Have you ever felt knee pain when you walk, run, or climb up and down stairs? If so, you are not alone. Millions of people experience knee pain every day – many of which suffer from chronic knee pain.
While there are a variety of treatments for knee pain, one of the most effective, long-lasting, and side-effect-free methods in physical therapy.
Causes of Knee Pain
Many things can cause knee pain. Physically active people often develop knee pain when they get a knee injury or when they overuse their joints. Meanwhile, the elderly often experience knee pain because of arthritis and muscle weakness. Regardless of the cause, knee pain is a big nuisance and often stops people from participating in the activities they enjoy and living life on their own terms.
Physical Therapy Techniques For Knee Pain
Physical therapists can design and implement therapy programs for knee pain. Your plan will be custom to the specific cause of your knee pain as well as your treatment goals. Some patients only want to reduce pain, while others also want to enhance performance. As such, physical therapists work with each patient with their future goals in mind.
Here are some of the techniques physical therapists apply to reduce knee pain.
Stretches and Exercises
Some of the most common causes of knee pain are lack of strength, flexibility, and stability in the legs. Physical therapy stretches and exercises geared toward strengthening muscles, as well as increasing flexibility and stability can drastically reduce knee pain.
Physical therapists start patients with mild stretches and exercises and work their way up to ensure the patients don’t damage their knee or suffer through a lot of pain.
Examples of physical therapy stretches and exercises include half-squats (instead of full squats to avoid straining your knees), leg extensions, hamstring curls, and calf raises. Patients also use exercise machines, weights, and exercise bands to perform stretches and exercises.
Knee Braces
Sometimes, the muscles in your leg are too weak to keep the knee stable. You might need a leg brace to act as external support for the knee. Some braces can even shift the weight away from the damaged side of the knee, making it easier to walk. Your physical therapist can help make sure you wear and use your knee brace properly.
Insoles And Shoe Modifications
Just like knee braces, adding modifications to your shoes can reduce knee pain. For instance, having a well-cushioned shoe can soften the impact of your weight as your foot hits the ground. Your physical therapist may also suggest an insole wedge to shift the pressure off your heel while you walk.
Therapeutic Massage
A massage can also be beneficial for knee pain. Physical therapists can give you a therapeutic massage to ensure your knee gets enough blood flow, which is an important component necessary for proper healing.
Electrical Stimulation
Did you know that your body has a way of making a natural painkiller? Your body can produce natural endorphins through electrical nerve stimulators. Physical therapists can mimic this process artificially through electrical stimulation.
Kinesiology Taping
If you’re a sports fan, you have likely seen your favorite athletes wear kinesiology tape. This stretchable tape sticks very well to the skin of the kneecap.
Physical therapists use kinesiology tape to lift and stabilize the knee. In some cases, kinesiology taping is more effective than medications in reducing pain and swelling.
Physical Therapy In Kansas City
Knee pain can get unbearable over time if left untreated. You need expert medical advice and care to ensure your speedy recovery.
Are you searching for the best clinic for knee pain in Kansas City? If yes, look no further than Midwest Orthopaedics. As experts in pain management, we have all your needs covered – including physical therapy services.
Take the first steps toward getting rid of your knee pain in Kansas City today! Call us at 913-362-8317 or fill out our online appointment form.
