Knee Pathology
Most common knee disease
Osteoarthritis
Primary pain location
Groin
First strengthening approach in knee rehab
Isometrics
Basic functional knee exercise
Step ups
Patient lacks knee extension → first intervention
Hamstring stretching
Common alignment with OA
Genu varum
Dysfunctional gait pattern
Antalgic
When to increase resistance
After endurance improves
Squat depth
~90° if tolerated
Limited dorsiflexion → best stretch
Gastrocnemius/soleus stretch
Muscle (group) inhibited with swelling
Quadriceps
Cause of gluteus medius limp
Weakness in muscle (abductors)
Why ROM isn't increased too early
Need strength to control ROM
Why lunges are useful
Functional multi-joint control
Hip flexion restriction → must stretch
Iliopsoas, rectus femoris
Why is loss of flexion > extension
Capsular pattern
What hip extension loss impacts (x2)
Gait & Knee extension
Purpose of progressing from open to closed chain
Build functional control
Best cardio for knee OA
Cycling or aquatic
Patient with arch collapse during stretch → fix
Support arch
Why instability is felt
Weakness + pain
Early stage rehab focus
ROM & low impact
Why hip & ankle are trained with the knee
Kinetic chain/joints impact each other
Why high-impact is limited
Joint compression + degeneration
Knee pain during strengthening → modify how
Reduce load, stay pain-free, adjust range