KNEE EXERCISES
After injuring your knee, one of the most important things you can do to recover, is to follow the RICE principle:
RANGE OF MOTION
You should try to gain full range of motion in your knee as soon as possible. By doing this, you may be preventing scar tissue formation and a loss of knee strength. Perform these exercises after icing. Never pull or force your knee; only go to the point of pain:
QUADRICEP SETTING
While sitting, tighten the muscles around your knee cap. Concentrate on tightening the muscle on the inside and slightly above the knee cap. Start your time count when the muscles are tight; start relaxation count when totally relaxed and use a watch with a second hand. Use the following progression:
Day Hold Relax Repeat
1 5 sec. 5 sec. 10 times every waking hour
2 6 sec. 6 sec. 10 times every waking hour
3 7 sec. 7 sec. 10 times every waking hour
4 8 sec. 8 sec. 10 times every waking hour
5 9 sec. 9 sec. 10 times, 4 times per day
6 10 sec. 10 sec. 10 times, 4 times per day
HAMSTRING SETTING
With your knee slightly bent, put your heel over the edge of a couch or table. Tighten your muscles on the back side of your thigh. Think of bringing your heel towards your body. However, no movement should take place — just tighten the muscles. Again, start counting when tight and start relaxation count when fully relaxed. Follow progression as in quadricep setting portion (see above chart).
STRAIGHT LEG RAISES
Lying on your back, keep injured leg straight and bend your uninjured leg. Tighten the muscles on the front of your leg (quadriceps) and slowly lift the leg as high as you can. Lower slowly, then relax. Repeat as the progression chart directs. When you can perform 50 repetitions in a row, you may add weight (ankle weights work the best).
The average male should be able to lift 30 lbs., 50 times.
The average female should be able to lift 20 lbs., 50 times.
Day Repetitions 1 25 2 30 3 35 4 40 5 45 6 50 |
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REFERENCES:
Arnheim, D. Principles of Athletic Training. 7th ed. 1989.
Roy, S. and Irvin, R. Sports Medicine: Prevention, Evaluation, Management and Rehabilitation. 1983.
Graham, G., ATC, RPT, MS. Knee Rehabilitation Guide. Mankato State University, Mankato, MN.
If you are concerned about any difference in your treatment plan and the information in this handout, you are advised to contact your health care provider.
(c) The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois, 1995
If you are a UIUC student and would like a hard copy of this handout, you may come to the Health Resouce Center at McKinley Health Center, Room 222 during the hours of 8:00 am and 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday.