Knee injuries are common among people of all ages, and they can cause significant pain and disability. Physiotherapy is a healthcare profession that can help manage and rehabilitate knee injuries. In this article, we will explore different types of knee injuries, their causes, and how physiotherapy can help in treating them.
Common Knee Injuries:
- ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament) Tear: ACL tear is a common knee injury, usually caused by sudden movements, changes in direction, or trauma. The ACL is a ligament that connects the thigh bone to the shin bone, and it provides stability to the knee joint. When the ACL is torn, it can cause pain, swelling, and instability of the knee joint.
- Meniscus Tear: Meniscus tear is another common knee injury, which happens when the cartilage between the thighbone and shinbone is torn. Meniscus tears are usually caused by twisting or rotating the knee while bearing weight. Symptoms of a meniscus tear include pain, swelling, and limited range of motion.
- Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome: Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome is a knee injury that causes pain and discomfort around the kneecap. It is caused by an imbalance in the muscles that control the movement of the kneecap, which results in excessive pressure on the kneecap. Activities that involve bending the knee or walking up and downstairs can aggravate this condition.
- Patellar Tendinitis: Patellar Tendinitis is an overuse injury that causes inflammation of the tendon that connects the kneecap to the shinbone. This condition is common among athletes who engage in activities that involve jumping, running, or squatting. Symptoms of patellar tendinitis include pain, swelling, and tenderness around the knee joint.
- Osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that causes the gradual wearing down of the cartilage in the knee joint. This condition is more common among older people, and it can cause pain, stiffness, and limited range of motion.
Anatomy of the Knee
Treatment of Knee Injuries:
Physiotherapy is an effective way to manage and rehabilitate knee injuries. A physiotherapist will assess the injury and create a customized treatment plan that includes the following:
- Manual Therapy: Manual therapy involves hands-on techniques that help reduce pain, improve joint mobility, and increase muscle flexibility. A physiotherapist may use techniques like massage, mobilization, and manipulation to help with knee injuries.
- Exercise Therapy: Exercise therapy involves a range of exercises that help improve strength, flexibility, and endurance. A physiotherapist will design a customized exercise program that is tailored to the specific needs of the patient and the injury.
- Electrotherapy: Electrotherapy involves the use of electrical devices that help reduce pain and inflammation. Modalities like ultrasound, TENS, Shockwave Therapy, and laser therapy are commonly used in physiotherapy to manage knee injuries.
- Bracing: Bracing involves the use of knee braces to provide support and stability to the knee joint. A physiotherapist will determine the type of brace needed based on the injury and the patient’s needs.
Knee injuries can cause significant pain and disability, but physiotherapy is an effective way to manage and rehabilitate them. Physiotherapists offer a range of treatments, including manual therapy, exercise therapy, electrotherapy, and bracing, that help reduce pain, improve mobility, and restore function. If you have a knee injury, seek the help of a qualified Langley physiotherapist to manage and treat the injury.
Book with a Langley Physiotherapist
references:
(OpenAI, 2023)