The Importance of Proper Rehabilitation for Knee Injuries

Last updated 7 months ago

Male physical therapist checking a woman's leg

Whether you are a young athlete or an older individual, knee injuries can be one of the most debilitating injuries. Whether you undergo knee surgery or opt for non-operative recovery through a brace and therapy program, it’s important to begin proper rehabilitation soon after your knee injury to restore full function and mobility.

How Physical Therapists Help in Knee Rehabilitation

Working with a trained physical therapist during rehabilitation is vital to your recovery; these specialists help you to work toward your goal, and they also understand your body’s limitations after surgery so that you can make a quick recovery without causing further damage to your knee. Physical therapists will help you by:

Stretching Stiff Muscles and Joints – During surgery and recovery, your leg is often immobilized for a long time period, which may cause uncomfortable stiffness. Your physical therapist will help you gently stretch your muscles and joints to restore good range of motion in your joints and flexibility in your muscles. Stretching will also help prevent thick scar tissue from forming around the injury, which may slow your recovery.
Strengthening Your Muscles – Weak knees are often a big factor in your vulnerability to knee injuries, especially after your first knee injury. Strength training is designed to improve the strength, flexibility, endurance, and range of motion in your muscles. Strength training not only helps to restore your knee back to normal, but it also strengthens the joint, making you less susceptible to knee injuries in the future.
Ice and Heat Therapy – Ice pads and heat packs are some of the most widely used treatments for orthopedic injuries. The key to proper ice and heat therapy is knowing when and how to apply ice or heat to your injuries.

The licensed physical therapists at Carolina Back Institute are a great resource for your rehabilitation after a knee injury. Call (919) 781-9950 to learn more about our sports medicine approach to therapy. Our offices are accessible from Cary, Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, and Apex, North Carolina.