Degenerative diseases of the joints are now the most common violation of the skeletal system. The number of cases increases especially with age: by the age of 60, one in three already suffers from arthrosis. Moreover, the knee joint is most susceptible to the disease, since it accounts for the greatest load. Gradually, the destruction of cartilage in the joint cavity leads to the fact that the heads of bones also begin to collapse. This causes pain during any movement, so patients try not to step on a sore foot. Physiotherapy exercises for arthrosis of the knee helps to restore relative freedom of movement. It will be effective only if the exercises are performed correctly.
Features of the treatment of arthrosis
This pathology is characterized by degenerative processes in the articular cartilage. With age, this tissue loses water and becomes thinner. Because of this, the articular cartilage in the knee becomes fragile and begins to collapse. He can no longer properly perform his depreciation properties, which is why bone heads also suffer. To prevent further destruction of the joint and regain the ability to move, arthrosis must be treated at its initial stage. Only a doctor can prescribe the right set of therapeutic measures. Usually it includes:
- drug treatment;
- massage;
- physiotherapy;
- physiotherapy.
Tasks of exercise therapy for arthrosis
Moderate locomotor activity is very important for any joint diseases. Special exercises help to activate blood circulation, stimulate the processes of joint self-healing and prevent the development of complications. If you engage regularly, physical therapy for arthrosis of the knee joint of the 2nd degree can restore knee mobility. And at the beginning of the development of pathology, exercise therapy is able to fully return the joint to its function.
When a knee hurts, a person instinctively tries to move less. This affects the general condition of the patient, the health of his heart and blood vessels. And because of this, the functions of the knee joint are even worse. It turns out a vicious circle, from which you can only get out with the help of therapeutic exercises.
Why exercise therapy is useful for arthrosis of the knee joint
Photos of exercises performed by sick people show that people of any age can do it. Even in the advanced stage of arthrosis, dosed physical activity will bring only benefit. Regular gymnastics has such an effect on a sore joint:
- activates blood circulation and metabolic processes;
- returns freedom of movement in the joint;
- relieves muscle spasms;
- improves the condition of the ligaments, which helps to increase the joint space;
- prevents the development of contractures;
- reduces pain;
- improves the quality of life of the patient and his motor activity.
Features of exercise therapy at different stages of the disease
Physiotherapy exercises for arthrosis of the knee joint should be different depending on the severity of the disease. All patients benefit from such loads: exercise bike, swimming, yoga, walking on a treadmill or using a stepper. The strength and intensity of the load should depend on the stage of the disease.
- Physical therapy for arthrosis of the knee joint of the 1st degree is designed to improve blood flow, relieve muscle spasms and prevent the restriction of joint mobility. At this stage of the development of the disease, intensive movements can be performed. They will help restore the functions of the musculo-ligamentous apparatus.
- Physical therapy for arthrosis of the knee joint grade 3, when bone tissue has already begun to collapse, should include less vigorous exercises. They are designed to improve blood circulation to the joint, lymph flow, and relax the muscles around the problem area.
Class Rules
Physiotherapy exercises for arthrosis of the knee joint will be useful only if the exercises prescribed by the doctor are used, and several rules are followed during their implementation:
- you need to start training under the supervision of a specialist in the LFK office;
- training should be regular;
- the load must be increased gradually, starting from 10 minutes a day;
- classes should be started during the period of remission;
- all exercises are performed slowly and smoothly;
- even if only one knee hurts, it is necessary to load both joints equally;
- effective exercise therapy will be, if you do at least 40 minutes a day, you can divide this time into two or three approaches;
- exercise is repeated from 4 times at the beginning up to 10 times;
- every 10 minutes of training you need to give your knees a rest: lie on your back, stretch your legs and relax.
What is forbidden for arthrosis
Some patients believe that if exercise therapy is useful, then you need to work as hard as possible. But this approach can lead to disability. There are certain restrictions that relate to performing gymnastics with this disease. Patients need to remember that you can not:
- to allow the appearance of pain in the joint when performing exercises;
- to engage during an exacerbation of the disease;
- perform sharp movements in the knee joint;
- tread on your knee;
- squat a lot.
Lying exercises
Most often, with arthrosis, the lesson is held in a prone position. The simplest exercises are done even in severe cases of the disease. More complex - only during the period of remission at the first stage of its development. Physiotherapy exercises for deforming arthrosis of the knee joint may include such exercises:
- alternately bend the feet without raising the legs;
- simultaneously bend both legs and raise the pelvis;
- bend your knees, straighten one, then the other;
- while inhaling, simultaneously raise both arms and one leg;
- imitate riding a bicycle;
- Perform crossing movements with straight legs.
There are also effective exercises from a supine position. You can perform swings with legs up, forward and backward. If you roll over on your stomach, you can perform bending of the legs at the knees, lifting straight legs, raising them apart or lifting the upper body.
Exercises standing and sitting on a chair
During the period of remission, sitting in a chair is also necessarily added. And with a mild course of the disease, on the recommendation of a doctor, you can add standing exercises.
- Sitting on a chair, you need to raise your legs alternately, holding them in a position perpendicular to the body. Holding the chair with your hands, lift both legs, bending them at the knees. You can add this exercise: get up and sit on a chair, helping yourself with your hands. All other types of squats for arthrosis are not recommended.
- From a standing position, swings are usually performed with the legs to the side, forward and backward. In this case, you need to hold the back of the chair with your hands.
Exemplary exercise therapy complex
Physiotherapy exercises for arthrosis of the knee joint should train the musculo-ligamentous apparatus without straining the joint. It is very important to strengthen the muscles of the lower leg, thigh and buttocks. The types of exercises and the features of their implementation depend on the severity of the course of the disease. All of them are selected individually. Often, patients in the exercise therapy room are recommended such a complex:
- lying on his stomach, lift straight legs in turn;
- raise legs bent at the knee;
- exercise "swallow";
- lying on your side, bend your lower leg, and raise the upper straight line up;
- sitting on a chair, raise legs alternately;
- standing near a chair, slowly rise on toes;
- from a standing position, lift the socks up;
- without taking your socks off the floor, imitate walking, as if rolling from sock to heels.
Physiotherapy exercises for arthrosis of the knee according to Bubnovsky
There is still a special complex, which has recently received more and more positive reviews. Dr. Bubnovsky has developed a special technique that allows you to quickly recover from this disease. Apply such exercises only under the supervision of a specialist. If performed incorrectly, they can aggravate the course of the disease. In the Bubnovsky system there are such exercises:
- kneeling, sit on your heels and sit like this for up to 2 minutes;
- from a supine or sitting position, pull the toe of each leg as far as possible;
- holding onto a chair or wall, crouch slowly, knees apart so that the joint forms a right angle.