The knees are some of the most injury-prone and vulnerable joints in the body. About 25 million Americans suffer from knee pain. Many of these people turn to occupational therapy as a way to manage their discomfort. Occupational therapists have many tools at their disposal to help reduce knee discomfort.
Here’s how occupational therapy can help you manage or even ease your knee pain:
1. Strengthening and Stabilizing Exercises
The first step in any occupational therapy treatment is to focus on strengthening the muscles that support the knee joint. This helps stabilize the knee and improves its overall range of motion.
Occupational therapists will work with you to design a customized program of strengthening and stabilizing exercises.These knee pain exercises will start light, with simple movements like straightening and bending of the knee joint.
As you progress, you’ll move on to more complex exercises that focus on balance, control, and strength. Strengthening and stabilizing activities will help you manage symptoms such as:
- Knee pain when bending or straightening
- Weakness while walking
- Reduced range of motion of the affected joint
2. Joint Mobilization
Joint mobilization involves gentle oscillation of the knee joint to:
- Improve range of motion
- Reduce pain
- Increase overall flexibility
This technique can help you move more easily and freely without experiencing discomfort or instability in the joint.
3. Posture and Body Mechanics Training
Posture and body mechanics play a big role in knee pain management. Poor posture can put extra strain on your joints and muscles, leading to pain or discomfort.
Occupational therapists can help you develop better body mechanics by teaching you:
- How to sit and stand correctly
- How to use your body when performing everyday activities
You’ll also learn specific stretches and exercises that can help improve your posture and relieve pain.
4. Assistive Devices
In some cases, your occupational therapist may recommend using assistive devices to help you manage knee pain. These devices, such as braces or canes, can help provide extra stability and support for the joint.
It can be risky to go about your day like usual if you have knee pain, especially if it’s severe. Assistive devices can help make it safer and easier to move around without causing further damage or worsening the problem.
5. Home Exercise Program
Your occupational therapist will help you create a home exercise program based on your specific needs.This program should include exercises to strengthen and stabilize the joint and activities that promote flexibility and range of motion.
You should perform these home exercises regularly to get the most out of them. The exercises should also be tailored to your unique needs and adjusted as needed to provide the best results.
6. Patient Education
Learning about knee pain is an important part of managing it. Your occupational therapist will help you learn how to care for your knees and what to watch out for.
You’ll also learn about the importance of rest and proper nutrition in managing knee pain. In addition, your therapist will give you tips for preventing injury.
Occupational therapy can be a great way to manage knee pain and keep it from getting worse. With the help of an occupational therapist, you can learn about how to get rid of knee pain fast.
When to See an Occupational Therapist for Knee Pain
If you’re experiencing persistent knee pain, it’s best to see an occupational therapist. They can do the following for you:
- Assess the source of your discomfort
- Create an individualized treatment plan
- Guide you on how to perform exercises and use assistive devices
- Teach you proper posture and body mechanics
- Help you develop a home exercise program
- Answer any questions you have about knee pain treatment
It’s vital to seek the care you need to prevent your pain from worsening. Left unchecked, knee pain can lead to further issues such as joint instability, arthritis, and even disability.
This could result in the following:
- Reduced mobility
- Difficulty performing everyday tasks
- Decreased physical activity levels
- Lower quality of life
- Increased risk of injuries and accidents
If you’re looking for ways to manage your knee pain effectively, occupational therapy could be the answer. Your therapist can provide the tools and resources to help you live a healthier and more comfortable life.
Relief from Knee Pain in Baltimore, MD
Knee pain can be extremely uncomfortable, limiting your range of motion and ability to perform everyday activities. But with the help of occupational therapy, you can learn how to manage it and get on the path to recovery. Your therapist can provide personalized assessments, treatments, exercises, and advice to help you get the best possible outcome. With their guidance, you can get back to living your life with less pain and more mobility.
Are you looking for ways to relieve knee pain in Baltimore, MD? You can trust Orthopaedic Associates of Central Maryland, the best center for therapy and orthopedics in Baltimore. Our expert providers can cater to your healthcare needs in our convenient locations in Clarksville, Ellicott City, Laurel, and Westminster. Contact us at (443) 478-4449 to schedule an appointment with the best occupational and physical therapist in Baltimore.
We look forward to helping you experience relief from knee pain!
