Physical Therapy Knee Exercises

Arthritis is a condition that can cause stiffness, pain and swelling in joints and other body structures such as bones, muscles, tendons and ligaments. Some types of arthritis can affect other body parts, including various internal organs. There are many different types of arthritis, including osteoarthritis (degenerative joint disease), rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, gouty arthritis and septic arthritis. Arthritis can affect anyone at any age. Arthritis often includes physical therapy and exercise. Physical therapy and exercise can help people with arthritis in many ways. The main objective is to improve the functional capabilities to help reduce pain and fatigue associated with everyday activities. The increased range of motion of a joint is the main objective of Physical Therapy.

Physical therapy and exercise for arthritis focuses on pain and restoring function and movement. physical therapy programs can provide therapeutic methods, including physical techniques and activity modifications. A physical therapy program consisting of manual therapy and exercise benefits patients with arthritis.

Gentle exercise helps prevent bone loss and osteoporosis. Lifting weights is a beneficial exercise for arthritis and joint support. Physical therapy and exercise reduces pain and stiffness, builds muscle around the joints strong, and increases flexibility, muscle strength, cardiac fitness and endurance.

Some of the exercises prescribed for people with arthritis:

aec Range of motion exercises (stretching or flexibility exercises)
aec Strengthening exercises
aec Water exercise
aec leisure exercises
aec Aerobic or endurance exercises

Physical therapy and exercise helps to:

aec Maintain normal joint movement
aec Strengthen the muscles around the joints
aec Strengthen and maintain bone and cartilage tissue
aec Improve overall ability to perform daily activities
aec Maintain a healthy weight to reduce pressure on joints
aec Keep bone and cartilage tissue strong and healthy

Depending on the severity of arthritis, a physical therapist may suggest either isometric or isotonic exercises. A combination of manual physical therapy and exercise is more effective in reducing pain, stiffness and dysfunction in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee.