Knee Injection

How Can A Physical Therapist Help?

Your physical therapist will design an individualized treatment program specific to the exact nature of your condition and your goals.

Range Of Motion

Often, abnormal motion of the knee joint can lead to a progression of osteoarthritis when there is more contact and wear on the bones. Your therapist will assess your motion against the motion of the knee of your unaffected leg.

Muscle Strength

Strengthening the muscles around your knee will be an essential part of your rehabilitation program. Individuals with osteoarthritis who adhere to strengthening programs have been shown to have less pain and an improved overall quality of life. There are several factors that influence the health of a joint: the quality of the cartilage that lines the bones, the tissue within and around the joints, and the associated muscles. Due to the wear and tear on cartilage associated with osteoarthrits, strength in the muscles near the joint is crucial to preserve joint health.

Strengthening the hip and core muscles also can help balance the amount of force on the knee joint, particularly during walking or running. The “core” refers to the muscles of the abdomen, low back, and pelvis. A strong core will increase stability through your body as you move your arms and legs. Your physical therapist will assess these different muscle groups, compare the strength in each limb, and prescribe specific exercises to target your areas of weakness.

Manual Therapy

Physical therapists are trained in manual (hands-on) therapy. Your physical therapist will gently move and mobilize your muscles and joints to improve their motion, flexibility, and strength. These techniques can target areas that are difficult to treat on your own. In patients with osteoarthritis of the knee, the addition of manual therapy techniques to exercise has been shown to decrease pain and increase function.

Modalities

Your physical therapist may recommend therapeutic modalities, such as ice and heat, to aid in pain management.

Bracing

Devices such as realignment braces are used to modify the forces placed on the knee. These braces can help "unload" certain areas of your knee and move contact to less painful areas of the joint during weight-bearing activities.

Activity Recommendations

Physical therapists are trained to understand how to prescribe exercises to individuals with injuries or pain. Since osteoarthritis is a progressive disease, it is important to develop a specific plan to perform enough activity to address the problem while avoiding increases in stress on the knee joint. Activity must be prescribed and monitored based on type, frequency, duration and intensity, with adequate time allotted for rest and recovery. Your physical therapist will consider the stage and extent of your arthritis and prescribe an individualized exercise program to address your needs and maximize the function of your knee.