How Physical Therapy Helps With Knee Pain
Physical therapy is an effective and non-surgical treatment for knee pain and can eliminate the need for surgery in some cases.
Knee pain affects millions of Americans every year and interferes with their daily life. A knee can develop pain for several reasons, including age, traumatic accident, overuse, arthritis, or sports injury. Furthermore, the knee is the body’s largest joint and consists of bone, cartilage, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. The complex knee structure makes it more vulnerable to sprains, strains, fractures, and degeneration. Knee pain can range from acute and subacute to chronic. Physical therapy is an effective and non-surgical treatment for knee pain and can eliminate the need for surgery in some cases.
Physical therapy and knee pain
Physical therapists are medically trained experts at diagnosing and treating knees to alleviate the pain and restore normal movement. They can create a personalized rehabilitation program that combines strengthening and stretching exercises to increase flexibility and strengthen the surrounding muscles with other treatments like injections, ultrasound massage, muscle stimulation, and heat and ice.
On the first visit, a physical therapist gathers all the required information to conduct a thorough examination. The examination may include gait evaluation, palpitation, range of motion measurement, balance assessment, strength measurements, and special tests. After the analysis, the physical therapist suggests the most appropriate treatment plan.
Generally, exercise is the primary tool for knee pain treatment. Some often recommended exercises include short arc quads, balance exercises, lower extremity stretches, hip strengthening exercises, and straight leg exercises. The physical therapist will explain how and when to do the exercises. Exercises are vital as they reduce the stress on the knee joint while climbing stairs, walking, and running.
Benefits of physical therapy for knee pain
Knee pain treatment depends on the condition of pain and cause. Let’s consider some of the benefits of treating knee pain with physical therapy.
Improvement in mobility
Knee pain restricts the mobility required to perform even essential activities. Physical therapy reduces knee pain, stiffness, and swelling and improves the function of knee joints. The strengthening of muscles and improved mobility of connective tissues around the joints make it easier to do activities like sitting, walking, playing, bending, and kneeling and slowly improves mobility and range of motion.
Enhanced balance
It is common to lose balance while standing or walking when suffering from knee pain. It can cause injuries. Physical therapists suggest exercises to improve the balance and prevent the risk of falling. Physical therapy also helps in faster and safer recovery from knee pain.
Alleviates pain
A physical therapist knows the best techniques to manage existing pain and prevent it from developing further. They can also suggest improving posture and recommend methods to keep the pain at bay.
Low medication requirement
Another benefit of opting for physical therapy for knee pain is the reduced reliance on pain medications. Medicines are only a temporary pain-relieving solution. They may treat the pain temporarily but are ineffective in treating its root cause. Physical therapy uses exercises and other techniques to alleviate pain.
Eliminates or reduces surgical treatment
Physical therapy is a non-invasive, affordable, and less painful alternative to surgery. Choosing it as an option early on will reduce the need for surgery. Even if some instances require surgery, physical therapy is essential for a faster recovery.
Get relief from knee pain
Contact a physical therapist if you are suffering from knee pain. Physical therapy exercises will help in improving knee joint mobility and strength.
Liberated Rehabilitation is a mobile physical therapy service in the Phoenix metro area specializing in fully personalized in-home physical therapy. We provide tailored physical therapy in the home or work setting for faster, better recovery. Call (602)755-2276 to schedule an appointment.
