Physical Therapy for Knee in Colorado Springs, CO
Physical therapy for knee conditions in Colorado Springs, CO can play an important role in improving strength, flexibility, mobility, and function while helping patients manage knee pain. A personalized physical therapy program may be recommended for knee arthritis, injuries, stiffness, or rehabilitation after knee surgery.
Knee physical therapy may include targeted strengthening and stretching exercises, mobility training, balance exercises, manual therapy, and other therapeutic techniques. The specific exercises and progression depend on your diagnosis, physical abilities, symptoms, and treatment goals.
Dr. Tyler Bron, MD, is a board-certified orthopaedic surgeon specializing in adult reconstruction and hip and knee conditions. He considers nonsurgical treatments such as physical therapy when appropriate and can help determine whether a rehabilitation program may benefit your knee condition or recovery following surgery.
Tyler Bron, M.D.
Board-certified Orthopaedic SurgeonDr. Bron completed his fellowship in Adult Reconstruction, specializing in the treatment of arthritic hip & knee conditions at the University of Colorado in Aurora. He received specialized training in dealing with complex injuries of the hip and knee & has a particular interest in the treatment of hip arthritis through a muscle-sparing Anterior Approach. Dr. Bron works diligently with each & every patient to customize treatment plans & optimize outcomes to meet the patient’s individual goals.
What is Physical Therapy?
Physical therapy is an exercise program that helps you to improve movement, relieve pain, encourage blood flow for faster healing, and restore your physical function and fitness level. It can be prescribed as an individual treatment program or combined with other treatments. It involves a combination of education, manual therapy, exercises and techniques such as water, heat, cold, electrical stimulation and ultrasound.
What are the Indications for Physical Therapy?
The main aim of physical therapy is to make your daily activities such as walking, getting in and out of bed, or climbing stairs easier. Physical therapy is usually ordered to help you recover after certain surgeries, injuries and long-term health problems such as arthritis.
What Does Physical Therapy of the Knee Involve?
For knee problems, physical therapy involves strengthening and stretching certain joints and muscles. Physical therapy for the knee is designed to improve the muscle strength of the knee and reduce pain. Some of the exercises recommended for knee problems include:
- Straight leg raise: Lie on your back, bend one leg at your knee, and hold the other straight and lifted off the floor for a slow count of 5. This can be done twice a day.
- Step ups: Step onto the first step of the stairs with your right foot. Bring up the left foot and step down with the right, followed by the left. Repeat this exercise until you get short of breath. As you improve, try to increase the number of steps.
- Knee squats: With the support of a chair or work surface, squat until your knee covers your big toe and stand. Repeat the exercise at least 10 times. As you get more comfortable, try to squat a little more.
- Knee extensions: Sit at the edge of the chair and gently slide your operated leg forward, straightening it. Hold this position for about 10 to 15 seconds and return to the initial position.
- Passive knee extension: For this exercise, you need 2 chairs placed opposite to each other. Sit on one chair and rest your leg on the other. Keep a rolled towel under your ankle and an ice pack over the knee. Place 5 to 10 lbs. weights over the knee for a recommended amount of time.
- Straight leg raise: Lie on your back on a flat surface with your arms resting by your side. Use your forearms to support your upper body and raise your legs 12 to 20 inches off the ground. Hold this position for about 10 seconds and then slowly bring it back to the initial position.
- Ankle pump: For this exercise, sit on a flat surface with your legs stretched out and slowly move your foot forward and backward as far as possible.
- Quadriceps stretch (standing): Stand straight with one hand on the wall for support. With the other hand, hold your heel and bend your affected knee towards your buttocks to feel a stretch in front of your leg.
- Step ups: Step onto a stool with your involved leg and step down. The stool can be placed in front of you or beside the injured leg.
- Pedal on an exercise bike and go for a walk.
You can discuss any queries you may have with your physical therapist regarding the exercises to be performed. You can begin with basic exercises and then move on to more advanced ones. It is important to strictly follow the schedule and practice only those exercises prescribed by your therapist.
Why Choose Dr. Tyler Bron for Physical Therapy for Knee Conditions in Colorado Springs?
Physical therapy can be an important part of both nonsurgical knee care and recovery after certain orthopaedic procedures. Dr. Tyler Bron takes an individualized approach to diagnosing knee problems and developing appropriate treatment recommendations.
- Board-certified orthopaedic surgeon: Bron is board certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery.
- Adult reconstruction training: He completed orthopaedic surgery residency training through the University of Kansas and an adult reconstruction fellowship at the University of Colorado.
- Comprehensive knee care: His practice includes treatment of knee arthritis and other conditions, as well as partial, total, and revision knee replacement.
- Conservative treatment options: Depending on your condition, physical therapy may be recommended alongside activity modification, medications, injections, or other nonsurgical treatments.
- Postoperative rehabilitation: Physical therapy may be an important component of recovery after appropriate knee procedures, helping restore mobility, strength, and function.
- Individualized recommendations: Exercises should be selected and progressed according to your diagnosis, physical abilities, surgical procedure when applicable, and recovery.
- Patient-focused care: Bron emphasizes communication and understanding each patient's symptoms, concerns, and treatment goals.
Physical Therapy for Knee FAQs
Knee physical therapy is a structured rehabilitation program designed to improve movement, strength, flexibility, balance, and functional ability. It may be used for knee injuries, arthritis, stiffness, or recovery following surgery.
Physical therapy may be recommended for knee arthritis, certain injuries, muscle weakness, stiffness, movement limitations, and rehabilitation after knee surgery. The appropriate treatment depends on the underlying condition.
Physical therapy can help some people with knee arthritis improve muscle strength, joint mobility, and functional ability. A therapist can develop an exercise program based on your symptoms and physical capabilities.
Exercises vary according to the patient's condition and goals. A physical therapist may prescribe strengthening exercises, stretching, range-of-motion exercises, balance activities, step exercises, cycling, walking, or other functional exercises.
Some discomfort can occur during rehabilitation, but exercises should be performed according to the guidance of your healthcare professional. Significant or worsening pain should be discussed with your therapist or physician before continuing or increasing an exercise program.
Yes. Physical therapy is commonly an important part of rehabilitation following knee replacement. A personalized program can help address range of motion, strength, mobility, balance, and functional activities.
The duration of therapy varies based on the underlying condition, severity of symptoms, procedure performed when applicable, progress, and individual goals. Your physical therapist will adjust the program as you recover.
Your physical therapist may provide a home exercise program to complement supervised therapy. Exercises should be performed according to the instructions provided, including the recommended frequency, repetitions, and progression.
In some cases, physical therapy and other conservative treatments may help manage symptoms and improve function enough to postpone or avoid surgery. However, advanced structural damage may eventually require surgical treatment. Your orthopaedic evaluation can help determine the appropriate approach.
Not necessarily. Rehabilitation recommendations depend on the type of surgery, the patient's condition, and the surgeon's postoperative protocol. When physical therapy is recommended, the program is tailored to the procedure and individual recovery.
Consider an orthopaedic evaluation when knee pain, stiffness, swelling, weakness, or limited mobility persists or interferes with everyday activities despite appropriate self-care. An evaluation can help identify the underlying cause and determine whether physical therapy or another treatment is appropriate.
Schedule a Knee Evaluation in Colorado Springs, CO
Whether you are dealing with knee arthritis, an injury, stiffness, or recovering from knee surgery, an individualized rehabilitation plan may help you work toward improved mobility and function. Dr. Tyler Bron provides comprehensive knee care in Colorado Springs, CO, including evaluation and treatment planning for patients who may benefit from physical therapy.
Contact Colorado Springs Orthopaedic Group to schedule a consultation with Dr. Bron and discuss physical therapy and other treatment options for your knee condition in Colorado Springs.
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