Nathan Said:

Physical therapy for a dislocated knee cap?

We Answered:

First, you will do gentle range of motions exercises to work on getting your motion back. These can include wall slides, heel slides, and active assisted range of motion meaning you use things to help (such as placing something behind your foot and pulling). The physical therapist might also bend it for you to help get you farther and this is known as passive range of motion.

Once you get enough ROM, you will probably ride a stationary bike for strength as it is also less impact on the knees. Once you can do these activities with only uncomfortable type pain, you will do strengthening exercises esp for the VMO (small inner section of the quad which helps keep the kneecap on track) and these can include quad sets, mini squats, terminal knee extensions, and step ups. Also, straight leg raises and progressing to doing them with ankle weights will also probably be a part of your rehab routine.

You will be taught how to properly stretch. Also, depending on the pt and the state your knee, you may have massage done to move the swelling out, stretch out tight muscles, and break up scar tissue. My pt did it after I had knee surgery. They might also did stimulation on your muscles to get them working again esp. for re-education of the VMO muscle which tends to shut down. It's electrical impulses to the nerves that cause the muscles to contract. It's uncomfortable, but you won't be screaming blood murder in pain. Ice and elevation will probably end your sessions esp. if you still have swelling.

You will more than likely be given a sheet of exercises you must also do at home for your rehab. Expect at least 6 weeks of rehab I would say.

This is me talking from experience after my knee surgery and I had previously been to pt after I dislocated my patella. However, every one is different and every pt has a different protocol.

Are you wearing a patella stabilizer brace? My doctor provided me one after I got out of my immobilizer...if your muscles are weak, your kneecap feels unstable, or your dr or pt recommends, see if you can get a patella brace. It helps, but they probably won't let you wear it at pt as it might inhibit muscle strength.

Rehab will hurt and you will have to work hard, but i pays off. Also, if you have been through the pain of dislocating your kneecap, pt shouldn't be that painful and if needed, take a pain pill 30 minutes before pt (I have to do that sometimes, but I had surgery so recovery is very long and hard).

Good Luck :)

Ruth Said:

How do I do physical therapy for my knee?

We Answered:

See a physiotherapist

Joy Said:

tendinitis of the knee. I am getting physical therapy on my knee which consists of weight lifting?

We Answered:

Tendonitis is acutally a misnomer because the name implies inflammation. Histological studies have shown that tendons just don't get inflammed. Rather, the pain producing mechanism in "tendonitis" is due to the damaged collagen fibers that have occured from injury. These fibers need to be remodeled into smooth, elastic ones. The only way to do this is to "load" them (exercise) to the point of mild pain that is never enough to actually worsen the pain after you are done.

However, we must also ask you how long ago your injury was. If it was within the last five days, certainly the inflammatory process can be going on...but not in the tendon, rather in the soft tissues around the tendon. If you are still at this stage, rest is indicated. If not, movement and loading the tissue so is can be remodeled into normal tissue is appropriate.