Ischemic Preconditioning in Osteoarthritis and Back Pain

Ischemic Preconditioning in Osteoarthritis and Back Pain

We are examining the use of restricted blood flow, through full occlusion, on a single thigh for 50 minutes (5 minutes on, 5 minutes off), completed every other day for 2 weeks to improve function in individuals with knee osteoarthritis and low back pain.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Reported Knee Pain using ACR Criteria
• Reported Back Pain using ODI Criteria > 12
• Ability to walk for at least 3 minutes without the use of aids
• Ability to provide written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• Younger than 50 years old
• History of Knee or Hip Replacements
• History of steroid injection within the previous 6 months
• Presence of neuromuscular joint condition that affects lower extremity function
• History of blood clots in the leg or any condition in which compression of the thigh is contraindicated
• History of heart failure or thrombosis
• Allergic to ultrasound gel
• History of spine surgery
• Non-English speaker
• Currently pregnant or intends to become pregnant during the study