I don't know if this section of the site is supposed to be for therapists only, but I thought I'd make a quick post from a patient viewpoint. My apologies if I don't belong here!

I have some oestoarthritis (sp?) in my knees along with some other problems with my hips and occasionally my feet. I was in physical therapy for several months for severe pain. That just finsihed up a couple weeks ago and I'm feeling much better. I also recently had a series of rooster comb injections in both knees (those worked out GREAT! Almost immediate improvement.) As my PT was winding down we started talking about what I could do at home to keep working on strengthening the muscles that support my knees.

My biggest problem is I hate doing floor excerises and other "boring" exercises. I would do them for a little while but then stop, and then the problems would come back. When we started talking about the Wii both my physical therapist and my orthopedist were enthusastic. I got the Wii Fit Plus and we spent some time talking about the exercises that would help.

Currently I've set up "My Routine" with a series of exercises that focus on my legs. Specifically, I do ALL the exercises that involved balancing on one leg, plus a few others. I also try and do some of the yoga stretching poses. I have been warming up with Hula Hoop and some stretching, then doing the routine, and then some more of the stretches (I have very tight IT bands which make the problems worse). My plan is to gradually start introducing the use of hand and ankle weights with the routine to help build up the muscles. I used 2 pound hand weights for the first time today. It was tough! I'll need to build up slowly.

I've recently also gotten addicted to Island Cycling. I have no idea yet if that's a help or hinderance to my rehabilitation, but it sure is fun! And it motivates me to get on the Wii. Once there I have no problem also doing the other parts of my program too. I'll have to wait and see if it starts aggravating my knees.

Anyway, I don't know if this is the BEST program but the fact is, the best exercises in the world are useless if the pateint won't do them. The Wii isn't boring and I WILL do it, which makes it the best program for me.

Great post Pam - and you're spot on when you say

the best exercises in the world are useless if the pateint won't do them

. I think to some extent the type of exercise is immaterial. If you have found something you like and enjoy doing then its worth pursuing. Exercise is an important part of the management of osteoarthritis, so I would imagine that you won't be doing any harm following the exercises set out on the Wii.
Don't worry about it being the 'best' program - the 'best' program is one that you can do, and can do regularly!!!
it's great hearing about peoples experiences, so yes of course you are welcome on this forum!!!