Knee pain can throw a kink in your favorite pastimes, whether you’re a competitive athlete, a weekend warrior, or a regular walker.
Knee pain is a very prevalent problem. According to the Cleveland Clinic, 18 million Americans visit a doctor yearly for knee pain. The good news is that knee pain can be treated in various ways, including home treatment and physical therapy for knee pain.
In this article, we’ll go over some of the most effective exercises for physical therapy for knee pain and knee pain home treatment which helps reduce knee pain.
Knee Pain & Physical Therapy
Physical therapy for knee pain is a comprehensive examination and assessment of the complete lower leg, from hip to foot. Your physical therapist can analyze your knee pain and recommend the appropriate therapies, such as exercises, physical therapy for knee pain and modalities, to help you reduce pain and increase overall mobility.
What to Expect From Knee Pain Physical Therapy?
The first session is crucial for ensuring proper diagnosis and treatment if you’ve been sent to physical therapy for knee pain. Your physical therapist will interview you at this visit to learn about the history of your condition, aggravating and relieving variables, and any previous medical history that may have contributed to the overall problem. The physical therapist will examine based on the facts acquired throughout history. The analysis may include, but is not limited to, the following sections:
- An evaluation of how you walk. Physical therapists are trained to recognize subtle knee motion changes throughout various walking periods.
- Palpation entails touching numerous structures around the knee with the hands to detect anomalies or determine whether a system is uncomfortable to touch.
- Measurements of Range of Motion: Range of motion refers to how far the knee can bend or straighten. To help direct treatment, the physical therapist may use special devices to evaluate how your knee moves.
- Strength Measurements: Because the knee has so many muscle attachments, a strength measurement can assist evaluate if muscular weakness or imbalance is the source of your knee pain.
- Assessment of Your Balance: If your balance is disturbed, your knee may be subjected to undue stress and strain, resulting in pain.
- Swelling or Girth Measurements: Swelling in the knee joint can occur after an injury on rare occasions. To help direct treatment, a physical therapist may assess the amount of swelling.
- Special tests are specialized manoeuvres performed around the knee to determine which structure is at fault and producing the condition.
Some Exercises for Physical Therapy for Knee Pain
1. Leg Raises with Straight Legs
Straight leg lifts increase quadriceps strength, which can help maintain knee health even if you experience knee pain. Lie down on the floor on your back on an exercise mat. Bend one knee while keeping the other foot firmly on the ground. Raise the opposite leg to the same height as the bowed knee by straightening it. Use your abdominal muscles to maintain your pelvis in place. For each leg, your physical therapist may recommend numerous repetitions.
2. The Bridge
Bend both knees and maintain your feet about hip-width apart while still resting on the floor. To create a bridge, use your glutes to lift your hips as high as possible. You’ll notice that your hamstrings and glutes are working hard. Then, while anchoring your heels onto the floor, try lifting your toes. Return your hips to their original position and repeat as many times as necessary.
3. Straight Leg Raises in a Prone Position
Roll over onto your stomach, keeping your legs straight. Squeeze your glutes and elevate one leg toward the ceiling for 3 to 5 seconds, holding the position. Switch sides after roughly ten reps, or as many as advised.
4. Squats against the wall
You can use an exercise ball or the wall in this workout. Your physical therapist can explain how to perform it either way during your physical therapy appointment so you can do it at home. Place your back against a wall and your feet shoulder-width apart. Slowly bend your knees, keeping your entire back pressed against the wall until your items are nearly parallel to the floor. Hold for 5 to 10 seconds, then slowly return to a standing-against-the-wall position using your glute muscles.
5. Push-ups
Stand at a height specified by your physical therapist on the bottom step of a staircase or a step bench. Tighten your abs and align your pelvis, then bend one knee and carefully lower the opposing toes to the floor before returning to the step’s standing position.
Home Treatment for Knee Pain
Some home remedies for relieving knee pain are home treatments for knee pain.
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Using Apple Cider Vinegar for Relieving Pain
One of the best home treatment for knee pain is Apple Cider Vinegar. Studies show that apple cider vinegar contains anti-inflammatory characteristics that can help with chronic pain relief.
It can also aid in the restoration of lubricant in the joints, reducing pain and making it simpler to move your legs.
Combine half a cup of apple cider vinegar with a glass of water and drink it every night before bed.
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Homemade Substances for Relieving Pain
Another most accessible home treatment for knee pain is topical ointments that can provide as much relief as over-the-counter medications. Other homemade substances that have been used to treat joint pain include cinnamon, ginger, mastic, and sesame oil.
Antioxidants can be found in various foods, from ginger tea to spinach.
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RICE is an acronym for Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation.
Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation (RICE) are acronyms for Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. Strains and sprains are routinely treated at home with it. To begin, take a break and get off your feet. On the affected area, use a cold compress, ice, or a bag of frozen vegetables (covered in a towel). Wrap your knee in a compression bandage while keeping blood flow in mind. Use a pillow or another sturdy surface to elevate your knee.
Last Thought
The knee is a large joint that allows you to walk, climb stairs, and get out of a seated posture. You can restrict one or more of your activities due to knee pain. One can find relief in Knee pain through mobility, working with your physical therapist, and keeping the knee joint mobile and strong.