Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the leading causes of pain and disability in adults over 45. With joint pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility interfering with daily life, many people feel that surgery—specifically total knee replacement (TKR)—is the only viable path to relief. However, the truth is more hopeful and empowering: there are effective, evidence-based alternatives that may significantly reduce symptoms, delay or even avoid the need for surgery, and restore quality of life.
In this post, we’ll explore why conservative management matters, what non-surgical treatments work, and how structured programs like movn are changing the landscape of osteoarthritis care.
Why Look Beyond Surgery?
It’s easy to assume surgery is the best—or only—option when pain becomes chronic. But the data tells a more nuanced story.
Up to 25% of knee replacement surgeries are considered inappropriate based on clinical criteria.
One in five patients report no meaningful improvement in pain or function post-surgery.
Around 10% are dissatisfied with the results at one year.
There are also risks of adverse events, including infection, blood clots, and revision surgeries.
More importantly, 74% of people who underwent a structured conservative treatment plan avoided knee replacement after one year—and without serious side effects.
The Power of Conservative Management
Current international clinical guidelines recommend patient education, exercise, and weight management as first-line treatment for all individuals with hip or knee osteoarthritis. Yet, in Australia and many other countries, surgery and medication are still routinely prescribed first.
Programs like movn are leading a shift toward empowering patients with tools to manage OA non-surgically.
What Does the Evidence Say?
A growing body of international research supports the use of structured conservative management programs as a first-line treatment for knee osteoarthritis. These programs typically combine patient education, individualised exercise therapy, and long-term self-management strategies, offering a holistic, non-invasive approach to care.
Participants in these programs consistently report:
Reductions in pain by up to 30% within months of starting.
Improved physical function, including walking ability, strength, and balance.
Reduced reliance on pain medication, often leading to decreased use or complete cessation.
Enhanced joint-related quality of life, with many individuals regaining the ability to perform daily activities more confidently and comfortably.
Critically, conservative programs have also been shown to reduce the likelihood of knee surgery. In some studies, up to 74% of individuals who initially considered knee replacement decided to postpone or avoid surgery altogether after completing a conservative care program.
These outcomes highlight the effectiveness of a multidisciplinary, movement-focused approach—not only as a temporary solution but as a sustainable, empowering pathway for long-term knee health. Rather than viewing surgery as inevitable, patients are increasingly able to take control of their symptoms, improve function, and maintain independence through conservative care.
Additional Options: Tailored to You
In addition to education and exercise, other conservative treatments can complement your OA management plan:
Weight management: Evidence shows a clear dose-response relationship—more weight loss leads to greater symptom improvementTraining Course Manual.
Pain relief strategies: This includes taping, insoles, braces, heat/cold, and manual therapy. While not cures, these can improve comfort and support activity.
Injections: Cortisone and hyaluronic acid may offer temporary relief but have limitations. Repeated cortisone injections, for example, may increase the risk of joint damage over timeTraining Course Manual ….
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP): Some studies suggest potential symptom benefits, but high costs and limited long-term evidence remain concernsTraining Course Manual ….
Making the Choice That's Right for You
Ultimately, the decision to pursue surgery should come after exploring conservative options. Informed, shared decision-making between you and your healthcare provider ensures that your treatment aligns with your goals, lifestyle, and values.
It’s worth noting that non-surgical approaches not only reduce pain but also improve function, mental health, and confidence. These benefits extend beyond symptom management—they give you back control.
Final Thoughts
Surgery isn’t the only—or always the best—answer for knee osteoarthritis. Programs like movn provide structured, effective, and empowering alternatives that can transform the way we approach OA care.
If you’re living with knee pain, speak with your GP about enrolling in a program like movn. You might be surprised at just how much progress you can make.