Knee injuries can be among the most painful of injuries experienced, particularly by those who play sports. Each year, athletes all over the world experience a variety of different knee injuries that can range from sprains to tears. Fortunately, most injuries of this hinge joint that controls your leg movements are not serious and most do not require surgery. In many cases, physiotherapy can help people with non-serious knee injuries alleviate their pain and get full movement back into this important joint.
Physiotherapy for knee injuries is often the first option recommended for those who experience sprains, torn ligaments or torn tendons. Only in severe cases when physiotherapy for knee injuries fails to relieve the pain, is surgery considered. Surgery is the last resort, not the first, when speaking of knee injuries. Knee surgery can be very painful and can keep a person immobile for quite some time.
There are various types of knee injuries and all are painful. Ligament sprains occur by a sudden twist and are often caused by jumping and running. If the ligament gets torn, it can result in bleeding into the knee and cause swelling. While a torn ligament may require corrective surgery, a sprained ligament can usually be treated with physical therapy.
Physiotherapy for knee injuries caused by a sprained ligament follow medical care. A doctor will normally x-ray the knee to make sure the ligament was not torn and advise rest, bandaging and icepacks. Massaging the knee will only make things worse and may cause swelling or bleeding and heat should not be applied to the joint. Once the knee is healed, a physiotherapist can help an athlete regain strength in the knee by a series of exercises to gradually build up strength without further damaging the ligament.
Tendon tears to the knee are often treated in the same manner as a sprained ligament and generally heal on their own. To promote healing, physiotherapy for knee injuries can make the tendon tear heal more effectively and quickly. This type of therapy is often used by athletes who want to heal their knee as quickly as possible, but avoid any further damage.
One of the most common knee injuries is a cartilage tear. This generally happens with older people. In many cases, it requires surgery to repair the damaged cartilage. After the knee has healed from the surgery, a patient will often be referred to a physiotherapist who will promote healing through exercising the knee, stimulating the muscles, and increasing mobility and strength.
Physiotherapy for knee injuries is one of the most widely practiced of all physical therapies. As is the case with all knee injuries, a person should see a medical doctor prior to visiting a physiotherapist to determine the extent of the damage. Chances are, if you have a knee injury of any nature, you will, at some time, experience physiotherapy for knee damage that will enable you to regain the use of this most valued joint and enable you to again enjoy activities you participated in prior to the injury.
Very informative post on knee pain, thank you for sharing!