FIGURE 1.

A conceptual model of OA including pathogenesis, symptoms, risk factors and treatments. OA is considered as a whole-organ disease and involves multiple factors. The typical symptoms of OA are pain and stiffness. The typical features of OA noted on radiographs include joint space narrowing and osteophytes. The pathogenesis of OA is complex, involving cartilage defects, inflammation, metabolic imbalance, etc. OA also involves multiple risk factors, including genetics, metabolic disorder, biomechanics, aging and gut microbiota. The current treatment for OA mainly include three categories: surgical, pharmacological, non-pharmacological. As a non-pharmacological treatment, physical therapy is promising for treating OA patients due to its cost-saving, convenience and few adverse reaction.