The first phase of rehabilitation for a knee injury typically covers the initial four- to six-week period after the injury heals, according to the Sports Injury Bulletin, an online sports rehabilitation resource. Phase one knee rehabilitation exercises depend on the severity of the injury and whether or not there was any surgery involved. Rebuilding strength in the supporting muscles, ligaments and tendons of the knee and regaining range of motion in the knee joint are the essential components of successful phase one rehabilitation, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.
Patella Fracture
The patella or kneecap fracture accounts for 1 percent of all fractures, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, and typically requires surgery. Since the knee will be immobilized in a cast for a minimum of six weeks, phase one rehabilitation exercises will concentrate on gentle weight-bearing exercises such as touching your toe to the floor. A stationary bike can be used at the six week mark, according to PhysioRoom.com, followed by half squats using a wall. Wall squats will strengthen the quadriceps and hamstring muscles, which will have weakened as a result of the cast.
Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury
The ACL tear or sprain represents one of the most common knee injuries, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Cruciate ligaments rest inside the knee joint and control back-and-forth knee movement. Phase one rehabilitation exercises encourage the return of range of motion to the joint and strengthen the surrounding muscles. Quarter one-legged squats can be performed using only your body weight, according to Sports Injury Bulletin. Stand on one leg as you gently bend the afflicted knee in a shallow squat. Repeat 10 times, for three sets.
Proprioception
The body possesses the ability to sense the position of its joints and movement within the joint; this sense is known as proprioception. It is an especially important sense for athletes and active folks, because it allows you to know the location of your limbs in space without the use of your eyes. The receptor nerves that govern proprioception typically suffer damage during a knee injury, so phase one rehabilitation exercises often incorporate a resistance ball to allow partial weight to be placed on the limb while performing strengthening exercises such as leg extensions.
References
- Sports Injury Bulletin: Here's How to Get an Injured Knee Fully Functional Once More
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons: Patellar (Kneecap) Fractures
- PhysioRoom.com: Patella Fracture in Depth
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons: Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries
- PhysioRoom.com: Using Proprioception to Enhance Rehabilitation
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