knee braces and supports

A combination of physical therapy and the wearing of Mueller braces and supports as directed is an effective way for men and women to heal from a knee injury or surgery. This strategy also helps patients learn how to reduce and manage chronic knee pain. Depending on the situation, the patient may need to use a walker, crutch or cane during recovery.

Physical Therapy

The therapist receives a report from the referring doctor and then conducts his or her own preliminary evaluation. This practitioner will want to learn how well the knee joint moves, including how far it can bend and straighten without stiffness or discomfort. The main goals of therapy will be to increase flexibility and stability in the joint, and to strengthen the soft tissues around it. This helps restore functional mobility.

Supports and Braces

The muscles, ligaments and tendons provide support for the joint. This is one reason why knee braces and supports are used while the soft tissues heal and regain strength. Some men and women will benefit from wearing a device from a supplier like Mueller Sports Medicine whenever they are active, long into the future.

Home Exercises

Exercises to perform at home may include specific types of stretches as well as leg raises. The therapist may want the patient to strengthen the hips through specific exercises too.

It's essential for patients to comply with the physical therapist's instructions outside of the regular sessions and to wear the support device as directed. It can be frustrating when healing is slow and when the knee feels painful while doing the exercises. Nevertheless, the activities increase mobility and eventually bring the patient to maximum medical improvement. Not complying with the guidelines is definitively connected with less successful and slower recovery.

Noncompliance Issues

When knee pain becomes chronic and patients won't exercise or wear the equipment as they should, they tend to become sedentary. They gain weight and start developing health issues associated with excess weight and lack of activity. There are mental health implications as well because this kind of situation can lead to depression.

Patients may wonder why the therapist isn't focusing more on treatments like deep-heat ultrasound therapy and electrical stimulation. These therapies may be provided during sessions, but they are not the most effective methods for restoring mobility and function. The patient cannot expect that ultrasound therapy once or twice a week will help nearly as much as a daily exercise program while wearing a support device as instructed.