Thursday, July 18, 2013

Pain Management For Knee Injuries


The knee is the largest and the most complicated joint which is most susceptible to acute injuries. Knees are weight bearing joints that can easily rotate, twist and straighten according to our desired position. They are used for accomplishing various body movements like walking, sitting, standing up, running etc. These movements are controlled and managed by the muscles, ligaments, tendons and spongy tissues that cushion and protect the knee joints and provide them strength and flexibility.

Knees injuries, fractures and knee joint pain are the most common complaints that people suffer in everyday life. There are many reasons of knee injuries such as twisting the knee, overuse, falling or a sport injury that results in damaging the ligaments and cartilage that ultimately leads to the generation of knee pain. Physical therapy and massage therapy are the most effective and natural ways of pain management for tackling knee injuries.

Physical Therapy - Gentle & Holistic Way of Pain Management

Physical therapy is a profound and gentle method of pain management that can effectively treat knee injuries and decrease pain. A physical therapist deals with these sorts of injuries by providing certain exercises which strengthens, stretches and supports the damaged muscles and helps decrease knee pain. Physical therapy helps increase muscle strength, provides stability to the joints, increases joint mobility, enhances the range of motion and at the end brings relief from pain. The number of sessions for physical therapy is solely dependent on the severity of the injury. A physical therapist will diagnose and check the affected body area and recommend a course of physical therapy to strengthen damaged muscles and joints.

Massage Therapy - Healing Soft Body Tissues

Massage therapy is a whole-body approach that significantly induces the healing process of the body to promote a sense of well-being. It is a proven method of pain management that releases muscle tension and restores joint mobility. A professional massage therapist, with his skilled hands manipulates various gentle and passive body movements to the affected areas. This increases muscle relaxation, improves blood circulation and helps relieve pain.

There are various types of massage and manual therapies that significantly combat various illnesses, promote overall well-being and are effective for pain management.

• Acupressure is a technique which is derived from acupuncture procedures. In this therapy a massage therapist applies physical pressure to acupuncture pressure points by hands, elbow or with some other device. This will result in stimulation of the healing process to the affected body part.

• Swedish Massage is a type of massage therapy which helps reduce pain, joint stiffness and enhances body function in osteoarthritic patients. It is highly effective for enhancing blood circulation.

• Rolfing is a type of massage which is intended at providing structural integration to the myofascial system and restores the natural balance of the body.

Massage therapy is a holistic and gentle approach to health which is considered as the most important pain management technique for musculoskeletal injuries. Various exercises and body massages provided by the physical therapists or massage practitioners, help increase muscle strength, restore joint mobility, help reduce pain and lower the prevalence of the future injuries.

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