Treated at all four Suffolk County offices

Knee Osteoarthritis Treatment on Long Island

Knee osteoarthritis responds better to the right loading program than to rest. We build that program at four Suffolk County offices, and add acupuncture where pain is limiting what you can do.

Does this sound like you?

  • Deep ache in the knee that has built up over months or years
  • Stiff after sitting a while, easier once you get going
  • Stairs, hills, and getting out of a car are the hard parts
  • Swelling after a longer day on your feet
  • Grinding or crunching when you bend it
  • You have been told it is wear and tear and to live with it

If you recognized yourself in more than one of those, that is enough to book. You do not need a diagnosis to come in, and you do not need a referral to start.

How we treat knee osteoarthritis

Most people do best on a combination. Your first visit sorts out which of these you actually need, and in what order.

Physical Therapy

This is the main event. Exercise has the strongest research behind it for knee arthritis, and a therapist builds the program around your knee rather than handing you a sheet.

Acupuncture

An addition when pain is limiting how much you can do. The American College of Rheumatology conditionally recommends it, and we are straight with you that the effect is modest.

What happens when you come in

1

We work out the cause

A full history and a hands-on exam. We look at how you move, not only where it hurts, so the plan targets the thing driving the pain.

2

Treatment starts the same day

You are treated on the first visit in most cases. No waiting for a second appointment to begin.

3

We reassess as you go

We check progress at set points and adjust. If something is not working we change it or tell you honestly that we are not the right fit.

Your plan probably covers this

We accept The Empire Plan/NYSHIP, BlueCross BlueShield, Aetna, Cigna, Medicare and UnitedHealthcare, and other plans that have out-of-network coverage. We check your benefits before your first visit and tell you what you will owe, so nothing lands on you at the front desk.

We handle the billing. In most cases you pay a co-insurance amount at the visit and we take it from there.

Not every plan covers every service, and coverage depends on medical necessity. A few plans place us outside their network. When that happens we still file the claim for you and give you the cost in writing before you book.

Plans we accept

What the research says

Exercise is the treatment with the strongest support here, and that is why a physical therapist leads your plan. Acupuncture is a reasonable addition. The American College of Rheumatology conditionally recommends it for knee arthritis, though studies show the difference between real and simulated needling is small. We will tell you honestly what is likely to change and what is not.

Source: American College of Rheumatology and Arthritis Foundation. 2019 Guideline for the Management of Osteoarthritis of the Hand, Hip, and Knee. Arthritis Care and Research, 2020. Fransen M, et al. Exercise for osteoarthritis of the knee. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2015.

Sudden severe swelling, redness and heat with a fever, being unable to put weight through the leg, or a knee that locks or gives way needs medical assessment rather than conservative care. Tell us if you take blood thinners or have a joint replacement.

Questions people ask us

How much will this cost me?

With most plans you pay your co-insurance, not the full fee. We verify your benefits before the first visit and tell you the number up front.

Will this help me avoid a knee replacement?

We cannot promise that, and we will not pretend otherwise. What we can do is build strength and tolerance around the joint, which for many people means less pain and more they can do day to day.

Do I need a referral first?

No, not to start physical therapy in New York for up to 30 days or 10 visits. Medicare, no-fault, and workers compensation do need one up front.

Will exercise make it worse?

This is the most common worry we hear. Loaded correctly and progressed sensibly, exercise is the best supported treatment for knee arthritis. Your therapist controls the dose.

How long before I notice anything?

Usually a few weeks rather than a few visits. We reassess early and tell you if it is not moving.

Where we treat knee osteoarthritis

Four offices across Suffolk County. Call the one nearest you, or request an appointment and we will route it.

What our patients say

Excellent
Thrive Health of Smithtown4.9
Based on 92 reviews
Mary D.
5 days ago
Love this place
Sheila W.
1 week ago
I love Thrive in Smithtown. The entire team is so professional, wise, kind, and caring! It’s like having an extended family of support for your health. Thank you to Mayra, Stacy, Chris, Monica, Lindsay, Jane, Justin, Carolyn, Jake, Lindsay, Gabby, Sam, Rowland, Gina and if I missed someone it’s because I don’t see them based on my schedule! Even the ultrasound tech’s are the kindest people! The best place for PT, Acupuncture, Massage and so much more!
PhatAndFabulous
1 week ago
Thrive gets my back & shoulders feeling better every time.
Audrey A.
1 week ago
Chris (massage therapist) and Stacy (acupuncturist) are amazingly skilled practitioners and genuinely just lovely, kind people. I’m currently pregnant and Chris has gone above and beyond be able to continue massaging me safely throughout my pregnancy. Stacy has been so sweet and invested in my journey as well, it really makes this place special. I think check-in has taken a hit since losing Sabrina, she was great. But otherwise this place is awesome.
Cami D.
3 weeks ago
Annamaria I.
3 weeks ago
Professional and kind people who truly care for their patients
Melissa N.
3 weeks ago
Very helpful, clean, organized and friendly staff that are effective with treatment for my sciatic and lower back pain.
Mike K.
3 weeks ago
I am a person that has many physical issues. I found Thrive of Smithtown, on an post that Doreen had put up on Facebook. I figured I would give this physical therapy office a shot. All the folks at this office are professionals and have helped me with all my medical issues. You have to put the time in to feel the results. I like the hands on approach at this PT office. The other PT offices I have used, put some heat and stim on the area of concern, then send you to the equipment and see ya later. If you are looking for a change or if you think you should have better results. Check them out!
Melanie S.
8 months ago
Veronica J.
8 months ago

Stop planning your week around it

Tell us what is going on and we will get you in. Most plans accepted, and we check your coverage before you come.

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