Having adequate knee range of motion is essential for completing activities of daily living and recreational activities. Limitations of knee motion can be due to several factors described below.
Joint Capsule
The knee joint is surrounded by a ligamentous structure that forms a soft tissue capsule around the articulating surfaces. Tightness of different portions of this capsule can limit a person’s ability to extend or flex the knee. Specific joint mobilizations can be used to reduce tightness in different areas of the capsule to improve mobility.
Patellar Mobility
The patella or “knee cap” has to move upward towards the quadriceps during knee extension and downward towards the shin during knee flexion. If the motion of the patella is limited, movement of the knee can be affected. This can also be improved using specific mobilization techniques.
Muscle Tightness
Decreased flexibility of the hamstrings, quadriceps, or calf muscles that cross the knee joint can limit knee motion as well. Performing targeted stretching can help to essentially elongate these tissues and improve knee mobility.
These factors are just some of the reasons why knee range of motion can be limited. They can affect the way that a person walks and can limit a person’s ability to perform daily or recreational activities. If you are limited by knee pain or motion deficits, Respire Physical Therapy can help! Call 703-671-1871 or click here to schedule an appointment with one of our Physical Therapists today. Get back to your life without limitations.
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