020 (Kolasinski) | Not enough research yet |
| Kinesio Tapingyou can do this at homeStudies: Six studies · Aspetar 2023 ACL Rehab CPG | Six studies | Aspetar 2023 ACL Rehab CPG | Not enough research yet |
| Perturbation Trainingyou can do this at homeStudies: 5 · Aspetar 2023 ACL Rehab CPG | 5 | Aspetar 2023 ACL Rehab CPG | Not enough research yet |
| Treadmill Walking Trainingyou can do this at homeStudies: 1 · Aspetar 2023 ACL Rehab CPG | 1 | Aspetar 2023 ACL Rehab CPG | Not enough research yet |
| Visual Feedback Balance Trainingdone with a specialistStudies: 1 · Aspetar 2023 ACL Rehab CPG | 1 | Aspetar 2023 ACL Rehab CPG | Not enough research yet |
| Accelerated Rehabilitationyou can do this at homeStudies: 1 · not yet reviewed | 1 | not yet reviewed | Not enough research yet |
| Acupuncture + Exercise Trainingdone with a specialistStudies: 1 · not yet reviewed | 1 | not yet reviewed | Not enough research yet |
| Cognitive-Behavioral Physical Therapydone with a specialistStudies: 1 · not yet reviewed | 1 | not yet reviewed | Not enough research yet |
| Conservative Management (Non-surgical)you can do this at homeStudies: 4 · not yet reviewed | 4 | not yet reviewed | Not enough research yet |
| Corticosteroid Injectiondone with a specialistStudies: 2 · not yet reviewed | 2 | not yet reviewed | Not enough research yet |
| Digital Structured Educationdone with a specialistStudies: 1 · not yet reviewed | 1 | not yet reviewed | Not enough research yet |
| Elastic Resistance Band Trainingyou can do this at homeStudies: 1 · not yet reviewed | 1 | not yet reviewed | Not enough research yet |
| Electroacupuncturedone with a specialistStudies: 2 · not yet reviewed | 2 | not yet reviewed | Not enough research yet |
| Exercise + Cryotherapydone with a specialistStudies: 1 · not yet reviewed | 1 | not yet reviewed | Not enough research yet |
| Exercise + TENSdone with a specialistStudies: 1 · not yet reviewed | 1 | not yet reviewed | Not enough research yet |
| Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT)done with a specialistStudies: 3 · not yet reviewed | 3 | not yet reviewed | Not enough research yet |
| Functional Knee Bracedone with a specialistStudies: 2 · not yet reviewed | 2 | not yet reviewed | Not enough research yet |
| GLA:D® Program (Good Life with osteoArthritis from Denmark)done with a specialistStudies: 2 · not yet reviewed | 2 | not yet reviewed | Not enough research yet |
| Guided Imagerydone with a specialistStudies: 1 · not yet reviewed | 1 | not yet reviewed | Not enough research yet |
| In Vivo Exposure Therapydone with a specialistStudies: 1 · not yet reviewed | 1 | not yet reviewed | Not enough research yet |
| Interferential Current Therapy (IFC)done with a specialistStudies: 1 · not yet reviewed | 1 | not yet reviewed | Not enough research yet |
| Internet-Delivered Psychological Supportdone with a specialistStudies: 1 · not yet reviewed | 1 | not yet reviewed | Not enough research yet |
| Motor Imagerydone with a specialistStudies: 1 · not yet reviewed | 1 | not yet reviewed | Not enough research yet |
| Myofascial Release / Mobilizationdone with a specialistStudies: 1 · not yet reviewed | 1 | not yet reviewed | Not enough research yet |
| Nordic Hamstring Exercisedone with a specialistStudies: 1 · not yet reviewed | 1 | not yet reviewed | Not enough research yet |
| Osteotomy (High Tibial)done with a specialistStudies: 3 · not yet reviewed | 3 | not yet reviewed | Not enough research yet |
| Percussion Massage Therapydone with a specialistStudies: 1 · not yet reviewed | 1 | not yet reviewed | Not enough research yet |
| RegentK Manual Therapydone with a specialistStudies: 1 · not yet reviewed | 1 | not yet reviewed | Not enough research yet |
| Robotic-Assisted Rehabilitationdone with a specialistStudies: 1 · not yet reviewed | 1 | not yet reviewed | Not enough research yet |
| SAP + Perturbation Trainingyou can do this at homeStudies: 1 · not yet reviewed | 1 | not yet reviewed | Not enough research yet |
| TECAR Therapy (Capacitive/Resistive Diathermy)done with a specialistStudies: 2 · not yet reviewed | 2 | not yet reviewed | Not enough research yet |
| Virtual Reality Rehabilitationdone with a specialistStudies: 1 · not yet reviewed | 1 | not yet reviewed | Not enough research yet |
| Hyaluronic Acid (Viscosupplementation)done with a specialistStudies: 14 · NICE NG226 2022 — Osteoarthritis in over 16s, Beating osteoARThritis: stepped care strategy (Smink 2011) +2 | 14 | NICE NG226 2022 — Osteoarthritis in over 16sBeating osteoARThritis: stepped care strategy (Smink 2011) +2 | Science does not support itdepends on the stage of recovery |
| Glucosaminedone with a specialistStudies: 79 studies for pain, 55 studies for function (NMA total) · NICE NG226 2022 — Osteoarthritis in over 16s, Beating osteoARThritis: stepped care strategy (Smink 2011) +1 | 79 studies for pain, 55 studies for function (NMA total) | NICE NG226 2022 — Osteoarthritis in over 16sBeating osteoARThritis: stepped care strategy (Smink 2011) +1 | Science does not support it |
| Opioidsdone with a specialistStudies: 5 · NICE NG226 2022 — Osteoarthritis in over 16s, OARSI 2019 (Bannuru) +1 | 5 | NICE NG226 2022 — Osteoarthritis in over 16sOARSI 2019 (Bannuru) +1 | Science does not support it |
| Stem Cell Therapydone with a specialistStudies: 6 · NICE NG226 2022 — Osteoarthritis in over 16s, OARSI 2019 (Bannuru) +1 | 6 | NICE NG226 2022 — Osteoarthritis in over 16sOARSI 2019 (Bannuru) +1 | Science does not support it |
| TENS / Electrotherapydone with a specialistStudies: 6 · NICE NG226 2022 — Osteoarthritis in over 16s, Beating osteoARThritis: stepped care strategy (Smink 2011) +1 | 6 | NICE NG226 2022 — Osteoarthritis in over 16sBeating osteoARThritis: stepped care strategy (Smink 2011) +1 | Science does not support it |
| Continuous Passive Motion (CPM)done with a specialistStudies: 3 · van Melick 2016 (Dutch ACL Rehab CPG), Aspetar 2023 ACL Rehab CPG | 3 | van Melick 2016 (Dutch ACL Rehab CPG)Aspetar 2023 ACL Rehab CPG | Science does not support it |
| Dry Needlingdone with a specialistStudies: 1 · NICE NG226 2022 — Osteoarthritis in over 16s, Aspetar 2023 ACL Rehab CPG | 1 | NICE NG226 2022 — Osteoarthritis in over 16sAspetar 2023 ACL Rehab CPG | Science does not support itdepends on the stage of recovery |
| Laser Therapy / LLLTdone with a specialistStudies: 3 · NICE NG226 2022 — Osteoarthritis in over 16s, OARSI 2019 (Bannuru) | 3 | NICE NG226 2022 — Osteoarthritis in over 16sOARSI 2019 (Bannuru) | Science does not support it |
| Massage Therapydone with a specialistStudies: 1 · OARSI 2019 (Bannuru), ACR/AF 2020 (Kolasinski) | 1 | OARSI 2019 (Bannuru)ACR/AF 2020 (Kolasinski) | Science does not support it |
| Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)done with a specialistStudies: 18 RCTs included · OARSI 2019 (Bannuru), ACR/AF 2020 (Kolasinski) | 18 RCTs included | OARSI 2019 (Bannuru)ACR/AF 2020 (Kolasinski) | Science does not support it |
| Whole-Body Vibrationdone with a specialistStudies: Six studies · van Melick 2016 (Dutch ACL Rehab CPG), Aspetar 2023 ACL Rehab CPG | Six studies | van Melick 2016 (Dutch ACL Rehab CPG)Aspetar 2023 ACL Rehab CPG | Science does not support it |
| Arthroscopy / Arthroscopic Surgerydone with a specialistStudies: 6 · NICE NG226 2022 — Osteoarthritis in over 16s | 6 | NICE NG226 2022 — Osteoarthritis in over 16s | Science does not support it |
| Chondroitin Sulfatedone with a specialistStudies: 21 · ACR/AF 2020 (Kolasinski) | 21 | ACR/AF 2020 (Kolasinski) | Science does not support it |
| Cross-Education / Bilateral Trainingyou can do this at homeStudies: 1 · Aspetar 2023 ACL Rehab CPG | 1 | Aspetar 2023 ACL Rehab CPG | Science does not support itdepends on the stage of recovery |
| Interferential Currentdone with a specialistStudies: 2 · NICE NG226 2022 — Osteoarthritis in over 16s | 2 | NICE NG226 2022 — Osteoarthritis in over 16s | Science does not support it |
| Pulsed Vibrationdone with a specialistStudies: 1 · ACR/AF 2020 (Kolasinski) | 1 | ACR/AF 2020 (Kolasinski) | Science does not support it |
| Shortwave Diathermydone with a specialistStudies: 1 · NICE NG226 2022 — Osteoarthritis in over 16s | 1 | NICE NG226 2022 — Osteoarthritis in over 16s | Science does not support it |
| Therapeutic Ultrasounddone with a specialistStudies: 5 · NICE NG226 2022 — Osteoarthritis in over 16s | 5 | NICE NG226 2022 — Osteoarthritis in over 16s | Science does not support it |
| Vitamin Ddone with a specialistStudies: 79 studies for pain, 55 studies for function (NMA total) · ACR/AF 2020 (Kolasinski) | 79 studies for pain, 55 studies for function (NMA total) | ACR/AF 2020 (Kolasinski) | Science does not support it |
Conditions in this area
Conditions in this area with published evidence — pick one to see what studies describe.
What science does not support
These approaches are widely offered, but published research found they do not help for at least one condition in this area. Listed so you know — not as advice about any individual case.
- GlucosamineNot supported by research
NICE NG226 2022 — Osteoarthritis in over 16s · Beating osteoARThritis: stepped care strategy (Smink 2011) · ACR/AF 2020 (Kolasinski)
- OpioidsNot supported by research
NICE NG226 2022 — Osteoarthritis in over 16s · OARSI 2019 (Bannuru) · ACR/AF 2020 (Kolasinski)
- Stem Cell TherapyNot supported by research
NICE NG226 2022 — Osteoarthritis in over 16s · OARSI 2019 (Bannuru) · ACR/AF 2020 (Kolasinski)
- TENS / ElectrotherapyNot supported by research
NICE NG226 2022 — Osteoarthritis in over 16s · Beating osteoARThritis: stepped care strategy (Smink 2011) · ACR/AF 2020 (Kolasinski)
- Continuous Passive Motion (CPM)Not supported by research
van Melick 2016 (Dutch ACL Rehab CPG) · Aspetar 2023 ACL Rehab CPG
- Laser Therapy / LLLTNot supported by research
NICE NG226 2022 — Osteoarthritis in over 16s · OARSI 2019 (Bannuru)
- Massage TherapyNot supported by research
OARSI 2019 (Bannuru) · ACR/AF 2020 (Kolasinski)
- Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)Not supported by research
OARSI 2019 (Bannuru) · ACR/AF 2020 (Kolasinski)
- Whole-Body VibrationNot supported by research
van Melick 2016 (Dutch ACL Rehab CPG) · Aspetar 2023 ACL Rehab CPG
- Arthroscopy / Arthroscopic SurgeryNot supported by research
NICE NG226 2022 — Osteoarthritis in over 16s
- Chondroitin SulfateNot supported by research
ACR/AF 2020 (Kolasinski)
- Interferential CurrentNot supported by research
NICE NG226 2022 — Osteoarthritis in over 16s
- Pulsed VibrationNot supported by research
ACR/AF 2020 (Kolasinski)
- Shortwave DiathermyNot supported by research
NICE NG226 2022 — Osteoarthritis in over 16s
- Therapeutic UltrasoundNot supported by research
NICE NG226 2022 — Osteoarthritis in over 16s
- Vitamin DNot supported by research
ACR/AF 2020 (Kolasinski)
Whether any of this applies to your situation is something your physiotherapist or doctor can assess after examining you.
Frequently asked
What works for Knee according to research?
Research supports: Exercise Therapy (Combined Programs), Weight Management, Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES), NSAIDs (Topical), Patient Education, Quadriceps Strengthening. Based on NICE NG226 2022 — Osteoarthritis in over 16s; Beating osteoARThritis: stepped care strategy (Smink 2011); OARSI 2019 (Bannuru).
What does not work for Knee according to research?
Research found no benefit from routine use of: Glucosamine, Opioids, Stem Cell Therapy, TENS / Electrotherapy, Continuous Passive Motion (CPM), Laser Therapy / LLLT. Based on NICE NG226 2022 — Osteoarthritis in over 16s; Beating osteoARThritis: stepped care strategy (Smink 2011); ACR/AF 2020 (Kolasinski).
How much research is this based on?
For Knee, 104 approaches were evaluated, of which 70 have been reviewed by research bodies. Every data point traces to a published source.
Educational Information — PhysioSense is an educational reference tool based on published research. It does NOT replace a medical examination or physiotherapy assessment. If you have severe pain, new symptoms, or are unsure — see a doctor or physiotherapist. You always make the final decision about your exercise. Pain is a signal to stop.
