How physical therapy can show you how to protect your knees from Injury
Knee Injuries
One of the most common types of knee pain in athletes, active teenagers, older adults, and people who perform physical labor is patellofemoral pain syndrome. Patellofemoral pain occurs at the front of the knee, in and around the kneecap. Physical therapy is one option that can be customized to fit any person’s situation to help fix and prevent future knee pain.
The first step in determining which type of treatment would be most effective is the evaluation of the patient. After the evaluation, the physical therapist analyzes the results and finds what would be the most successful exercise and rehabilitation program specific for each patient. The strengthening exercises that are used for the knee are targeted at the hip, knee and the ankle.
The physical therapist will continue to work with each patient to keep them active and to maintain their fitness level necessary for their recovery. If it appears that the knee pain is being caused by the alignment and position of a patient’s foot or arch, shoe inserts called orthosis may be an option. The orthosis can lessen the stress to the knee that is caused by excessive rotation as well as the impact that occurs during walking or running.
Two common treatments that may be suggested by the physical therapist to help protect the knees are strength training and functional exercises and electrical stimulation of the knee. Strength training and functional exercises are designed to increase the strength, endurance, and function of the leg muscle as well as support the knee and reduce the stress to the knee joint. Electrical stimulation of the knee is used to increase the strength of the leg muscles and to reduce knee pain. This is done through electrical impulses generated by a device and delivered through electrodes to stimulate the quadriceps femoris; the primary muscle that supports the knee.
Although there are other options to protect the knees from injury, physical therapy is a cost-effective treatment that improves flexibility and relieves pain. Physical therapy reduces the need for surgery and prescription drugs and gives patients the opportunity to partake in a recovery plan that is modified to their needs.
