KNEE conditions

Patello Femoral Pain Syndrome(PFPS)

Condition causing pain in the knee often triggered by an imbalance of the muscles of the thigh. The outer muscles become facilitated and the inner muscles become inhibited causing a lateral tracking of the knee cap. This condition can cause pain with walking, running, jumping, or athletic activity. Physical therapy will treat this imbalance and prescribe exercise to correct this imbalance and improve tracking of the patella.

A partial tear of a ligament which connects bone to bone. The knee has 4 main ligaments that support and keep the knee stable. Partial tears or strains can heal without surgical intervention. Physical therapy will help strengthen the surrounding musculature and educate the patient on techniques and activity modification to promote healing and return to function.

An injury to the meniscus can cause pain, swelling, difficulty extending the knee, popping sensation, or a locking of the knee. This injury can occur from a twisting motion of the knee. Minor meniscus injuries may not require surgery and physical therapy may be prescribed. Physical therapy will focus on improving ROM, mechanics of the knee, improving strength, and function.

A general term for degeneration of the cartilage and supporting structures of the bones. Often accompanied by pain swelling and stiffness in the knee. Physical therapy will improve ROM, flexibility, strength, and functional movements.

When Osteoarthritis is severe in nature a knee replacement may be recommended. This involves surgically removing the knee and replacing it with a new prosthetic knee joint. Recovery times may vary from 6 months to 1 year. Physical therapy will improve pain, swelling, ROM, and strength in the early stages of recovery. Treatment will progress and focus on improving gait pattern functional movements and returning a patient to prior level of function.

If a significant tear occurs in a ligament or multiple ligaments of the knee surgery is usually recommended to repair the damaged ligament. This surgery is usually performed arthroscopically. Recovery times may vary but most individuals return to every day activity within 3 months with the help of physical therapy. Return to sport is a gradual process and strength, conditioning, endurance, coordination, agility, and sport specific training is performed over the course of the next 9 months.

Damage to the meniscus may require surgical intervention. Two approaches are available: repairing the damaged area (3-6 month recovery with better long term prognosis), or a menisectomy(removing the damaged parts of the meniscus, 2-4 week recovery long term prognosis may predispose knee to early arthritis). Both approaches are focus on improving the knees ability to glide and move without irritation. Physical therapy helps to improve ROM, strength and promotes a gradual return to function while following the surgical protocol.

A fracture of the knee cap may occur from a trauma or fall. Depending on the severity of the fracture surgery may be necessary. Physical therapy is usually prescribed to improve mobility of the patella and knee and regain strength in the muscles of the thigh and hip.