Degenerative joint disease is now the most common disorder of the musculoskeletal system. The number of cases especially increases with age: by the age of 60, every third suffers from arthrosis. Moreover, the knee joint is most susceptible to disease, since it has the greatest load. Gradually, the destruction of cartilage tissue in the joint cavity leads to the fact that the heads of the bones also begin to collapse. This causes pain with any movement, so patients try not to step on the sore leg. It helps to return the relative freedom of movement of physiotherapy exercises for arthrosis of the knee joint. It will only be effective if the exercises are performed correctly.
Features of therapyarthrosis
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 brittle and begins to break down. It can no longer perform normally its depreciation properties, therefore, the heads of the bones also suffer. To prevent further destruction of the joint and restore the ability to move, arthrosis must be treated at its initial stage. Only a doctor can prescribe the right set of therapeutic measures. It usually includes:
- drug treatment;
- massage;
- physiotherapy;
- therapeutic gymnastics.
Tasks of exercise therapy for arthrosis
Moderate physical activity is very important for any joint diseases. Special exercises help to activate blood circulation, stimulate the processes of self-healing of the joints and prevent the development of complications. If you exercise regularly, then physiotherapy exercises 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 completely restore the function of the joint.
When a knee hurts, a person instinctively tries to move less. This affects the general condition of the patient, the he alth of his heart and blood vessels. And because of this, the function of the knee joint deteriorates even more. It turns out a vicious circle, from which you can get out only with the help of therapeutic exercises.
Why physical 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 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 physical activity.
Features of exercise therapy at different stages of the disease
Therapeutic exercise for arthrosis of the knee joint should be different depending on the severity of the course 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.
- Therapeutic exercise for arthrosis of the knee joint of the 1st degree is designed to improve blood flow, relieve muscle spasms and prevent limitation 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 musculoskeletal system.
- Therapeutic exercise for osteoarthritis of the kneea grade 3 joint, when bone tissue has already begun to break down, should include less vigorous exercise. They are designed to improve the blood supply to the joint, lymph flow, and relax the muscles around the problem area.
Class Rules
Therapeutic exercise for arthrosis of the knee joint will be useful only if the exercises prescribed by the doctor are used, and several rules are followed when performing them:
- you need to start exercising under the supervision of a specialist in the exercise therapy room;
- training should be regular;
- load should be increased gradually, starting from 10 minutes a day;
- classes should be started during remission;
- all exercises are performed slowly and smoothly;
- even if only one knee hurts, 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 sets;
- exercise is repeated from 4 times at the beginning 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 out as hard as possible. But this approach can lead to disability. There are certain restrictions that apply to performing gymnastics with this disease. Patients need to remember that it is impossible:
- allowjoint pain during exercise;
- exercise during an exacerbation of the disease;
- perform sharp movements in the knee joint;
- step on the knee;
- squat a lot.
Exercise while lying down
Most often, with arthrosis, the lesson is carried out in the prone position. The simplest exercises are done even with a severe course of the disease. More complex - only during the period of remission at the first stage of its development. Therapeutic exercise for deforming arthrosis of the knee joint may include the following exercises:
- alternately bend the feet without lifting the legs;
- bend both legs at the same time and lift the pelvis;
- bend your knees, alternately straighten one, then the other;
- while inhaling, simultaneously raise both arms and one leg;
- imitate cycling with your feet;
- perform crossing movements with straight legs.
There are also effective side-lying exercises. You can swing your legs up, forward and backward. If you roll over on your stomach, you can do knee bends, straight leg raises, leg raises, or upper torso raises.
Exercise while standing and sitting on a chair
During the period of remission, classes while sitting on a chair are also 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 one by one, holding them in a position perpendicular to the body. Holding on to the chair with your hands, raise 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, leg swings to the side, forward and back are usually performed. In this case, you need to stick to the back of the chair with your hands.
Exemplary exercise therapy complex
Therapeutic exercise for arthrosis of the knee joint should train the musculoskeletal apparatus without straining the joint. It is very important to strengthen the muscles of the lower leg, thigh and buttocks. Types of exercises and 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 the following complex:
- lying on your stomach, raise straight legs in turn;
- raise bent-knee legs;
- exercise "swallow";
- lying on your side, bend the lower leg, and lift the upper straight up;
- sitting on a chair, raise your legs one by one;
- standing near a chair, slowly rise on toes;
- from a standing position, lift your socks up;
- without taking your socks off the floor, imitate walking, as if rolling from toe to heel.
Therapeutic exercise for arthrosis of the knee joint according to Bubnovsky
There is also a special complex that has recentlygetting more and more positive feedback. Dr. Bubnovsky has developed a special technique that allows you to recover from this disease in a short time. Such exercises can only be used under the supervision of a specialist. If performed incorrectly, they can aggravate the course of the disease. The Bubnovsky system has the following exercises:
- kneeling, sit on your heels and sit like this for up to 2 minutes;
- from a position lying on your back or sitting, you need to pull the toe of each leg towards you as much as possible;
- holding on to a chair or wall, slowly squat down with your knees apart so that the joint forms a right angle.
