Knee pain is usually felt behind and around the knee joints, especially doing certain activities like climbing, squatting, carrying heavy objects, or running. It restricts movement and reduces the muscle strength and endurance that supports functionality. 

In such circumstances, opting for rehabilitation and physiotherapy for knee pain will ensure a proper and prompt recovery. The goal of the therapy is to keep your knee strong and healthy and improve mobility as soon as possible.

Causes of Knee Pain

Studies show that knee pain often occurs due to wear and tear, ageing, trauma, or surgery. Below are some common causes of the condition.

  • Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis occurs due to the natural degeneration of bone that causes swelling and knee pain that can worsen over time.

  • Ligament or meniscus tears

An injury or tear in the ligament or meniscus of the knees will cause pain. The pain will persist while walking, resulting in swelling 24 hours after the injury.

  • Patellofemoral pain syndrome

This condition happens due to cartilage damage under knee caps due to overuse or injury.

  • Bursitis

Knee Bursitis is often associated with inflammation, pain, and stiffness in the front of the knee. If your knee joint is locked-up and suddenly stiff, it might lead to severe pain.

  • Tendinitis

Patellar tendinitis is an inflammatory condition of the tendon in the kneecap because repeated knee use, such as in gymnastics, will result in pain.

  • Fractures

Fractures in knee bones commonly occur due to sudden accidents, falls or sports injuries, or low bone density that will cause pain.

Benefits of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation for Knee Pain

Now that you know the underlying cause of your knee pain, you might like to try a minimally-invasive treatment to ease the pain. Here we have listed the benefits of knee rehabilitation and physical therapy for knee pain.

  • Pain Reduction

Physical therapy might alleviate pain, soreness, and stiffness in the knees by adding endurance to the muscles and joints. It also slows the condition’s progression by diminishing the complications from sedentary lifestyle practices. 

  • Improved Range of Motion and Flexibility

Knee pain happens due to stiffness or stress in joints. Physical therapy and rehabilitation will improve your ability to bend or straighten your knee. Improvement in such a range of motion will make a potential difference in the functioning of your joints. 

  • Strengthening of Muscles Supporting the Knee Joint

Strength loss is a common concern among people with knee pain. Physical therapy involving low-impact exercises will rebuild the strength of the muscles without adding stress to the joints. 

  • Improved Balance and Coordination

Individuals with knee pain often experience impaired balance due to muscle weakness, inactive lifestyle, and other factors. Following physical therapy modules to simulate regular functional tasks will elevate your balance and lower your fall risk.

  • Prevention of Future Knee Injuries

By managing the condition, physical therapy prevents further pain through effective posture improvements and other techniques. Research has shown that physical therapy can help treat existing ligament injuries in the knees and prevent any future injuries, especially for older people.

Types of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation for Knee Pain

People tend to respond well to physical therapy and rehabilitation with improved knee function for both onset or traumatic injuries. Therefore, professional therapies deploy different methods and techniques for knee pain, as below.

  • Manual Therapy

Manual therapy involves massage and manipulation techniques performed manually by the therapist. It will restore and improve proper patterns by reducing the stressful movement pattern of joints.

  • Therapeutic Exercise

The therapeutic exercise involves gentle stretching and strengthening movements that support your muscles and joints, allowing you to move more easily.

  • Modalities

Physical therapies use a variety of modalities such as electric therapy, hot/cold therapy, ultrasound, and Interferential current therapy to decrease pain intensity and improve knee functions.

  • Bracing and Taping

Bracing and taping your knee will relieve pain, improve support and prevent various injuries by controlling the muscles and joints. 

  • Functional Training

After gaining the strength, you need to return to normal activities steadily. Therefore you need to practice controlled movement to reduce knee pressure. Functional training is a series of activities to help you safely and properly move.

Rehabilitation after Knee Surgery

Regarding rehabilitation after knee surgery, you need attentive and effective techniques to reduce pain, improve the recovery period and increase the range of motion. Here are some of the programs to fit your specific needs.

  • Pre-Operative Physical Therapy

Pre-operative physical therapy or rehabilitation minimizes post-surgical pain and reduces psychological stress. It also improves your body with greater endurance, strength, and stamina.

  • Post-Operative Rehabilitation

Post-operative rehabilitation therapy helps you deal with surgery’s consequences, including pain, decreased strength, limited movement, and postural problems.

  • Rehabilitation After Specific Surgeries

Rehabilitation therapy after certain surgeries, such as ACL reconstruction and total knee replacement, involves tailor-made exercises and techniques to restore the stability of your knee.

Factors Affecting the Success of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation

  • Patient Compliance and Motivation

A patient’s attitude and compliance with physical therapy have a greater impact on the outcome. Thoughts about the treatment will lead to one’s attitude, which turns into their motivation and achieve their goals.

  • Severity and Duration of Knee Pain

Not all knee pains are common, and some have underlying causes. Certain injuries and conditions that exist for a prolonged time might affect the result of physical therapy.

  • Age and Overall Health of the Patient 

Physical therapy offers various techniques suitable for people of all ages. For instance, joint movements become less flexible and stiffer as you age. Moreover, the overall health status would also challenge the outcome of the therapy.

  • Adequacy of a Rehabilitation Program 

The adequacy of rehabilitation programs also plays a key part in achieving desired goals. Here, you must consistently practice the exercises and follow up with the therapists.

  • Working with a Physical Therapist

A physical therapy consultation is offered by experts who specialize in diagnosing and treating knee injuries that hinder normal movement. At the end of the consultation, they will make an informed decision to improve the condition. Here are the steps to follow. 

  • Initial Evaluation and Goal Setting

The initial evaluation in your first session with a therapist involves the evaluation of your condition, previous medical history, and how it affects your living. With robust observation, it will be easy to set your therapy goals.

  • Development of an Individualized Treatment Plan 

After the evaluation, your therapist will create a personalized treatment plan, including various tests and techniques to achieve positive results.

  • Progress Monitoring and Adjustment of the Treatment Plan 

Physical therapists will continuously monitor your condition and communicate to learn about the improvements. If the previous plan doesn’t show the desired outcome, they will modify it to deliver favorable results.

Summing up!

The Knee is the most critical and complex joint in your body that connects many bones and muscles. Whatever the cause of your knee pain, the best path of action is to opt for physical therapy and rehabilitation at the early stage.

A physical therapist will analyze your knee pain and offer an individualized plan to help you feel better and increase your mobility. Knee physiotherapy and rehabilitation can be a dynamic experience for patients and restore their ability to lead a comfortable and active life.

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