Physical therapy for Osteoarthritis of Knee

Physiotherapy exercises for osteoarthritis of the knee focus on improving joint mobility, strengthening the muscles around the knee, and reducing pain. Here's a simple exercise routine:

1. Straight Leg Raises:

•    Sit or lie down with your legs straight.
•    Tighten the muscles on the front of your thigh (quadriceps).
•    Lift your leg off the ground to the level of the other knee.
•    Hold for a 10 seconds, then slowly lower it down.
•    Perform 10-15 repetitions for each leg.

2. Quadriceps Sets:

•    Sit on the floor with your legs straight out in front of you.
•    Tighten the muscles on the front of your thigh by pressing the back of your knee down onto the floor.
•    Hold for 5-10 seconds, then relax.
•    Perform 10-15 repetitions for each leg.

3. Hamstring Curls:

•    Stand behind a chair and hold onto it for support.
•    Bend one knee and bring your heel towards your buttocks, contracting the hamstring muscle.
•    Hold for a few seconds, then slowly lower your foot back down.
•    Perform 10-15 repetitions for each leg.

4. Seated Knee Extensions:

•    Sit in a chair with your feet flat on the floor.
•    Straighten one knee by lifting your foot off the ground until your leg is fully extended.
•    Hold for a 10 seconds, then slowly lower your foot back down.
•    Perform 10-15 repetitions for each leg.

5. Heel Slides:

•    Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor.
•    Slide one heel along the floor, straightening your leg as much as possible.
•    Hold for a 10 seconds, then slowly bend your knee and slide your heel back in.
•    Perform 10-15 repetitions for each leg.

6. Calf Raises:

•    Stand upright with your feet hip-width apart and hold onto a sturdy surface for balance.
•    Rise up onto your toes as high as you can, then slowly lower back down.
•    Perform 10-15 repetitions.

7. Wall Squats:

•    Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart along with the wall.
•    Slowly bend your knees and slide down your body a few inches along the wall, as if you were sitting back into a chair.
•    Keep your knees behind your toes and your back straight.
•    Hold for a 10 seconds, then slowly rise back up.
•    Perform 10-15 repetitions.

Remember to start slowly and gradually increase the number of repetitions as tolerated. If you experience increased pain or discomfort during any exercise, stop immediately and consult with your physiotherapist or healthcare provider. They can provide personalized guidance and adjustments to your exercise program based on your individual condition and needs. Additionally, they may recommend other treatments such as hot/cold therapy, manual therapy, or bracing as part of a comprehensive treatment plan for osteoarthritis of the knee.