Knee arthritis can be seriously painful and one of the first things to do is come in for physical therapy to help you relieve some of that pain. Knee Osteoarthritis and Knee Rheumatoid Arthritis are leading causes in disability and physical therapy can help you regain strength and flexibility in your knees so that you can perform daily activity with the arthritis worsening.
Physical Therapy for knee osteoarthritis, physical therapy for rheumatoid arthritis, physical therapy for knee arthritis, and physical therapy for arthritis pain in general can be tremendously helpful. The reason why physical therapy is important is that if we, as physical therapists, can help you to both relieve pain and make sure your arthritis does not worsen, we can possibly prevent the need for a surgery in your knee.
At Cross Bay Physical Therapy, we focus on increasing strength, mobility, and flexibility removing the stiffness and inflammation that causes the arthritis to flare up and worsen. Call (718) 835-0084 today and make an appointment!
Stretches to Improve Flexibility:
Hamstring Stretch- This stretching improves your range of motions. First, we’ll have you warm up with a walk or the bicycle. Then, with the hamstring stretch, you’ll lie down and put a towel over one of your feet. Next, gently lift your leg using the two ends of the towel until you feel a stretch. If you feel pain, stop.
Other stretches: calf raise.
Exercises to Improve Strength of the Knee and Surrounding Muscles:
Straight Leg Raise: First, lie on the floor and support your upper body with your elbows. Bend your left knee with the foot on the floor. Then straighten your right leg with your toes pointed up. Tighten your thigh muscles and raise your right leg. Hold for three seconds keeping your thigh muscles tight and then lower the leg again. Do two sets of 10 repetitions of each leg. Switch legs after each set.
Other exercises: quad set, pillow squeeze, seated hip march, heel raise, side leg raise, sit to stand.
A physical therapist at Cross Bay Physical Therapy, located in Howard Beach, Queens will provide a thorough evaluation at your first appointment and determine the proper treatment plan. Call (718) 835-0084 and schedule an appointment today!
By Benjamin Bieber