Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint condition that affects millions worldwide, causing pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. Traditional treatment approaches often include pain management and, in severe cases, surgical intervention in the form of a knee replacement. However, an innovative and non-invasive solution called Apos Therapy is gaining attention for its potential to alleviate pain, restore walking abilities, and delay the need for knee surgery in individuals with Osteoarthritis. In this blog, we will delve into the principles of Apos Therapy, its mechanism of action, and the growing body of evidence supporting its efficacy.
Understanding Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis, often referred to as “wear and tear” arthritis, occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of bones in joints deteriorates over time. This degeneration leads to pain, inflammation, and reduced joint flexibility, primarily affecting weight-bearing joints such as knees and hips. As a chronic condition, OA can significantly impact a person’s quality of life, limiting their ability to perform everyday activities like walking comfortably.
The Essence of Apos Therapy
Apos Therapy is a groundbreaking approach that merges biomechanics, personalised treatment, and technology to address the challenges posed by Osteoarthritis. The therapy involves the use of a specially designed shoe device, known as the Apos System, which integrates adjustable pods to create a controlled, dynamic shift in a person’s centre of gravity. This shift encourages the individual to modify their gait and posture, redistributing the load away from pain in the affected joints and providing pain relief.
How Apos Therapy Works
The Apos Therapy process begins with a thorough assessment conducted by a trained clinician. This assessment helps identify the individual’s unique gait pattern, joint alignment, and areas of pain. Based on these findings, a personalised treatment plan is created, which includes wearing the Apos System during daily activities.
The device’s pods are calibrated to the individual’s needs, this allows the person to walk with a much reduced pain level. Often the client can have the shoe set so there is no pain at all on walking. The pod on the bottom of the shoes, not only create this change by altering the way your foot strikes the floor, but it also creates a slight imbalance that stimulates the muscles in the leg. This starts to strengthen stabilising structures, and encourage natural joint alignment. Over time, this can lead to improved joint function, reduced pain, and enhanced mobility. The therapy is typically integrated into a person’s routine for a period of a year, with periodic adjustments to the device to optimise its effectiveness. The aim of the shoe is that after a year’s worth of treatment you are able to walk comfortably, even when not wearing the shoes.
Evidence and Efficacy
Numerous studies have investigated the effectiveness of Apos Therapy in managing OA-related pain and improving mobility. Research published in the Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research (2019) demonstrated that Apos Therapy significantly reduced pain and improved function in individuals with knee OA. Another study published in Clinical Interventions in Aging (2019) reported that Apos Therapy led to better gait patterns and decreased pain in patients with hip OA.
Delaying Knee Surgery
One of the most intriguing aspects of Apos Therapy is its potential to delay or even avoid the need for knee surgery in individuals with Osteoarthritis. By addressing the root causes of pain and joint degeneration, Apos Therapy aims to improve joint function and delay disease progression. For many individuals, this means experiencing significant pain relief, enhanced mobility, and improved overall quality of life, potentially allowing them to postpone surgical interventions.
By utilising biomechanics and technology, Apos Therapy provides a non-invasive solution that addresses the underlying causes of pain and mobility challenges. As research continues to validate its effectiveness, individuals with Osteoarthritis may find new hope in this innovative approach to reclaiming their mobility and comfort.
At the Reinge Clinic both our therapists are fully trained as Apos Therapists. We are the only clinic in the area to have this training. If you would like to find out more about this shoe and see how we assess you, please take a look here.
Assessments for the Apos shoe are completely free, so you can try before you commit and ensure they are the correct solution for you. Find out more about Apos Therapy here.
The Apos Therapy system has been approved by NICE for use within the NHS, though trusts offering this are currently very limited.
