Patient Success Spotlight
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Strength Training & The Importance of Braces Osteoarthritis of the Knee Knee osteoarthritis (knee OA) is a progressive disease caused by inflammation and degeneration of the knee joint that worsens over time. It affects the entire joint, including bone, cartilage, ligaments, and muscles. Muscle strengthening. Strengthening the muscles around your knee will be an essential part of your rehabilitation program. Individuals with knee OA who adhere to strengthening programs have been shown to have less pain and an improved overall quality of life. There are several factors that influence the health of a joint: the quality of the cartilage that lines the bones, the tissue within and around the joints, and the associated muscles. Due to the wear and tear on cartilage associated with knee OA, maintaining strength in the muscles near the joint is crucial to preserve joint health. For example, as the muscles along the front and back of your thigh (quadriceps and hamstrings) cross the knee joint, they help control the motion and forces that are applied to the bones. Bracing. Compressive sleeves placed around the knee may help reduce pain and swelling. Devices such as realignment and off-loading braces are used to modify the forces placed on the knee. These braces can help “unload” certain areas of your knee and move contact to less painful areas of the joint during weight-bearing activities. Depending on your symptoms and impairments, your physical therapist will help determine which brace may be best for you.
“I initially came here to strengthen my legs in preparation for a total knee replacement and the people were wonderful in treating me. Since surgery, I’ve returned to aquatic therapy here because they are an excellent clinic that hires great people. I enjoy spending my time here and aquatic therapy has been excellent for maintaining my physical health and recovering from surgery. I’ve learned how wonderful physical therapists are at treating people and they have motivated me to increase activity at home which has improved my life.” ...they have motivated me to increase activity at home which has improved my life.
www.socalaquatictherapy.com
Relieve Hip Pain In Minutes Try this movement if you are experiencing hip pain.
4 Exercises for the Pool
1. Water walking or jogging: Start with forward and backward walking in chest or waist-high water. Walk about 10-20 steps forward, and then walk backward. Increase speedtomake itmoredifficult.Also, increase intensityby jogginggently inplace.Alternate jogging for 30 seconds with walking in place for 30 seconds. Continue for 5 minutes.
Strengthens Hips
www.simpleset.net
HIP HIKES While standing up on a step, lower one leg downward towards the floor by tilting your pelvis to the side. Then return the pelvis/ leg back to a leveled position.
2. Forward and side lunges: Standing near a pool wall for support, if necessary, take an oversized lunge step in a forward direction. Do not let the forward knee advance past the toes. Return to the starting position and repeat with the other leg. For a side lunge, face the pool wall and take an oversized step to the side. Keep toes facing forward. Repeat on the other side. Try 3 sets of 10 lunge steps. For variation, lunge walk in a forward or sideways direction instead of staying in place. 3. One leg balance: Stand on one leg while raising the other knee to hip level. Place a pool noodle under the raised leg, so the noodle forms a “U” with your foot in the center of the U. Hold as long as you can up to 30 seconds and switch legs. Try 1-2 sets of 5 on each leg. 4. Sidestepping facing the pool wall: Take sideways steps with your body and toes facing the wall. Take 10-20 steps in 1 direction and then return. Repeat twice in each direction.
www.socalaquatictherapy.com
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