Are You a Candidate for Viscosupplementation? Signs It Might Help Your Knees.

Knee pain has a way of showing up at the worst possible times. When you are walking up the stairs, chasing your dog, or trying to enjoy a simple morning jog, it can slow you down. For many people, that pain comes from osteoarthritis, a condition where the protective cartilage in the knee wears down, and movement becomes stiff, painful, and noisy. While some turn to physical therapy, medication, or lifestyle changes, others explore a treatment called viscosupplementation. But who benefits from these lubrication injections?

What Is Viscosupplementation?

Viscosupplementation involves injecting a gel-like substance made of hyaluronic acid directly into the knee joint. Hyaluronic acid is naturally found in the fluid that cushions and lubricates your joints. When arthritis reduces this fluid’s thickness and effectiveness, the joint becomes dry and painful.

The injection is designed to restore some of that lubrication. Think of it as adding oil to a squeaky hinge. It helps the joint move more smoothly, reduces pain, and improves your ability to perform daily activities. These injections are typically performed by an orthopedic specialist or rehabilitation physician, sometimes under fluoroscopic guidance for accuracy.

Viscosupplementation does not rebuild cartilage, but it can relieve pain long enough to help you stay active and delay surgery. For some, the effects last several months, and for others, up to a year with repeat treatments.

Ideal Candidates for Viscosupplementation

Not everyone with knee pain is a good candidate for this procedure. The injections work best for specific groups of people based on the stage of arthritis, age, and activity level.

1. Mild to Moderate Arthritis

Viscosupplementation is most effective when there is still some cartilage left in the joint. People with mild to moderate osteoarthritis often notice the most improvement because the injection can still glide through a partially functional joint. Those with severe or bone-on-bone arthritis may experience less relief, as the joint damage is too advanced for lubrication to make a major difference.

2. Adults in Their 40s to 70s

The typical age range for viscosupplementation candidates is between 40 and 70. At this stage of life, many people experience age-related cartilage wear but are not yet ready for total knee replacement. The injections can help manage discomfort, allowing you to keep up with daily routines, exercise, and work.

Younger adults with early-onset arthritis may also benefit, especially if the condition is linked to sports injuries or repetitive stress. For older adults, viscosupplementation can offer temporary relief while planning for longer-term treatments.

3. Active Individuals Who Want to Stay Moving

If you like to stay active but knee pain is holding you back, viscosupplementation might help. Those who engage in regular low-impact exercise such as walking, swimming, or cycling often report better outcomes. The improved lubrication makes movement easier, which encourages continued physical activity, something that helps maintain knee function over time.

However, if your knee pain is severe enough to limit basic mobility, the injection may not be as effective. It works best when used to manage pain, not to repair advanced joint damage.

When It Might Not Be the Right Fit

Viscosupplementation may not be suitable for everyone. If you have advanced arthritis with significant bone damage, the results might be minimal. The same applies if you have active inflammation, infection in the joint, or an allergy to hyaluronic acid-based products.

It is also not a first-line treatment. Most doctors recommend trying physical therapy, lifestyle adjustments, and anti-inflammatory medications before turning to injections. The best approach often combines these options rather than relying on one alone.

Benefits That Go Beyond Pain Relief

While pain reduction is the most obvious benefit, viscosupplementation offers more subtle advantages. It can improve your knee’s range of motion, reduce swelling, and enhance your confidence in movement. Many people find that once the pain decreases, they are more motivated to stay active and strengthen the surrounding muscles, which is an essential part of long-term joint care.

Viscosupplementation is also a relatively low-risk procedure with minimal recovery time. You can usually resume normal activities within a day, although it is best to avoid high-impact exercise for the first 48 hours.

How Physical Therapy Supports Successful Viscosupplementation

At ProFysio Physical Therapy, we often work with individuals considering or already receiving viscosupplementation injections. We collaborate closely with referring physicians to create customized therapy programs that enhance the effects of your treatment.

Physical therapy helps strengthen the muscles that support the knee, improves joint alignment, and promotes better mobility, all of which make the benefits of injections last longer. Our physical therapists use advanced manual therapy and targeted exercises to reduce stiffness and restore smooth, pain-free motion.

If you are not sure whether viscosupplementation is right for you, we can help guide your next steps. Our trusted team can assess your joint condition, activity level, and treatment history, then refer you to trusted physician partners for further evaluation if needed.

Knee pain should not control your life. Call (732) 812-5200 today or request an appointment onlineto schedule your PT session with ProFysio Physical Therapy.

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