People with a flexion contracture of their knee joint can experience mobility problems due to a flexed knee. A flexion contracture occurs when the tissues in your knees thicken after a period of immobilization and prevent your knee from bending. Range-of-motion exercises can help improve movement in your knee joint. Complete exercises for a knee flexion contracture only under the supervision of your therapist or doctor.
Exercise Recommendations
People who sit or lie with their knee flexed for extended periods of time may develop knee flexion contractures. In order to maintain normal function and subsequent motion in the joints, soft tissues, muscles and ligaments affected by a flexion contracture, you must perform range of motion exercises throughout the day. Range of motion exercises such as stretching, bending and rotating your knee increase blood flow and flexibility to promote movements such as walking and climbing stairs. You should complete gentle passive stretching exercises with mild to moderate force for a prolonged time -- the intensity and duration guidelines will vary depending on your unique situation.
Range-of-Motion Exercises
Range-of-motion exercises for a flexion contracture of the knee may be passive, active assisted or active, depending on the advice you receive from your therapist or doctor. Passive range of motion exercises require no patient participation -- they are performed entirely by your therapist, friend, family member or caretaker. You complete active assisted range of motion exercises with some assistance from another person, while, active range of motion exercises are carried out on your own. Perform passive range of motion exercises slowly and gently -- never force, jerk or overstretch a muscle -- and stop if the affected person feels pain. In addition, complete exercises as part of the patient's daily routine such as while bathing or watching television.
Rotation and Bending Exercises
Range of motion exercises that rotate and bend your knees may increase flexibility in a knee affected by flexion contracture. To perform a passive knee rotation, bend the patient's affected knee so that their foot lies flatly on a bed or mat and roll their leg inward as much as possible. Have the patient attempt to touch the bed with their big toe. Then, roll the person's leg outward -- as far as possible -- and have them try to touch the bed with their little toe. Another passive range of motion exercise involves both the hip and the knee joints. Place your hand under the individuals affected knee and slowly bend their knee upward to their chest as much as you can. Then, slide your hand up from under the patient's knee and place it under their upper thigh to help keep the knee bent as far as possible.
Stretching Exercises
Daily range of motion passive stretching exercises can also increase movement in a knee joint affected by flexion contracture. Perform a passive stretching exercise by placing one of your hands on top of the affected person's thigh and placing your other hand just below their knee. Apply pressure with both of your hands to raise their leg. Hold this stretched position and slowly count to 25. Gradually increase the stretch somewhat more and hold again for a count of 25. Continue this stretch for five or ten minutes and repeat several times a day, as recommended by your doctor. To accelerate effects, increase the time and duration you stretch the affected limb, instead of applying more force.
References
- "Physical Therapy"; Continuous Passive Motion in the Treatment of Knee Flexion Contractures; Laura Jean Stap, et al.; November 1986
- "Disabled Village Children"; Contractures; David Werner; 1999
- "Physical Therapy"; Low-Load, Prolonged Stretch in the Treatment of Knee Flexion Contractures in Nursing Home Residents; Teresa M. Steffen, Ph.D., P.T.; October 1995
- "Exercise in Rehabilitative Medicine"; Walter R. Frontera, M.D., Ph.D., et al.; 2006
- Drugs.com: Passive Range Of Motion Exercises
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