Whether you’ve recently injured your knee or are recovering from surgery, your mobility is likely limited. The knee is a complex joint, and regaining your full range of motion takes time. Physical therapy is one of the best ways to speed up the process. The guide below discusses how these professionals are crucial to helping you get back on your feet. 

A Guide to Physical Therapy & Knee Injuries

What Type of Knee Injuries Does Physical Therapy Benefit?

Physical therapy can help with basic knee pain. If you notice there is pain or discomfort when twisting, squatting, or bending, you may have sprained a ligament. Physical therapy may also help with meniscus tears that may or may not require surgery, managing arthritis, and recovering from ligament or tendon injuries or surgery.

If there isn’t a definitive cause, the physical therapist will assess your gait, range of motion, balance, and knee stability. Some clinics use ultrasound and other diagnostic equipment to further analyze the issue. They’ll then work with a sports therapist or other health care professional to properly treat the problem.

What Are Some Treatment Methods?

A physical therapist will create a personalized treatment approach based on your current abilities. It may begin with basic stretching and light bodyweight calisthenics. These are designed to create minimal stress while strengthening the joint and regaining range of motion. Most patients complete exercises in the office and at home.

As you progress, the physical therapist may introduce lightweights. They’ll sometimes stimulate muscles with electrical pulses or provide massages to alleviate discomfort. Patients then graduate to using machineries like treadmills and stationary bikes, trying aqua-aerobics, and completely performing on their own with a full range of motion.

If you’re interested in exploring physical therapy, contact Step By Step Physical Therapy. With offices in New York’s Akron, Warsaw, and Attica, this practice is committed to helping patients recover quickly. They treat a variety of conditions, including sports injuries, neck and upper back pain, and arthritis. A physical therapist will build a personalized treatment plan and use state-of-the-art equipment to achieve the best results. Call (585) 786-8700 to schedule a consultation or visit their Facebook page to read patient reviews.