Have you had a sore/weak knee ever since you can remember? Does it swell up occasionally when you go for a long walk or decide to up the antics with your level of exercise? Have you previously had a knee reconstruction years ago? Maybe your knee will never quite be as symmetrical or have the capability of allowing you to do a half marathon, but with treatment at Get Active Physiotherapy, we can help you achieve your fitness goals without chronic, ongoing knee pain and swelling.
The knee is a rather complex joint, consisting of both the tibiofemoral and patellofemoral joints. What is unique about the knee joint is that it provides the ability for the lower leg to move, relative to the thigh whilst supporting the body’s weight. This means that large joint compression and shear forces are at work whenever we walk, climb, swat, run or jump.
In the absence of ligament damage, which usually can occur after a specific trauma to the knee, there can be a global loss of strength and flexibility in the knee, which can progress with time. Depending on your exercise capacity, your knee may be stopping you from reaching your fitness/sporting/walking goals. When there is loss of knee function over many years, your brain will also start to favour your other leg, thus increasing the strength and flexibility discrepancy between each leg, causing more pain and discomfort.
Arthritis is a bit of a throw-around term when it comes to the knee. Many people with ongoing knee discomfort into their 40’s and 50’s will generally have moderate arthritic changes appearing on a scan, but their pain levels and functional insufficiency will often not be a match for their degree of arthritic degeneration. In other words, while we cannot reverse the ageing degenerative process, optimising knee function through a graded and specific rehabilitation program can have tremendous results which may not have been thought possible.
What can Get Active Physiotherapy offer you?
- Significant reduction in pain and swelling through massage, joint mobilisations, taping and other specific passive treatments.
- A tailored and graded exercise program that will incorporate strength, endurance and proprioception (the brain/knee connection which is vital for balance).
- Access to the fitness first gym during physiotherapy sessions which offers a huge range of exercise machines space to exercise and rehabilitate.
- Advice and education on how to maintain your stronger pain-free knee, and thus reducing rate of degeneration for years to come.
If you have any questions or would like to book in to see one of our physiotherapists, please do not hesitate to contact Get Active Physiotherapy on 1300 8 9 10 11 or email us at admin@getactivephysio.com.au
