06/14/2023
Before & After in ONE Session - Knee Extension Range Of Motion
When this patient first walked in, her injured right knee was unable to get fully straight and extend. You could see the MAJOR difference in heel height compared to her uninjured left knee 👀
Regaining full knee extension is paramount after a knee injury or surgery due to several key reasons.
• Restoring Normal Gait: Full knee extension is essential for maintaining a proper walking or running gait. When the knee cannot fully extend, it can lead to an abnormal or limping gait pattern🚶🏻♂️
• Joint Stability: Full knee extension plays a crucial role in maintaining the stability of the joint. It ensures that the joint surfaces are properly aligned, maximizing contact area and distributing forces evenly. Without full extension, the knee may experience abnormal stress and instability, potentially leading to further injuries or complications - including pain and continued joint swelling 🦵🏽
• Preventing Muscle Imbalances: The quadriceps muscles on the front of the thigh are unable to fully activate and regain proper motor control without full knee extension 💪🏽
• Avoiding Joint Stiffness & Contractures: Prolonged knee flexion or lack of full extension can result in joint stiffness and contractures. The soft tissues around the knee, including muscles, tendons, and ligaments, may become tight and lose flexibility. This can hinder the rehabilitation process, limit functional activities, and impede the overall recovery. By regaining full extension early on, the risk of joint stiffness and contractures is minimized, allowing for a more effective rehabilitation and a faster return to normal function 🤸🏼♂️
Regaining full knee extension is critical for restoring normal gait, ensuring joint stability, improving range of motion, preventing muscle imbalances, and avoiding joint stiffness. It is a key objective in the rehabilitation process following knee injury or surgery, promoting successful recovery and enabling individuals to regain their previous level of activity and functionality.