Knee pain or discomfort is one of the most common orthopedic problems that people experience. Before beginning physical therapy for knee pain, your therapist will conduct a comprehensive examination and assessment of your entire leg, from hip to foot. Following an evaluation, your physical therapist will provide a tailored treatment plan that includes exercises and modalities. This will help to reduce your knee discomfort and enhance your mobility.
Three Different Types of Knee Pain
If you have knee pain, it is essential to establish acute, sub-acute, or chronic. This can aid in accurate diagnosis and therapy.
- Acute Pain: This is usually the most severe and happens 1-7 days after the accident. You should rest the knee during this period and allow the damaged structures to recover before moving it.
- Sub-Acute Pain: This happens between 2 and 6 weeks after the injury. This is a perfect moment to begin gentle motion around the knee to aid with the recovery of mobility.
- Chronic Knee Pain: Pain that lasts longer than 8-12 weeks. Your healthcare practitioner should examine chronic knee pain.
Your physical therapist will choose the best therapy for you, depending on the location and severity of your knee pain. Remember to consult your doctor if your knee pain is severe or lasts more than a few weeks.
If you have acute knee pain, use the RICE technique (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation).
What Can I Expect During Physical Therapy for Knee Pain?
If you are sent to a physical therapist who accepts Independence Blue Cross for knee pain, the first appointment is vital for proper diagnosis and treatment. During this visit, your physical therapist will interview you to learn about the history of your condition, aggravating and relieving variables, and any previous medical history that may have contributed to the overall problem. A focused assessment will be done based on the information gathered during the past.
Treatment for Knee Pain
After a thorough examination, your physical therapy for knee pain in Philadelphia can collaborate with you to begin the appropriate treatment. You must engage and participate in the program. Exercises to help strengthen and increase knee mobility are commonly mentioned. As part of a home fitness program, you may be asked to complete activities at home.
Exercise should be your primary treatment for knee pain. Exercises that can help with knee pain include:
- Straight leg lifts and quad sets
- Short arc quads
- Exercises to strengthen your hips
- Lower extremity stretches
- Balance exercises
