Effective Physical Therapy for Arthritic Knee Relief

A report by the UC Davis Health shows that over 32.5 million Americans have osteoarthritis. This type of arthritis manifests due to the gradual breakdown of knee cartilage. Whether you are dealing with this or other forms of knee arthritis, the results are always the same.

You may experience pain, stiffness, and restricted mobility. These symptoms can make simple tasks, like climbing stairs, feel overwhelming.

Fortunately, physical therapy for arthritic knee can help you manage these symptoms effectively. It can reduce knee pain and improve joint function. This therapy can also strengthen the muscles around your knee.

Discover how physical therapy can ease knee pain and strengthen your joints.

Understanding Knee Arthritis

Knee arthritis can occur when your knee joint becomes inflamed. Knee inflammation can stem from various conditions, such as:

• Osteoarthritis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Post-traumatic arthritis

When dealing with these conditions, you may experience:

• Pain
• Swelling
• Stiffness
• Decreased range of motion

These symptoms can be debilitating. However, with the right arthritis knee treatment, you can manage them effectively.

How Physical Therapy Relieves Knee Arthritis Symptoms

This non-invasive treatment option alleviates the symptoms by tackling the root cause of your knee pain. It focuses on strengthening the muscles around your knee joint. This can help you regain your flexibility and mobility.

Pain Reduction

One of the primary goals of physical therapy is pain management. To manage your pain, a physical therapist will use techniques like:

• Soft tissue mobilization
• Joint manipulation
• Ultrasound therapy

These hands-on approaches help stimulate blood flow to the affected areas. This encourages tissue healing, relieving the strain on your knee joint. If other treatments haven’t worked for you, physical therapy could provide the relief you’ve been seeking.

Muscle Strengthening

Knee arthritis can weaken the muscles around your joint. When this happens, it can compromise the stability of your knee. This can make your movements painful and difficult.

A physical therapist can design specific exercises for you to help strengthen your muscles. These exercises will target the muscles around your knee. They will improve your knee’s stability, making movements more comfortable.

Mobility Enhancement

When your knee joint is inflamed, your movements get restricted. This limitation, combined with the pain, can make you uncomfortable. A physical therapist will design a personalized plan to enhance your range of motion.

They will recommend specific stretching and strengthening exercises to improve joint flexibility. Gradually, these exercises will help reduce stiffness. They will break scar tissues and increase blood flow to the affected areas.

This will restore your ability to move without pain. However, it’s through consistency that you will see the best results. 

Types of Physical Therapy Exercises for Knee Arthritis

Your physical therapist will recommend knee exercises based on the severity of your condition. They will also consider your range of motion and overall fitness level. Here are some exercises they may recommend for you.

Quadriceps Sets

Strengthening your quadriceps is essential for supporting the knee joint. To perform this exercise, you are supposed to sit with your legs straight out in front of you.

Then, tighten the muscles on top of your thigh. Be sure to hold this position for a few seconds before relaxing.

Aim to do this at least a few times daily, as directed by your physical therapist. Over time, this exercise will help improve the stability of your knee joint, allowing you to move more comfortably.

Straight Leg Raises

Straight leg raise exercises are best for targeting your quadriceps and hip flexors. Physical therapists recommend them because they don’t put extra weight on the knee.

To perform it, you are supposed to lie down with one leg bent and the other stretched straight. Then, lift the straight leg to the level of the opposite knee. Hold for 5-10 seconds, then slowly lower the leg back down.

Repeated straight leg raises will help you build muscle endurance. This can lead to increased support for your arthritic knee.

Hamstring Curls

These exercises help target the muscles at the back of your thighs. They strengthen the hamstrings, which are crucial in stabilizing your movements.

To perform this exercise, stand with your feet hip-width apart. Then, bend one knee, bringing your heel toward your glutes.

Hold for a few seconds, then lower your foot back down. Be sure to repeat with the other leg.

If practiced regularly, hamstring curls can help improve knee stability. They can also reduce the strain on your knee joint, enhancing your mobility.

Heel and Calf Raises

These exercises help strengthen the muscles in the lower leg. They also improve stability and balance.

To perform this exercise, you are supposed to stand with your feet hip-width apart. Then, gradually lift your heels off the floor by standing on your toes. Pause briefly in this position, then gently return your heels to the ground.

It’s essential you maintain a steady and controlled environment throughout the exercise. This will help prevent sudden jerks that may strain your knees and calves.

Use of Modalities

In addition to exercises, your physical therapist may employ various modalities to aid in your recovery. These include:

• Ultrasound therapy
• Electrical stimulation
• Heat and cold applications

Ultrasound uses waves to promote tissue healing. Electrical stimulation helps reduce pain and improve muscle function. You may be recommended for heat and cold therapy to help alleviate inflammation.

These techniques complement your exercises. They speed up recovery, enhancing your overall experience. However, consider working with a reputable physical therapist for the best results.

Undergo Professional Physical Therapy for Arthritic Knee

Physical therapy for arthritic knee offers a non-invasive approach to restoring your knee health. The therapy addresses the root cause of the pain and strengthens knee muscles. Physical therapy exercises also lead to joint health improvement.

MPOWER Physical Therapy in Nashville, Brentwood and Franklin, TN, combines exercises, hands-on techniques, and patient education tailored to your unique needs. We specialize in human performance, athletic injury rehabilitation, and fitness to help improve your musculoskeletal functioning and flexibility.

Our team treats musculoskeletal conditions like arthritis and foot, knee, ankle, wrist, or hip injuries. Contact us today to take the first step toward a healthier and more active life.