Knee Mobility Exercises for Osteoarthritis

Knee Mobility Exercises for Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis aka OA is one of the most common types of arthritis that involves degeneration of cartilage that causes pain, stiffness, reduced movement, and functional limitation. This medical condition usually affects the weight bearing joints such as the hip and the knee.

Although the cause of OA is unknown, there are factors that predisposes a patient to acquire the disease such as a previous injury and obesity. Activities with repetitive use of the joint such as kneeling, prolonged standing and jumping can also increase the risk for OA. 

Usually when a patient comes to the clinic diagnosed with osteoarthritis or OA, their chief complaint would be difficulty of moving the knee and getting out of the bed. Sometimes, a patient could also report morning stiffness and crepitus (cracking sounds) upon movement.

There are varying degrees of treatment of OA depending on the severity of the condition. As a physical therapist, I always like to educate my patients regarding their condition so they could also be involved in the rehabilitation process. 

Joint protection techniques such as proper pacing of activities, taking a rest and using an assistive device were usually part of the discussion. But for most patients who complain of pain and stiffness what we usually prescribe are range of motion exercises, mobilization and strengthening exercises.

That is why I have listed five simple exercises that can be performed while still in bed, so that it will be easier to perform it upon waking up and before going to sleep.  They're all easy to perform, I hope there are no more excuses.

The 5 exercises include:

1. Heel Slides
2. Straight leg Raise
3. Quadriceps Set
4. Hamstring Set 
5. Patellar Mobilization

Please note that when a patient performs the exercise it should be done slowly and only until the limits of pain. Patients must count out loud when performing the exercises because it also helps for breathing. 

So if you have knee osteoarthritis and you want to perform the exercises at home you can download a FREE exercise guide here: Knee OA mobility exercise guide

or you can watch the video below for exercise demonstration:

I hope you feel better after doing the exercises. If you have concerns or clarifications you may leave a comment below. You may also send a message through Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ptlouiseg

Thanks!