09/10/2026
Dr. Julie Switzer, an orthopedic surgeon at TRIA, has often noticed how advanced arthritis affects patients differently. “One x-ray may show severe arthritis, but the patient is only feeling minor discomfort, and then another patient with a similar x-ray is debilitated.”
What she believed she was seeing was the difference between a mindset of fear and avoidance compared to one of confidence and proactive self-management.
That is what led to our TRIA Knee Arthritis Program, a pilot launched two years ago to help patients avoid or delay knee surgery with exercise and education.
“A grandfather with a sore knee who turns down a fishing date with his grandchild because he is worried he will further injure his knee by participating, that’s the person whose life we can change,” Dr. Switzer says. “We want to help our patients get out there to do the things they want to do.”
More than 400 participants have completed the 12-month program. Results show 69% of patients saw improved knee function, with 40% reaching function comparable to patients who had knee replacement surgeries.
"We’re making sure every patient gets the right care for their situation," says Dr. Switzer. "Many respond so well to the program they see the same improvement in function patients typically see from surgery. We support surgery if it’s what’s best for the patient, but for those who don't need it, we’re giving them a real alternative.”
If you’re dealing with knee arthritis pain and are interested in learning more about the program, call 952-993-2245.
