To answer the question, “Does Exercise Wear Down My Knee Joint?”, the authors of a study found that the medical literature does not seem to show that exercise therapy causes harm to the knee cartilage structure or quality with or without knee arthritis. ~ Dr. Broussard
Exercise Therapy “Wears Down” My Knee Joint: Myth or Reality?
Clinical Commentary
Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy
Published Online: June 19, 2025 Volume55 Issue7 Pages463-467
https://www.jospt.org/doi/10.2519/jospt.2025.13069
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Exercise therapy is a first-line treatment for osteoarthritis. However, many patients and some clinicians believe that exercise therapy might harm knee cartilage in individuals with knee osteoarthritis.
CLINICAL QUESTION: Does exercise therapy damage knee joint cartilage in individuals at risk of, or with, knee osteoarthritis?
KEY RESULTS: Systematic reviews demonstrate that exercise therapy does not seem to harm cartilage structure or quality.
CLINICAL APPLICATION: To dispel the misconception that exercise therapy wears down knee cartilage, clinicians should proactively address these concerns when treating patients with knee osteoarthritis. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2025;55(7):463-467. Epub 16 May 2025. doi:10.2519/jospt.2025.13069