Surprising Effects Of Knee Pain Physical Therapy
Knee pain can range from a simple minor ache to disabling pain. A comprehensive physical examination including diagnostic imaging tests may be needed before the source of your knee pain can be identified. While many causes of knee pain can be treated conservatively, others may respond only to surgical intervention.
Regardless of whether or not your doctor recommends conservative treatment or if they recommended surgery, knee pain physical therapy is likely to be part of your recovery treatment plan. Here are some surprising effects of knee pain physical therapy you may not know about.
Helps Restore Recuperative Sleep Patterns
People who suffer from chronic knee pain often have trouble sleeping. They may fall asleep for a while only to awaken a couple of hours later unable to get back to sleep. Chronic knee pain interferes with restorative sleep patterns, and if you do not enjoy restful sleep, the healing process may be inhibited. Knee pain physical therapy not only helps restore mobility, enhance circulation, and improve the range of motion of your leg, but it can also help you sleep better.
The exercises that you will perform during your therapy sessions can promote the release of endorphins, which are sometimes called "calm hormones" or "happy hormones." When your body releases exercise-induced endorphins and other neurotransmitters such as serotonin and oxytocin, your knee pain may be perceived as less severe and you may enjoy a more restorative and deep sleep pattern.
Strengthens Surrounding Structures
Knee pain physical therapy not only helps strengthen your knee structures but also helps strengthen other parts of your body. Your physical therapy may include riding a stationary bicycle which not only helps enhance knee health but it also helps strengthen your lower back muscles and your arm muscles, depending on which type of exercise equipment you use.
Your therapy may also help enhance blood flow to injured areas of your knee, resulting in faster healing. After your therapy sessions, you may notice that you also have more flexibility in both of your legs when you try to pick up an object from the floor or bend down to tie your shoes.
If you suffer from knee pain, see your doctor at your earliest convenience. When the cause of your pain is diagnosed and treated early on with knee pain physical therapy, you may be more likely to enjoy a more favorable recovery and a better prognosis.
For more information on physical therapy for knee pain, contact a professional near you.
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