Physical Therapy Exercises For Knee Pain
If you’re experiencing knee pain, physical therapy exercises can help reduce inflammation and enhance mobility in your joints. These may include stretching, strengthening, and massage techniques to ease muscle and tendon inflammation surrounding the knee joint.
Stretching – Knee stretches are an effective way to increase joint mobility and flexibility, as well as prevent injuries by improving posture and relieving muscle tightness.
Leg Lifts – This exercise helps strengthen the muscles on the front of your knee, which may be causing pain. You can do it lying on your side or back by bending one knee and bringing the heel towards your buttocks. Perform several sets of this exercise three times daily for maximum benefit.
Calf Raises – Standing calf raises are another exercise that may benefit knee pain caused by strained muscles in the legs. They can be done with either bent or straight knees and held for a few seconds before returning to their starting position.
Isometric Exercises – Isometric exercises are designed to build strength without damaging joints. They’re often recommended for sprains and strains that don’t respond to other treatments like ice or heat.
Athletes – People who engage in sports may experience knee pain due to overuse, injury or poor form. This discomfort can range from mild to severe and be more prevalent during certain phases of the activity.
If you’re experiencing persistent or sudden knee pain, contact a healthcare professional for an evaluation. This could include taking a physical exam and/or getting x-rays.
Consult a physical therapist for further evaluation and treatment options.
Your physical therapist (PT) can identify the source of your knee pain and create a treatment program tailored towards it. Whether it’s due to an athletic endeavor, age-related arthritis, or simply stiff and sore joints, they will suggest effective exercises that reduce discomfort while keeping you active.
When beginning any physical therapy exercise for knee pain, the most important thing to remember is to listen to your body. You may need to reduce the difficulty and intensity of the exercise and progress gradually over time.
Knee pain, such as patellofemoral pain syndrome, can often be managed with stretches and strength exercises. This condition involves irritation to the cartilage beneath your kneecap (patella), which is made worse by squatting, going up/down stairs, or sitting for prolonged periods of time.
Other types of pain may be more serious, such as runner’s knee or meniscus tears. These injuries are more difficult to heal and may necessitate surgical intervention for healing.
In some instances, your physical therapist may recommend palpation and range of motion measurement during the assessment process. These tests can be done with a hand-held device or by touching around your knee structure to detect problems and inform your treatment plan.