The Right Physical Therapy Now

can physical therapy help

Categories :

Ligaments are tissues that connect one bone to another to form a joint. A sprain is the injury of one or more ligaments without, however, the joint being moved dislocation. The severity of a sprain will depend on the injured ligaments and the nature of these lesions. It can range from a simple stretch mild sprain or grade 1 to the tearing of a few bundles of ligaments medium sprain or grade 2 to a complete rupture severe sprain or grade 3. Now can physical therapy help for you? Here are the options.

What Are The Symptoms Of A Knee Sprain?

Several symptoms can be associated with a sprained knee, such as a cracking sound during the accident, pain felt like a tear, a feeling of dislocation, the impression that the knee goes off to the side and then comes back in place, a feeling of instability of the knee and swelling of the knee.

Be aware that the intensity of your pain is not always proportional to the severity and severity of your sprain. Sometimes a severe sprain is only accompanied by moderate pain, while a mild sprain can cause severe pain. This is why the consultation with a physiotherapist or a sports physio could greatly help you.

What about the Menisci?

can physical therapy help

The menisci can also be damaged during a knee injury. Menisci are the cartilages that provide stability to your knee and absorb shock. Meniscal lesions are defined by a tear in one of the two menisci in the knee. If you experience these symptoms, your meniscus may be affected:

  • Sensation of clicking or blocking of the knee
  • Difficulty bending or unfolding the knee completely
  • Pain aggravated by changes of direction or pivots.

As soon as the injury occurs, you must first stop practicing sport and put the joint at rest. Applying ice can help reduce pain. An elastic bandage is also suggested in order to limit swelling.

After a good sprain, it is of course necessary to make sure that there is no fracture. There are specific criteria, called the “Ottawa criteria”, which allow you to validate if you need to have x-rays by a physical examination. Your physiotherapist at Physio-Santé or your doctor can be sure. In some cases, the use of crutches and the wearing of an orthosis will be recommended to promote adequate healing of the ligaments. You may also be prescribed medication depending on your condition.

What the Physiotherapist Can Do For You

Initially, your physiotherapist will perform a comprehensive assessment of your knee to determine which ligaments are affected and at what grade. The treatment aims to limit the stress on the ligaments and menisci in order to promote healing. Therapeutic interventions focus on reducing pain and swelling, progressive strengthening, restoring proprioception and fully recovering knee mobility.

The physiotherapist will finally perform functional tests to validate if you are ready to resume sport without risk. If he deems it necessary, he can also refer you to an orthopedist.

No matter how severe the injury, a sprained knee is easier to treat if it is treated as quickly as possible by professionals. Is your knee hurting after a recent injury? Do you feel that your sprain hasn’t healed completely? Consult quickly in one of Physio-Health physiotherapy clinics.