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❗️Will K-tape really help my knee arthritis?
Cartilage can regrow. KT tape might help. And Jeff’s knee story could change how you think about surgery.
Shehla Rooney
June 01, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 6 minutes
TODAY’S KNEE NEWS
Jeff’s Story: Living with Knee Pain While Waiting for Surgery
“I’m not in unbearable pain, but I know I’m not living fully either.”
At 69, golf is more than a game for Jeff. It’s how he stays sharp, social, and sane. So when knee pain began forcing him to sit out or swing cautiously, it hit harder than expected.
Though his doctor said to wait for surgery, Jeff chose something different: strength. With targeted exercises and a plan built around his goals, he’s preparing for surgery before his quality of life fades further.
If you’ve ever felt stuck between “not bad enough for surgery” and “not okay anymore,” Jeff’s story is worth the read.
Therapist Shares The Truth About His Knee Replacement Recovery
“Even as a PTA, I wasn’t ready for how uncomfortable those first three weeks would be.”
Eric spent years helping others through recovery—until he became the patient. In this month’s featured story, Eric shares what the first 8 weeks after surgery actually felt like: the highs, the setbacks, the painful surprises, and the small daily wins that made it all worth it.
If you’ve ever wondered:
What the first week after surgery *really* feels like
Why pushing through pain in PT can set you back
How to prep your body (and mindset) before surgery
What truly helps (and what definitely doesn’t) during recovery
Whether you’re weeks away from surgery or still deciding if it’s time, this part of Eric’s journey is full of valuable insight: recovery isn’t passive, and it doesn’t start after the hospital—it starts now.
KNEE FACTS
Q: You’ve Been Told Your Cartilage is Gone, But Can It Repair Itself?
When astronauts return to Earth, the cartilage in their knees is often thinner than before because their cartilage isn't exposed to gravity while they are in space. This means their knee cartilage hasn't had any loading, so it gets thinner. However, with a few weeks of regular activity, it returns to normal thickness. The same thing would happen if your knee was in a plaster cast, period.
A: Yes, Cartilage Can Repair Itself. And Movement Makes It Happen!
Most people are told that cartilage just "wears out" over time — like a tire going bald. But here's the exciting truth: cartilage is bioplastic, meaning it can adapt, repair, and respond to the way we move throughout life. It’s not a dead, deteriorating tissue — it’s alive, dynamic, and capable of change.
Yes, cartilage can get thinner with disuse (like in space or after injury), but it can also thicken and strengthen again with the right kind of loading and activity. Even something as simple as walking can begin to stimulate joint nutrition and blood flow.
So if you've been told your cartilage is "worn down," don't lose hope. There's more to the story, and it’s a hopeful one.
We’ll dive deeper into this powerful concept in the next edition of KneeMail.
Q: Can a stretchy strip of tape really reduce knee pain?
KT tape (short for kinesiology tape) is often seen on athletes, but studies show it might help with knee osteoarthritis, too.
What The Research Says
A 2023 review of 18 clinical trials found that kinesiology taping significantly improved pain and joint function in people with knee OA. It’s not a cure, but it might be a helpful part of your movement routine — especially when combined with exercise or physical therapy.
You Can Try KT Tape at Home (It's Under $30)
If you’re curious but unsure where to start, a product like KTQUICK Precut Kinesiology Tape makes it easier to apply tape at home. It’s not a substitute for expert care, but it can offer DIY support for activities like walking, working out, or even Pickleball.
Always check with your healthcare provider before trying any new support technique.
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