The knee is a complex joint with many parts working together to provide the range of motion needed for everyday life. The primary purpose of the knee is to bend and straighten so you can walk, run, sit down and stand back up again. Three major ligaments help to stabilize the knee: The medial collateral ligament(MCL), the Lateral collateral ligament(LCL), and the Anterior cruciate ligament(ACL). Due to its complexity, the knee can easily sustain injuries. If you have a problem with your knee, you could benefit from knee therapy in Arlington. Knee therapy is a form of treatment where different modalities are used to alleviate the symptoms of an injury to the knee. We look at some conditions you can successfully treat through knee therapy below.
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Meniscus Tears
The meniscus is fibrous cartilage in the knee that acts as a shock absorber between the femur and tibia. When an injury occurs to the knee, this cartilage can become torn or wholly detached. This tear can happen by itself or due to other damage to the knee joint, such as arthritis. If you have a torn meniscus, you can successfully treat the problem through knee therapy. Physical therapy provides many forms of treatment for this condition.
The first thing they will do is ask questions on how the injury occurred and what was going on at the time of injury. This information helps them determine where your pain is located and how it has developed. After this, they may test your range of motion and strength to see where the issue lies. If you have localized pain around the knee, that is most likely where the injury is located.
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ACL and PCL Injuries
The anterior cruciate ligament(ACL) and posterior cruciate ligament(PCL) work together to stabilize the knee. Injury to these ligaments can happen through a traumatic event such as a fall or contact sport or due to arthritis. This is because of aging and wear and tear on the joints that cause the ligaments to weaken. Knee therapy is beneficial for people who have injured their ACL or PCL.
The physical therapist will first assess the extent of your injury and then determine what type of treatment they can provide you with. They may use modalities such as electrical stimulation, ice, electric currents, ultrasound, and hot packs to reduce the pain and swelling. They may also help you build up your strength through strengthening exercises and assist you with regaining range of motion through therapeutic exercises.
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Chondromalacia
Chondromalacia is a condition where the cartilage of the knee joint degenerates and softens. This often happens due to overuse, arthritis, poor alignment of the foot, or running on uneven terrain. The symptoms usually present with pain around the kneecap that is worse when walking up or down hills or stairs.
Knee therapy can be very beneficial in treating this problem. They will first assess the condition of your knee and what has caused it to develop. After looking at these factors, they will develop a treatment plan that focuses on reducing the pain and swelling through modalities such as ice and electrical stimulation. Depending on the severity of your condition, your therapist may also focus on regaining range of motion and strengthening the muscles around your knee.
In summary, knee therapy is beneficial for many different conditions that affect the knee. If you have a problem with your knee, it may be possible to treat it successfully through physical therapy.
