Physical therapy exercises can be used to reduce knee pain, stabilize the knee, and improve range of motion in the knee so patients can maintain an active lifestyle.
What are the Indications for Knee Physical Therapy?
Physical therapy may help alleviate symptoms of knee osteoarthritis, correct faulty knee biomechanics or muscular imbalances, and speed up recovery from knee injury or knee surgery.
What are the Different Types of knee Physical Therapy Exercises?
Knee physical therapy exercises can include strengthening exercises to improve both muscle and joint strength; and stretching exercises that help improve range of motion of the knee joint. Here is a combination of strengthening and stretching exercise that can be performed every day to optimize your joint health.
Quadriceps Set
With your knee over a towel roll, tighten the muscle on the front of your thigh to push down into the towel.
Hold 10 seconds | Repeat 10 times | Perform 1-2 sessions per day
Short Arc Quad
With your knee bent over a thick roll, tighten the muscles on the front of your thigh to straighten your knee. Keep the back of your knee against the roll.
Hold 10 seconds | Repeat 10 times | Perform 1-2 sessions per day
Straight Leg Raise
Tighten the muscles on the front of your thigh and lift the entire leg 6 inches from the bed. Make sure to keep your knee completely straight.
Hold 10 seconds | Repeat 10times | Perform 1-2 sessions per day
Static Knee Extension Stretch
Lying on your back with knees bent, tighten stomach. Keep breathing.
Hold 30 seconds | Repeat 2 times | Perform 1-2 sessions per day
Seated Hamstring Stretch
Place your leg straight on the bed with your opposite foot on the floor. Keeping your knee straight and your toes pointed up, slowly lean forward until you feel a stretch in the back of the knee/thigh. Keep your back straight and do not tuck your chin, no bouncing.
Hold 30 seconds | Repeat 2 times | Perform 1-2 sessions per day
Seated Calf Stretch
Keeping your knee straight, place a strap around the ball of your foot. Pull your toes back towards you until you feel a stretch in your calf.
Hold 30 seconds | Repeat 2times | Perform 1-2 sessions per day
For an in-depth evaluation of your knee pain and a personalized treatment recommendation, please call us at (248) 957-0300.
Dr. Frisch is an orthopedic surgeon focusing on minimally invasive hip and knee joint replacement as well as regenerative treatments for enhanced healing. He believes in creating a very personalized experience with the highest level of service. For all appointments & inquiries, please contact our offices located in Rochester and River District, MI.
