Nutrition and Exercise For Knee Arthritis
- Derek Lund
- 6 days ago
- 3 min read
Can Nutrition and Exercise Team Up to Tackle Knee Osteoarthritis? New Research Says Yes!
If you’re one of the millions dealing with knee osteoarthritis (OA), you know the struggle: stiff joints, nagging pain, and the frustration of feeling limited in your daily life. At Marks Chiropractic, we’re always on the lookout for cutting-edge ways to help our Wausau patients move better and live pain-free. A recent study published in Age and Ageing (February 2025) caught our eye—and it might just change the game for knee OA relief. Let’s dive into what this means for you and how we can help.
The Study: Nutrition + Exercise vs. Exercise Alone
Researchers, including Liu W and Chang C, ran a double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled trial with 65 participants aged 40-75, all battling knee osteoarthritis. They split the group in two: one got exercise plus a nutrition supplement (think glucosamine sulphate, chondroitin sulphate, and rhizoma drynariae), while the other stuck to exercise with a placebo. The goal? To see if adding targeted nutrition could boost the benefits of exercise for knee pain and function.
Spoiler alert: it did.
The group with the supplementation saw better improvements in pain, stiffness, and mobility compared to exercise alone. This isn’t just lab talk—it’s real-world evidence that what you put in your body matters as much as how you move it.
Why This Matters for Knee Osteoarthritis Patients in Wausau
Knee OA is a top reason folks visit chiropractors and rehab specialists like us. Whether you’re a desk worker at Aspirus or a weekend warrior hitting Granite Peak and Nine Mile, joint pain can slow you down. This study backs what we’ve long believed: combining smart nutrition with tailored exercise is a powerhouse for managing OA. Here’s why:
Pain Relief: The supplement group reported less knee pain—key for getting back to activities you love, from walking the River Edge Trail to playing with grandkids.
Better Mobility: Improved joint function means easier movement, whether you’re climbing stairs or bending to garden.
Holistic Approach: Pairing nutrition with exercise tackles OA from multiple angles, not just masking symptoms.
How We Can Help At Marks Chiropractic
At our Wausau area office, we’re all about personalized care. Inspired by this research, here’s how we can team up to ease your knee OA:
Custom Exercise Plans: Our rehab experts design programs to strengthen your knees without overdoing it—think low-impact moves that build stability and flexibility.
Nutrition Guidance: We’ll point you to evidence-backed supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin, plus anti-inflammatory foods to support joint health. (Always chat with your doc before starting supplements!)
Chiropractic Adjustments: Hands-on care to move your spine and joints, reducing stress on those achy knees.
Let’s Get You Moving Again
Imagine hiking through Rib Mountain's Yellow or Quarry Trail without wincing—or keeping up with your crew at the Woodchucks game. This study proves you don’t have to settle for “it is what it is” with knee OA. The combo of nutrition and exercise could be your ticket to less pain and more life.
Ready to take the next step? Call us today or book online to begin your journey to pain relief. Let’s work together to get you back to doing what you love to do in central wisconsin—pain-free.
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