Joint conditions are classified as disorders, injuries, or diseases. In some instances, joint conditions may be a combination of disorders, injuries, and/or diseases. Joint conditions detrimentally impact the joints. In some instances, these conditions may occur due to overuse. In other instances, a sudden accident or an underlying condition may result in the development of a joint condition. The good news is, physical therapy can help with nearly every single type of joint condition and disease. Continue reading to learn more.

What are Joints?

In order to gain an effective understanding of just how physical therapy can assist with joint issues, it is first important to understand exactly what joints are. In short, joints are where – at least – two bones join and come together. The most common joints are in the knuckles, elbows, shoulders, hips, and knees. In addition to this, there are joints located within the back.

All joints include bone and a wide assortment of soft tissues. Examples include cartilage, ligaments, and tendons. Cartilage covers the ends of the bones that meet and make a joint. Ligaments connect the bones to one another to ensure optimal stability during movements. Tendons are flexible bands that directly connect the muscles to the bones so that movement may occur within the joints.

What are the Most Common Overuse Disorders That Affect Joints?

When a disorder occurs due to overuse, it means that the soft tissue of the joint has suffered damage. Overuse injuries are common among those that perform repetitive movements such as athletes, musicians, and even those in certain professions, such are carpentry. The following outlines the most common overuse injuries that detrimentally impact the joints:

1. Bursitis – The bursa is a type of sac that sits at a joint and is full of fluid. If it comes irritated or experiences inflammation, movements of the associated joint hurt. In addition to overuse, bursitis may occur with an injury, an infection, and/or with an underlying medical condition, such as arthritis.
2. Tendinitis – Simply put, this occurs when a tendon experiences too much usage. The tendon then experiences inflammation and there is pain when the joint is moved.
3. Chronic Strain – If the same motions are repeated constantly, over time, the tendons and/or the muscles will start to stretch or they will experience tears in a slow way.

What Joint Problems Come from Injuries?

In short, the joint problems that stem from injuries include sprains, strains, and dislocated joints. A sprain is a torn ligament or a stretched ligament. A strain is when muscles or tendons become stretched or tear. If the bones of a joint are pushed or they are pulled out of their normal position, the end result is a dislocated joint.

What Types of Diseases Impact the Joints?

There are several diseases that have a negative impact on the joints. For the purpose and intent of this guide, we will place an emphasis on the most common:

• Arthritis – There are many types of arthritis. All of the types typically result in the pain and inflammation of joints. Arthritis is a disease that can result in highly severe damage to a joint or the joints.
• Lupus – This is an autoimmune disease that can result in pain in the joints.
• Multiple Sclerosis – This is a disease that commonly impacts the knee and hip joints. In most instances, this pain is nerve related or it stems from muscle manifestation.

How Does Physical Therapy Help the Joints?

Physical therapy aids in the ability to straighten and bend joints. It has been established that even small improvements in the range of motion aid in the functionality of joints. For example, if you have arthritis in your knees, the ability to slightly bend the knee a bit more may aid in sitting, standing, and stooping.

Physical therapy aids in managing the symptoms of joint problems. It may help in increasing both your standard range of mobility and in optimizing the amount and types of activities that you engage in. A physical therapist will develop an individualized care plan that is specific to your health and the joint problems in which you suffer.

What are the Benefits of Physical Therapy for Joint Problems?

There are many benefits associated with physical therapy for problems with your joints. The following outlines a quick snapshot of these advantages:

1. When a joint problem is experienced, stiffness is the most common symptom and complaint. Naturally, if there is stiffness, it is hard to straighten up and bend certain parts of the body. Physical therapy allows for the gentle stretching of the areas around the joints. These are issued in way of range of motion exercises. By engaging in these types of exercises, you will obtain higher levels of flexibility. This will aid in performing daily tasks and activities of daily living.
2. When the joints have issues, it is common for the muscles surrounding those joints to weaken. When this happens, higher stress is placed on the joints and more severe levels of pain are experienced. By performing the movements that a physical therapist prescribes, you will be able to strengthen the muscles. As a result of this, the joint will be stabilized and the pain will decrease that is being experienced.
3. By working with a physical therapist, you will learn techniques for alleviating pain. Examples include movements that aid in reducing pain and techniques such as adjusting your daily activities. Physical therapy helps you with pain management so that you are not dependent on painkillers that could result in a wide array of serious health effects.
4. If you require an assistive device such as a walking cane, a walker, crutches, various types of braces and splints, etc., physical therapy will help you learn how to properly use those devices so that you are capable of moving easily without placing a lot of strain and stress on your joints. In turn, you will quickly learn how to move and perform various types of activities without experiencing complications.
5. Many people that have joint problems find that they – eventually – require costly procedures and/or surgeries. If you work with a physical therapist, you will be provided with a personalized care plan that addresses your specific issues. In time, you will likely experience marked improvement and will discover that you are not in need of having procedures or surgeries performed in order to overcome the joint problems that you are experiencing.

What Can I Expect in Physical Therapy?

The therapist that you work with when you start physical therapy will provide a personal treatment care plan that takes into account your health history, your current health status, and your goals.

You will receive a customized list of exercises tailored just for you.

You may be encouraged to use pain relief measures such as heat packs, ice packs, and electrical stimulation. You will receive hands-on mobilization and soft tissue massage. Additionally, you may be encouraged to utilize assistive devices.

Contact Us Today

If you suffer from pain, stiffness, or other complications with your joints, we here at Back to Motion Physical Therapy are capable of helping you. Our goal is to ensure that your quality of life is improved, you have a wide range of motion, and that you are capable of working through the complications that you are experiencing without depending on the use of prescription medications, procedures, and/or surgery. If you would like to learn more about our services, contact us immediately by calling the following number: 303-832-5577

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Knee arthritis makes everyday activities extremely difficult. It is also considered to be one of the main causes of lost time at work and the development of disability. In this brief guide, we will outline the main points of arthritis in the knee and provide information on the best treatment for the condition.

What is the Best Exercise for Arthritis in the Knees?

Exercise is a critical component to care for those that suffer from arthritis. The movements involved in the exercises assist in increasing the stability of the joint, flexibility, and strength.

Arthritis is an immobilizing condition – unless you place an emphasis on engaging in regular exercise. The best exercises for knee arthritis include those that increase range of motion, strengthen, and low-impact aerobic exercise.

Why are Low-Impact Exercises the Best for Knee Arthritis?

Low-impact exercises help reduce the amount of stress that is placed on the joints during movements. Despite reducing the stress on the joints, these types of exercises aid in increasing the overall strength and flexibility of the joints of the knee.

Low-impact exercises are typically simple and are usually considered to be a pain-free activity for those that have arthritis in the knees.

Examples of ideal low-impact exercises for knee arthritis include swimming, stationary bicycling, and those physical activities performed in water.

Is Physical Therapy Effective for Knee Arthritis?

Yes, physical therapy is considered the optimal treatment for knee arthritis. This treatment method aids in reducing swelling and stiffness. It is also effective in eliminating pain. When performed properly with a professional physical therapist, it can aid in improving the overall function of the joints of the knees. Those who actively engage in physical therapy for knee arthritis find that it is easier to walk, bend their knees, kneel down, and sit.

How Long are the Physical Therapy Sessions for Knee Arthritis?

If you suffer from knee arthritis, either your doctor or the physical therapist that you work with will explain how long you will need to attend physical therapy. It could be once, twice, or several times a week for a period of a month and a half or longer.

It all depends on the severity of arthritis in which you suffer and how it impacts your day-to-day life.

It also depends on the amount of pain that you experience and whether or not you have had surgery for the condition.

What Exercises Are Included in Physical Therapy Rehabilitation for Knee Arthritis?

When you go through rehabilitation for knee arthritis, the following exercises are those that you will likely engage in:

• Hamstring Stretches
• Calf Stretches
• Straight Leg Raises
• Quad Sets
• Seated Hip Marching
• Pillow Squeezes
• Heel Raises
• Side Leg Raises
• Sit to Stand
• One Leg Balances
• Step Ups
• Walking
• Low-Impact Exercises
• Water Exercises

Will My Knee Feel Worse After Physical Therapy?

Once you engage in a physical therapy session for knee arthritis, you may find that you feel sore. The pain should never be more than mild discomfort. This is because you are mobilizing the joints of the knee, stretching, and exercising. As you continue moving through the physical therapy, you will find that you experience significantly less soreness.

What Do Physical Therapists Do for Arthritis Knee Pain?

When you meet with the physical therapist, the professional will assess the overall strength of your knee and the mobility associated with the knee. They will also evaluate other areas of the trunk of the body and the lower extremities. This will allow the therapist to determine what areas need treatment. Then, a customized care plan will be created for you by the therapist.

Are There Exercises That Should be Avoided with Knee Arthritis?

Yes, you should avoid exercises that are classified as being “high-impact”. These include those that jar the body. Examples include running and jumping.

You should also avoid exercises that are known to put a lot of stress directly on the knee joints. Examples include deep or low squats and lunges. Not only will these exercises cause a lot of pain, but they also have the potential to cause severe injury to your knees if you suffer from arthritis.

It is essential that you work closely with a physical therapist so that you avoid exercises and movements that will result in further complications to the knees.

Can I Slow the Progression of Arthritis in the Knees?

Arthritis is a condition that cannot be cured; however, there are some steps that may be taken to slow its progression. These include consuming foods that are part of an anti-inflammatory diet, using shoe inserts, engaging in regular, low-impact exercises, and adjusting your daily activities.

Engaging in physical therapy sessions will also aid in reducing the flare-ups associated with knee arthritis.

The customized plan that the therapist develops will be designed to suit your health, your lifestyle, and other unique needs. No two cases of knee arthritis are alike and no two treatments should be exactly alike, either.

Get Your Personalized Knee Arthritis Treatment Plan Today

If you suffer from knee arthritis, we here at Back to Motion Physical Therapy can assist you! Simply sign up for an appointment. Once you arrive, your physical therapist will conduct a complete workup. We will obtain information about your health history, and your current struggles, and will evaluate the knee arthritis that you have. From the information that we gather, we can create a personalized knee arthritis treatment plan.

Not only will you be able to work directly with a therapist to rehabilitate your knee, but you will be taught how to perform some of the activities on your own. We offer a wide range of services and treatments that will help you live comfortably with knee arthritis. Contact us today to learn more: 303-832-5577

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If this occurs, initial management may experience complications. While uncommon as it only accounts for approximately .2% of all orthopedic-based injuries, it does occur regularly. If you or someone you know has experienced this unfortunate event, physical therapy may be needed to rehabilitate the knee.

What is a Dislocated Knee?

A knee dislocation indicates that the three bones that are part of the knee are now out of place and misaligned. When this type of situation arises, it may be possible that the shin bones and/or the thigh bones become slightly out of place.

Many confuse the issue with a dislocation of the kneecap; however, it is completely different. A dislocated kneecap occurs when the actual kneecap simply slips from its proper place. This is referred to as a “patellar subluxation” or a “kneecap subluxation”. When a knee becomes dislocated, it is imperative that medical attention is sought immediately.

Causes of a Dislocated Knee

When a knee dislocates, it means that the thigh bone and the shin bone are no longer in contact with one another. This situation often occurs when a high-impact injury has occurred. Examples include a fall, an injury experienced while engaged in a sporting event or physical exercise, an automobile crash, or similar activity. It may occur in some at birth.

In most instances, a knee dislocation stems from a forceful thrust of the bones that are part of the knee joint. When it occurs, it is considered to be a medical emergency. It is marked by an extreme amount of pain.

Dislocated Knee Symptoms

The first and most obvious symptom that a knee dislocation has occurred is an immense amount of pain – usually caused by a forceful jarring of the body. The pain is typically so intense that it is impossible to move the knee or leg and/or straighten the knee and/or leg out. It may be accompanied by a loud popping sound. In addition to this, the knee may feel as if it is extremely unstable and unusable.

Bruising commonly occurs, along with an immense level of inflammation.

The joint may appear to be severely deformed or out of place. The sufferer will be unable to engage in activities that are normally participated in. Many people find the pain so unbearable that they experience dizziness, nausea, and vomiting. If a dislocation is suspected, it is considered to be a medical emergency. If left untreated, the following could occur:

• The nerve that runs along the outside region of the calf – the peroneal – may experience compression or damage.
• The popliteal artery – which is located at the back side of the knee – may become obstructed or ruptured.
• An issue called “deep venous thrombosis” or “DVT” may develop.

According to medical professionals, if a vascular obstruction does occur and is not treated within a time frame of 8 hours, the chance that an amputation will have to be performed increases to 86%. In addition to this, several other health complications may occur.

One example is, if a clot develops in the leg, it could break and travel in the bloodstream and go to the lungs. This could then result in pulmonary embolism. This could result in damage to the tissue in the lungs. It can also reduce the blood oxygen levels in the body, which could result in damage to other organs within the body and possibly death.

Dislocated Knee Treatment

The treatment of a knee dislocation will depend heavily upon the severity of the injury. In most instances, treatments are broken down to two categories -non-surgical and surgical. Below, you will find relevant information pertaining to each:

1. Non-Surgical Treatments – If the injury is not severe, a doctor may attempt to pop the dislocated bones back into place. Given the amount of pain that this process involves, the medical professional will offer medication to help offset the discomfort. Immediately thereafter, a splint will be placed on the leg. Movement and weight-bearing activities will be restricted. This will allow the dislocation to successfully heal. You may then be referred to a physical therapist.
2. Surgical Treatments – If the injury is considered to be severe, surgical intervention will be required. This will help to resolve the dislocation and will help correct any other issues that occurred with the injury – such as damage to the blood vessels, other breaks in the bones, nerves that have been damaged, and ligaments that have been torn. The surgery may not happen right away. It all depends on the amount of inflammation that is present. If surgery must be delayed, instructions to wear a splint, keep the knee iced, and elevated will be provided. Once surgery has occurred, various types of braces will need to be worn through the healing process. Once healing is complete, you will be sent to a physical therapist.

Dislocated Knee Physical Therapy

Once a dislocation of the knee has occurred, a physical therapist will be required for the rehabilitation of the knee. You will be provided with various exercises that will aid in strengthening the knee. These exercises will work the muscles that surround the knee first.

It will then progress to exercises that help to restore the range of motion back to the knee and the leg, in general. It is important that the initial stages of your physical therapy program are supervised because the goal is to prevent an additional dislocation from occurring. By working closely with a physical therapist and adhering to their guidelines, the muscles around the kneecap are gently worked and pulled evenly.

Physical therapists avoid bending the knee 90 degrees. The purpose and intent is to retrain the muscles surrounding the knee while rehabilitating the knee without placing undue pressure on the region. The rehabilitation program most often lasts up to six weeks for minor injuries and up to six months for more severe injuries.

Even after the therapy is stopped, patients are encouraged to continue with the exercise program for the duration of their lifetime. This is because of the fact that once a knee dislocation occurs, one is more prone to experiencing another dislocation in the future. By keeping up on the activities outlined by a physical therapist, one has less risk of going through the experience again in the future.

The beginning of all physical therapy programs will start with range of motion activities. Then, it will progress to exercises that are designed to strengthen. Depending on the injury and its severity, a physical therapist may start with strengthening and progress to range of motion exercises. Eventually, strengthening exercises will become the main aspect of care, with a special emphasis on the hamstrings and the quadriceps. As the muscles in the legs become stronger, it is permissible for more weight-bearing activities to take place. These types of activities will occur for up to 12 weeks.

Once the initial rehabilitation occurs, a physical therapist will focus on more complicated movements and activities. One may engage in exercising on a stationary bike, perform exercises on an elliptical machine, and even workout on a cross-country skiing machine, or similar type of exercise machine. Then, an emphasis will be placed on coordination-type exercises. These and the activity-based exercises will continue on for the remainder of the rehabilitation program. By the time that the program ends, the knee should be fully healed and completely recovered. Immediately thereafter, the doctor on the case may make the suggestion for continued strength training activities for the knees and impacted leg.

Kneecap Subluxation

A kneecap subluxation is a partial dislocation of the kneecap. This is also referred to as “patellar subluxation”. Many medical professionals may refer to it as “kneecap instability” or “patellar instability”. The patella (kneecap) is a small type of bone that connects to the bottom region of the thigh bone. When up and down movements are performed, it moves up and down in a grooved area that is called a “trochlea”. The kneecap is connected to muscles and ligaments. When these become injured, the kneecap will slip out of the grooved section. This results in problems with flexing the knee and immense pain.

In most instances, the kneecap is pushed towards the outside area of the knee. The following outlines the symptoms that are often experienced in a kneecap subluxation:

1. The knee may seemingly buckle, catch, or appear to lock up.
2. The kneecap will slip over to the outside of the knee.
3. If one sits for an extended amount of time, they may suffer from pain in the knee and leg.
4. If the kneecap is dislocated, it is common to suffer from pain immediately following engaging in physical activities.
5. The knee may pop or crack. While these pops and cracks may be heard, they are most often felt within the knee area when engaging in physical activities.
6. The knee will likely experience inflammation.
7. The knee will likely feel and actually become quite stiff.

In most instances, it is possible to diagnose a kneecap subluxation on one’s own; however, it is important to seek medical attention. This injury is most often caused by a fall, participating in sports, or a strong blow to the knee. In most instances, they affect younger people, but may happen in older individuals -especially in those that have fallen. To diagnose, a physical examination, an x-ray, and an MRI may be performed. In most instances, rest, RICE, braces and/or crutches, and elevation will help correct the issue. Physical therapy will also greatly aid those that suffer from kneecap subluxation.

We Are Here to Help

Back to Motion specializes in helping rehabilitate knee dislocations and/or a kneecap subluxation. If you are ready to rehabilitate, strengthen up, and improve your range of motion, you will be pleased with the services and activities that we offer. We focus on patient-centered treatment plans in order to boost recovery times and effectiveness. If you live in the Denver area, read about Physical Therapy for your Knees and call us to make an appointment

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This is the bad news.

The good news is, in most instances, it is possible to postpone issues associated with the knee and even prevent those issues. This is especially true if you elect to work with a physical therapist. In doing so, you have the potential to keep your knees in the best shape possible and completely avoid the need for either medication or surgical intervention.

Throughout this guide, you will read more about these simple strategies for maintaining and even improving knee health.

What Happens to the Knees as We Age?

In order to understand why you should make an attempt to keep your knees healthy as you age, you should first gather an understanding of what happens to this area of the body as we age. With each and every step we take, the knees absorb massive levels of pressure. In most instances, this is equal to one and a half times that which we weigh.

Over time, this pressure and the basic wear and tear that occurs starts to take its toll. Weakness starts to occur in the ligaments and the muscles. The cartilage in the knee that act as shock absorbers starts to break down. This is called the “Menisci”.

The cartilage located at the very ends of the bones of the legs that connect at the knee also starts to experience a certain degree of deterioration.

If you are considered to be “overweight”, have suffered from a knee injury, have utilized your knee frequently in your line of work or in participating in sports and/or exercise activities, or have a family history of any type of arthritis – particularly osteoarthritis – you are immediately more prone to knee deterioration.

Eventually, the cartilage will wear down completely, resulting in the bones scrapping against each other. This causes the development of inflammation, varying degrees of stiffness, and moderate to severe pain.

Anti-Aging Measures for Protecting the Knees

While we all experience some degree of damage and strain as we age, there are many techniques that you may use to act as anti-aging measures for protecting the knees. Here are the steps to take to keep your knees healthy as you grow older:

1. Drop Unnecessary Weight – Consult with your doctor to determine your ideal weight, based on your gender, height, and general level of health. Then, try to achieve that weight. For motivation, understood that for every 1 pound that you are overweight, it places another 4 pounds (in terms of pressure) on your joints. Drop unnecessary weight to alleviate the pressure placed on the knee joints.
2. Optimize Range of Motion – As we age, our joints may become stiffer. Those with a high range of motion have been discovered to have fewer issues with their knee joints. Create a regimen to boost your range of motion and keep those muscles stretched and strong.
3. Increase Muscle Strength – Engage in exercises that increase muscle strength around the knee. The muscles absorb all of the stress placed on the knees, so the stronger your knees are, the more stabilized they will be. Work with your doctor or physical therapist to create a personalized strengthening program specifically for your knees.

Osteoarthritis Physical Therapy

If you suffer from osteoarthritis of the knee, the first step you will need to take in order to keep it as healthy as possible is to sign up for osteoarthritis physical therapy.

The professional that you work with will help you maintain a balance that will allow you to keep your knees moving, but will ensure that they are as strong and healthy as possible.

You will be provided with both passive and active physical therapy techniques in osteoarthritis physical therapy. The difference is in passive therapy, the therapist does more of the work and in active therapy, you do more of the work. Below, we have outlined measures utilized in each of these types of physical therapy:

Passive Physical Therapy:

1. Hydrotherapy – This is – basically – water therapy. It may be called “aquatic therapy”. The water will help reduce the symptoms associated with osteoarthritis in the knee. You will actually be submerged in the water while doing the exercises that the physical therapist prescribes to you. This helps reduce the amount of pressure placed on the joints. It will also help in alleviating pain.
2. Cold Therapy – By utilizing a cold compress, the therapist will reduce the amount of circulation in and around the knees. In turn, this helps to decrease the amount of inflammation in the area.
3. Heat Therapy – By using a hot heat pad, the therapist will be able to increase the amount of blood flow in and around the knees in order to decrease stiffness and promote healing.

Active Physical Therapy:

1. Flexibility Activities – Osteoarthritis of the knee may result in complications in movement. A physical therapist will provide you with flexibility exercises in order to provide a boost to your body’s general range of motion.
2. Strengthening Exercises – The physical therapist will provide you with exercises that are designed to strengthen the muscles and the ligaments of the knee and the surrounding areas. Knee ligament exercises – for example – may be provided and these are highly beneficial for restoring the normal functioning of the joints in the knees and for reducing pain.

Knee Ligament Exercises

Many people do not realize it, but the knee is actually the largest joint located in the body. It is highly susceptible to both pain and injury due to the fact that it is used so regularly.

Many physical therapists will prescribe knee ligament exercises, which are designed to strengthen the knees. The following outlines the most commonly prescribed knee ligament exercises by physical therapists that work closely with patients desiring to boost the health of the knees as they age:

1. Leg Lifts – These knee ligament exercises utilize the quadricep muscles that are situated on the front side of the thigh and the abdominal muscles that are around the stomach. These are quite easy to perform. Simply lie on the floor with a mat and bend one leg at the knee, and lift the remaining leg – being sure to keep it straight. You just lift the leg about a foot off of the ground and hold it. Then, lower it and do the same with the opposite side.
2. Step Exercises – This knee ligament exercise uses the gluteal muscles, the quadriceps, the hip flexors, and the hamstrings. You must use a stool or stepper to perform the exercise. You just step up with one leg, hold the body in position, step down and switch sides.
3. Wall Squats – This knee ligament exercise only uses the gluteal muscles and the quadriceps. Spread the feet out about two feet from a wall, learn your upper body against the wall, and slide down into a sitting position, hold, and go back up. You should do this exercise several times.

Meniscus Physical Therapy

If you suffer from a meniscus tear or meniscus injury, you will be required to have meniscus physical therapy. A personalized treatment plan will be created that may include manual therapy, cold therapy, heat therapy, compression, neuromuscular electrical stimulation, assistive devices, strengthening exercises, counseling on fitness, and range of motion improvement activities. To learn more about effective treatments for meniscal injury, click HERE.

The knees are a highly critical component of your overall health. You should work closely with a physical therapist to ensure that they remain as healthy as possible as you age. To learn more about this process, contact us today by calling: 303-832-5577

The post How to Keep Your Knees Healthy as You Get Older appeared first on Back To Motion. Denver Physical Therapy..

Treatment for such tears depends heavily on the severity of the issue. In many instances, home remedies, physical therapy, and exercises may successfully treat meniscus tears. In other cases, surgery may be required. In all cases, performing certain exercises have proven effective for preventing a torn meniscus.

Torn Meniscus

The two menisci in each of the knees is a piece of cartilage that is C-shaped. It provides a cushion between the thigh and the shin of the leg. The tearing of this cartilage is considered to be one of the most common of all knee injuries experienced. A torn meniscus occurs when there is a forceful twist or quick, hard rotation on the knee. This is especially true if the full weight of the body is involved.

If the menisci develop into a shape that reflects a block or a type of disk, a condition develops which is referred to as “discoid meniscus”. If an individual has this type of meniscus, they are more likely to suffer from a torn meniscus at some point in their life.

Torn Meniscus Symptoms

The symptoms experienced by an individual that suffers from a torn meniscus will vary according to what activity caused the issue, the severity of the issue, and the sufferer’s general health. However, the following outlines the most common of the torn meniscus symptoms:

• When the injury occurs, it is common for the sufferer to hear a sound that resembles that of a pop in or around the knee joint.
• Pain is considered to be the most commonly experienced symptom. This may occur on the inside of the knee, the outside of the knee, or in the back area of the knee. In some instances, the pain only occurs when the area is touched. In others, it presents as constant pain.
• When a meniscal injury occurs, it is common for the knee and the surrounding area to become inflamed and swell up.
• The knee joint may become stiff. As a result, it may be extremely difficult to move the knee and experience a full range of motion.
• Many sufferers will complain of the feeling that the knee is “catching” or it is “locking up” when the meniscal becomes torn.
• It may feel as if the knee is unable to support the weight of the body or that it is giving way.
• It is often challenging to straighten the knee up completely when a meniscal tear occurs.
• When a meniscal tear happens, it is often very difficult to bend the knee joint completely.
• It may be extremely difficult to walk when the meniscal is torn. As a result, limping may occur.

Treatment for Meniscal Injury

In most instances, the treatment for meniscal injury starts off in a conservative manner. Of course, this all depends on the location, the size of the tear, and the overall severity of the injury. The following represents the most common initial treatments:

1. Rest – When advised to rest, patients are informed to avoid any activities that may result in knee pain. It is specifically advised to avoid those activities that require the knees to twist, to rotate, or to pivot in any manner. This course of treatment may also result in the patient being prescribed crutches so that pressure and weight is kept off of the knee and the process of healing may occur.
2. Ice Application – Due to the pain and swelling that commonly occurs with a meniscal injury, the medical specialist will often recommend the application of ice or another frozen product for approximately 10 to 15 minutes at a time while the knee is elevated. Ice application may be used once every 4 hours until higher levels of comfort are accomplished.
3. Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers – Due to the immense swelling and discomfort that may accompany a meniscal tear, the use of over-the-counter pain relievers may be advised. NSAIDs – such as ibuprofen – can aid in the reduction of swelling and acetaminophen – such as Tylenol – can help with general pain and discomfort.
4. Physical Therapy – In order to stabilize and support the knee, promote the healing process, and accumulate strength in the muscles that surround the knee, physical therapy may be prescribed as an initial treatment. Out of all of the initial treatments for meniscal tears, physical therapy is considered to be the most productive.
5. Exercise Therapy – Many medical professionals will treat this type of knee injury using exercise therapy. The exercises may be performed both in a facility with trained physical therapists and at home. In most cases, exercise therapy goes hand-in-hand with physical therapy in an effort to re-strengthen the knee and support the healing process.

The last resort treatment for a torn meniscal is surgery. This is often advised when the knee is extremely painful for a long time after the tear, initial treatments were ineffective, and/or there is a need to repair the meniscus due to limited range of motion and deformities that result in knee locks and mobility problems. Continue reading to learn more about surgery.

Torn Meniscus Surgery

If treatments for a meniscus tear fail to work or if the tear is considered to be “severe”, a doctor will likely recommend surgery. Prior to this recommendation, two actions will likely be performed to ensure that surgery is the best option.

The first is an MRI.

The second is the exploration of the tear through an arthroscope. Basically, this is the insertion of a very thin instrument that has a light and a camera so that the joints of the knee may be observed. If it is determined that the tear is mild, surgery will not be recommended; however, if it is severe, the following may be recommended:

1. Repair by Arthroscope – If the doctor explores the joint and determines it is on the severe side, he may choose to repair it while inside of the joint. Basically, he will do a basic stitch. The stitches used will dissolve naturally in the body so that the small incision will not have to be reopened at a later date.
2. Arthroscopic Partial Meniscectomy – This procedure involves removing a section of the tear so that it does not further inhibit the overall functionality of the knee.
3. Arthroscopic Total Meniscectomy – If the tear is very severe, the doctor performing the operation will remove the entire meniscus.

Overall, surgical proceedings related to meniscus repair have a low risk of complications. However, there are many situations that may develop.

These include injury to the nerves in the surrounding area, the development of infections in the region, as well as the onset of stiffness within the knee.

In nearly all cases, antibiotics will be prescribed after surgery to prevent and/or treat infections. Furthermore, additional steps may be taken to ensure comfort and prevent blood clots – such as wearing compression stockings, a cast, or a brace.

ost people require crutches for about a month as to avoid placing pressure/weight on the knee.

Afterward, physical therapy and exercise therapy will be prescribed to promote healing.

Torn Meniscus Exercises

In order to heal a torn meniscus, there are several different exercises that may be performed. These are designed to aid in maintaining the overall strength of the muscles located in the front of the thigh, the back of the thigh, the hip, and the calf.

It is advised that these exercises only be performed if there is only a small amount of pain. The following outlines the most productive exercises for a torn meniscus, with a brief description of each:

1. Quad Sets – This exercise helps to build strength in the muscle group located at the top of the thigh. Simply sit on the floor with the affected leg straight out. Press the knee to the floor in order to tighten up the muscles. Hold for about 5 seconds, rest for double that time, and repeat.
2. Hamstring Curls – These exercises will help strengthen up the muscles located in the back of the thigh. Lie on your stomach with the knees straight out. Lift the foot of the affected leg towards the back. You may add an ankle weight to enhance the effects.
3. Standing Knee Bends – This will help strengthen the upper leg muscles. Stand behind a chair and hold the back of it. Bend the knees so that you are going into a squat or sitting position. Lower the body only about 6 inches.

We Can Help Get You Back into Motion

We here at Back to Motion can assist you in getting back into motion! If you have experienced a torn meniscus, contact us today for assistance.

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If you suffer from a meniscal tear or osteoarthritis of the knee, you should be aware of the fact that professional physical therapy is often considered to be a better option than having surgery performed. Investigators from seven different universities and various types of orthopedic-based surgical centers in the United States studied a total of 351 patients that were 45 years old or older who had been diagnosed with a meniscal tear and even osteoarthritis in the knee. Many patients were scheduled for surgery, while others were scheduled for professional physical therapy. The patients who had the professional physical therapy improved in the area of knee functionality at the same rate or a better rate than those that received the surgical procedure. If you have any knee-related problems, you should consider opting for professional physical therapy instead of surgery. Not only is it a cheaper alternative, but, it is a safer alternative.

Based on the findings conducted by the investigators and the fact that the results did not change between the six month interval and the twelve month interval, it is advised that more medical professionals focus on a regimen that includes professional physical therapy, rather than encouraging patients to immediately go into surgery. The study should be used by those that specialize in orthopedic surgery, family care practice, internal medicine, and physical therapy to assist patients in determining the best treatment options for their needs. While surgery is considered to be an ideal option for those who suffer immensely from their knee complications, many complications may stem from the surgery itself. It is much safer to cope with the issues of the knee through physical therapy because the overall risks involved are much less than those associated with surgery.

One of the main reasons why so many patients and medical professionals lean more towards surgery to deal with knee issues is that most people want an instant fix to their problem. Professional physical therapy is a long-term activity that is designed to slowly repair the knee and help patients in coping with the pain that they experience as a result of the medical complications of the knee. Based on physical therapy research topics, the most common types of patients that opt for surgery are those that live an exceptionally active lifestyle, such as athletes. Despite the fact that surgery does result in instantaneous results, it is not considered to be the safest measure for building the knee. In fact, many individuals that have undergone knee surgery often complain that their issue became worse or that they experienced higher levels of discomfort as a result of the surgery. When reviewing physical therapy research topics, it is rarely discovered that physical therapy resulted in more problems after completion.

Professional physical therapy is a special type of treatment that many require when knee-related problems and other health issues make it difficult to move freely and complete day-to-day tasks. The exercises assist in optimizing movement, improving range of motion, and relieving pain that may be associated with such health problems. In addition to this, it helps in restoring your natural level of physical-based functioning and improves your fitness level. If you suffer from meniscal tear and/or osteoarthritis of the knee, you should always opt for professional physical therapy first, instead of surgery, to correct the issue and rebuild your body.

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Defy gravity with AlterG treadmill

Alter G has some research that helps validate it as a rehab tool. A case  study of a 19 y/o female snow boarder that sustained an ACL tear and a medial and lateral meniscal tear after a snow board accident. She had an ACL reconstruction, meniscus repair and micro fracture of the femoral condyle. The patient’s rehab program lasted for a total of 20 weeks with full return to sport. Her rehab program consisted of neuromuscular re-education, ROM, proprioception and pain management. The Alter G was initiated when physician cleared her for partial weight bearing. The athlete was able to start ambulating on day 1 for 8 minutes at 40% body weight. The Alter G was utilized throughout the 20 week program to establish athletic confidence, maintain fitness, manage gait and progressively increase impact on the extremity.

Don’t let your knee patients miss out on the opportunity to incorporate the Alter G into their rehab program. They will get back fitter and faster.

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