The ankle plays a critical role in the ability of the knee to stay over the foot during functional tasks such as walking, running, and stair climbing. Under normal conditions the mobility of the ankle allows the leg to move forward over the weight bearing foot. If this range of motion is limited, the leg...
Knee osteoarthritis is a common condition leading to pain and disability among many middle and older aged adults. While Physical Therapy remains a hallmark of conservative care, knee arthroscopic surgery continues to be one of the most common orthopedic surgeries. We have previously written about the inability of arthroscopic surgery to be shown more effective...
After any knee surgery, the quadricep muscle group becomes difficult to contract and recruit. These inhibition or impairment is usually secondary to both knee pain and knee swelling. Weakness in the quadriceps can lead to pain, impaired leg function, and prevent a full return to life or sport after knee surgery. Physical Therapists often...
We written many blog posts on ACL injuries as they continue to be a risk to our youth and amateur athletes in Boulder County. Thankfully, evidence shows we are able to screen athletes at risk for future injury as well as reduce their risk through Physical Therapy strength, balance, and conditioning programs. Another group at...
Post operative immobilization is often utilized after ACL surgery in an attempt to support the knee joint. The reasoning behind the bracing includes reducing abnormal forces across the knee, patient comfort, and reducing the risk of injury to the recently repaired tissues. Research has currently not found a strong benefit of early post operative bracing for...
Knee replacements are a common and effective solution for end state knee osteoarthritis. Post operative Physical Therapy helps accelerate the recovery from this surgery by reducing pain, improving range of motion and leg strength after this surgical procedure. Research questions remain regarding the optimal frequency and intensity of post operative Physical Therapy visits. A recent...
In our prior posts on ACL injuries we have discussed the support in the medical literature for the conservative management of these tears using Physical Therapy alone. The evidence supports the conservative management of segment of the injured population who are able to “cope” with their ACL tear and still function at a high level...
The lunge is a very common exercise to strength the lower quarter. I commonly use the exercise to address lower quarter weakness, motor control or coordination impairments, and conditioning needs. Often patients will experience knee pain, either in the forward or backward leg while performing the movement. Changing the alignment of the trunk, hip, or...
In a previous post, we detailed the latest research on the importance of ankle mobility on knee mechanics. During weight bearing the shin, tibia, must be able to move forward over the fixed ankle and foot. Without adequate ankle flexibility and shin moved over the foot to the inside placing the knee at risk of...
Knee arthritis is a common, costly condition affecting a large percentage of middle aged and older adults. Physical Therapy remains the gold standard of care for knee arthritis due to its’ ability to delay or prevent the need for a total knee replacement. One of the foundations of Physical Therapy care includes strength training for the...