Rehabilitation Exercises After Achieving 90 Degrees Knee Flexion - Rehabilitation

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Rehabilitation after achieving 90 degrees of knee flexion is a crucial phase in the recovery process, especially following knee surgeries such as patellar fractures, ACL reconstructions, or other knee-related injuries. At this stage, it’s essential to focus on gradually increasing the range of motion, strength, and functional mobility while minimizing pain and discomfort.


Key Rehabilitation Exercises After Achieving 90 Degrees of Knee Flexion
1. Passive Range of Motion (PROM) Exercises:
- Heel Slides: Sit or lie down with your legs extended. Slowly slide your heel towards your buttocks, bending your knee as much as you can without pain. Hold for a few seconds and then slide back to the starting position. This helps in improving flexibility.

- Towel Stretch: While sitting, loop a towel around your foot and gently pull your leg towards you, keeping your knee straight. This can help stretch the hamstrings and improve overall knee mobility.

2. Active Range of Motion (AROM) Exercises:
- Knee Flexion and Extension: While sitting or lying down, actively bend your knee as far as you can, then straighten it. This can be done multiple times throughout the day to encourage movement.

- Quadriceps Sets: Sit with your leg straight and tighten your thigh muscle (quadriceps) for a few seconds, then relax. This helps strengthen the quadriceps without putting too much strain on the knee.

3. Strengthening Exercises:
- Straight Leg Raises: While lying down, keep one leg straight and slowly lift it to the height of the opposite knee. Hold for a few seconds before lowering it back down. This exercise strengthens the quadriceps without bending the knee.

- Wall Slides: Stand with your back against a wall and slide down into a squat position, keeping your knees behind your toes. Hold for a few seconds before sliding back up. This helps strengthen the muscles around the knee.

4. Balance and Stability Exercises:
- Single-Leg Stands: Stand on one leg while holding onto a stable surface for support. This helps improve balance and stability, which are crucial for knee function.

- Step-Ups: Use a low step or platform to step up and down, alternating legs. This exercise helps improve strength and coordination.

5. Functional Exercises:
- Mini Squats: Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and perform a mini squat, bending your knees slightly while keeping your back straight. This helps in regaining functional mobility.

- Heel Raises: Stand and slowly raise your heels off the ground, balancing on your toes. This strengthens the calf muscles and improves overall stability.


Additional Considerations
- Pain Management: It’s common to experience some discomfort during rehabilitation. However, if you feel sharp pain, it’s essential to stop and consult your healthcare provider. Ice and elevation can help manage swelling and discomfort.

- Consistency is Key: Regularly performing these exercises, ideally several times a day, will yield the best results. Aim for a gradual increase in intensity and duration as tolerated.

- Consult a Physical Therapist: Working with a physical therapist can provide personalized guidance and modifications based on your specific condition and recovery progress. They can also help you track your progress and adjust your rehabilitation plan as needed.


Conclusion
Rehabilitation after reaching 90 degrees of knee flexion is a vital step towards full recovery. By incorporating a combination of passive and active range of motion exercises, strengthening routines, and functional movements, you can enhance your knee's flexibility, strength, and overall function. Remember to listen to your body, and don’t hesitate to seek professional guidance to ensure a safe and effective rehabilitation process. With time, patience, and consistent effort, you can achieve your rehabilitation goals and return to your daily activities with confidence.