Knee injuries can be treated with therapeutic exercise, depending on the severity of the injury. Exercises are important to maintain full range of motion (ROM) within your knee joint that could otherwise be lost due to swelling or inflammation, which is common after injury. Before beginning any exercise routine, speak to your doctor or a licensed physical therapist for more information on knee exercises and how they can benefit your condition.
Strengthening
Following trauma or injury to a joint, you may be required to wear a protective splint or brace for stabilization during the healing process. This restriction to normal joint movement can cause your muscles to shrink, or atrophy. Strengthening exercises are important to include in your treatment plan as a means to restrengthen the muscles responsible for knee joint stabilization. Squats and lunges are simple examples of knee joint strengthening exercises that can be done in the comfort of your home or in a therapeutic setting.
Stretching
Maintaining full ROM in your knee joint is critical to your ability to perform most movements in the knee. Stretching exercises focus mainly on keeping the large muscle groups in your legs loose and flexible including your hamstrings, quadriceps and calf muscles. A standing calf stretch while supporting yourself by leaning on a nearby wall is one example of a knee stretching exercise. Lunges can also be used as a stretching movement in addition to a strengthening exercise.
Preparation
You should take a few precautions while exercising. Begin each exercise slowly and in a controlled manner, as to prevent further injury to your joint. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, do not ignore pain, as this is your body's way to warn you of further injury. Rest frequently during the work out, and ask for assistance from a partner or your doctor when needed.
Considerations
As MayoClinic.com suggests, not all knee injuries can be treated with therapeutic exercise alone. Your doctor may also recommend additional treatment options depending on the severity of your injury. In extreme cases, you may also require surgical intervention to repair a damaged ligament or bone in your knee joint.
