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Knee pain is common, and it is estimated that around 50% of people will experience it at some point in their life. There are many different causes of knee issues, and some of them can result in chronic pain, which consists of long-lasting swelling, sensitivity, and pain of either or both knees. If you experience chronic knee pain, you may want to search for physical therapy near me, as PT is extremely effective in treating knee issues.
Conditions to Look Out For
Acute knee pain usually occurs from an accident or trauma. However, chronic pain often occurs from one or more diseases or physical conditions. Common conditions that cause chronic knee pain include:
- Osteoarthritis
- Gout
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Bursitis
- Tendinitis
- Osteosarcoma
There are also certain risk factors that increase the chances of having long-term knee pain. These include age, obesity, previous trauma to the knees, and a history of athletic activity. If you have knee pain, the sooner you get physical therapy in Northfield, NJ, the faster the symptoms will subside.
Addressing Symptoms: How Physical Therapy Can Assist You
Symptoms of chronic pain in the knee vary according to the cause, but they may include swelling, achiness, dull burning, or sharp pain with use. Physical therapy in Monroe, NJ can help in a variety of ways. During the initial session, your physical therapist will conduct an exam and ask you about your symptoms. Then you will receive treatment recommendations and a plan to reach your desired results.
Heat or Ice Therapy
For swelling and inflammation, your therapist may apply hot or cold compresses to reduce symptoms. If so, this usually occurs in the first couple of sessions.
Manual Therapy
Manual therapy consists of using the hands to manipulate the soft tissues or muscles surrounding the knee. It may include massage or trigger point therapy.
Ultrasound
Ultrasound consists of low-intensity sound waves that interact with the body’s tissues. Your physical therapist may use ultrasound to reduce pain and promote healing of the associated tissues.
Electrical Stimulation
Electrical stimulation consists of delivering electrical currents to the area that is experiencing symptoms. Electrical muscle stimulation may also be used to stimulate the muscles surrounding the knee, which reduces pain and prevents atrophy in the event your pain is due to an injury.
Stretches and Exercises
Another main component of physical therapy for chronic knee pain is to return proper movement to the knee joint without exacerbating symptoms. Once your pain and other symptoms are manageable, your therapist will begin to introduce movement. At first, this may be gentle stretches, but as you gain more range of motion, you will be given a variety of exercises to strengthen the associated muscles, improve balance and coordination, and prevent further injury.
Your physical therapist will demonstrate each exercise and observe as you perform them to ensure you are doing them correctly. Some exercises will be done during your sessions, but there is a good chance you will receive exercises to do regularly at home.
Depending on your situation, you may need two or three PT sessions every week for a series of weeks to achieve the results you want.
