Massage for arthrosis of the knee joint: what is it for, types, contraindications

Anatomy of the knee joint

The knee includes:

• lower end of the femur;
• upper end of the tibia;
• a large sesamoid bone that performs a protective function - the patella.

The joint has six synovial bursae - cavities filled with a special fluid called synovium, which has high shock-absorbing properties. Bags are necessary to isolate rubbing parts. During a therapeutic massage of a sore knee joint, by influencing the nerve endings, the massage therapist improves local blood flow. Thanks to this, the nutrients necessary for the production of synovium enter the joint. Another important component that helps cushion and stabilize the entire joint is the menisci - cartilage pads. They are located on the inside and outside of the knee. All osteochondral structures are held together by the ligamentous apparatus. It is the ligaments (in second place are the menisci) that are the most traumatic place. In total there are three groups:

• intra-articular - cruciform and transverse;
• lateral - tibia and fibula, from the side of the bones of the same name;
• posterior - arcuate, popliteal, medial and lateral.

If you have a ligament injury, therapeutic knee massage can help reduce swelling and pain. The duration of the manipulation should not exceed 15-20 minutes. In case of severe sensitivity or discomfort, be sure to take breaks. Therapeutic massage for injuries to the menisci of the knee joint is used in the early postoperative period. It allows you to start regenerative processes, improve blood circulation, reduce the severity of inflammation and quickly restore the function of the lower limb.

Physiotherapy

Electrophoresis is a physiotherapeutic method for eliminating pain, swelling and inflammation at the initial stage of rehabilitation. A tampon soaked in a drug solution is placed on the knee, and a metal plate is placed on top. After a low-frequency electric current passes through it, the drug penetrates the joint cavity, accumulating there in a maximum therapeutic concentration. Anesthetics, analgesics, NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), and glucocorticosteroids are used for the treatment procedure. Then solutions of chondroprotectors are used to increase the production of synovial fluid and restore damaged cartilage, ligaments, and tendons. The following physiotherapeutic measures have proven themselves well during the rehabilitation of the knee joint after injury:

• UHF therapy;
• magnetic therapy;
• laser therapy;
• applications with ozokerite, paraffin, improving blood circulation due to prolonged heating;
• balneological treatment with bischofite, healing mud, mineral waters.

5-10 sessions of myostimulation, or the impact of electrical impulses on the joint, are required. An impulse is transmitted through the electrodes to the nerve endings, which leads to active contraction of muscle fibers. Lymphatic drainage and blood circulation improve, metabolic processes accelerate, bone, cartilage, and connective tissue structures are restored faster.

One of the frequently used physiotherapeutic methods is hirudotherapy, or treatment with medicinal leeches. When these annelids bite, many biologically active substances penetrate into the knee area along with saliva. They thin the blood, prevent blood clots, and help restore blood vessels damaged by bruises, fractures, or dislocations.

How does physiotherapy work:

The essence of the problem

At its core, arthrosis of the knee joint or gonarthrosis is a chronic disease of a degenerative-dystrophic nature that affects the cartilage layer and other articular elements. This pathology is manifested by characteristic symptoms: intense pain, crunching when moving, swelling in the knee area. If treatment measures are not taken, the progression of the disease leads to limited movement in the knee joint, up to its complete immobilization.

For gonarthrosis, depending on the severity of the disease, complex treatment is carried out, including drug therapy, physiotherapy and various other technologies. Knee joint massage for arthrosis is considered an important step in such complex therapy. This procedure, of course, cannot restore damaged tissue, but it can normalize the functions of the joint.

Numerous studies confirm the positive effects of therapeutic massage for gonarthrosis. First of all, there is a normalization of lymphatic outflow, draining lymph that has stagnated as a result of chronic inflammatory processes. Shock absorption functions are restored as a result of improving the elasticity of cartilage tissue and stabilizing intra-articular fluid.

The following positive results achieved by massage are highlighted:

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• analgesic effect;
• muscle relaxation around the affected joint;
• eliminating joint stiffness and improving its mobility;
• normalization of blood supply, which stimulates regeneration processes;
• removing toxins that contribute to swelling.

Massage is most effective in the initial stages of the disease, when the damage is not yet irreversible. However, even at subsequent stages, its implementation can significantly alleviate the condition of the sick person.

First days after surgery

Recovery begins 12-24 hours after installation of the endoprosthesis. A person must get up and move slowly on crutches, despite the pain. If it is intense enough, you should report it to medical personnel. Pain cannot be tolerated, as it worsens the psycho-emotional and physical condition and disrupts the functioning of internal organs. Its severity will gradually decrease as the soft tissue damaged during joint replacement heals.

For the first time after surgery, to avoid swelling and thrombosis, the legs are placed in compression stockings, which compress the legs, preventing blood from stagnating.

Care of the surgical wound

After installing the endoprosthesis, the surgeon places sutures that secure the skin and underlying soft tissue. For this, staples are used, which are removed after a few weeks, and the threads dissolve on their own. The doctor examines the stitches daily, wound care is carried out by junior medical staff. The skin is treated with antiseptic solutions, including alcohol-containing solutions, up to 3 times a day. This avoids the penetration of pathogenic bacteria into the wound and the development of an infectious process.

Infectious complication after installation of a knee implant. Find extra elements in the photo.

To prevent suppuration, antibiotic therapy is carried out. Drugs from the groups of macrolides, cephalosporins, and semisynthetic penicillins are prescribed. Until the sutures are completely healed, patients are advised to wear bandages and elastic orthoses to prevent skin displacement.

The seam on the knee joint is most often sewn together with metal staples. The photo shows a healing scar: it is uniformly pale in color and has no scabs on it at all.

Restoring physical activity

Approximately 2 days after the endoprosthetics operation, development of the operated leg begins. Mechanotherapy is practiced - a set of rehabilitation exercises using special devices to improve joint mobility and strengthen muscles. The devices measure the loads that arise and control the abduction and adduction of the leg. At the same time, the patient performs exercises from a complex compiled by a rehabilitation physician:

• raising the knee to a horizontal level;
• moving the operated limb back;
• flexion and extension of the knee joint;

This primitive exercise is the most effective at the first stage of recovery. You can perform it without time restrictions. Each time the amplitude of movements will increase millimeter by millimeter.

• abduction of the leg first to one side, then to the other;
• circular rotations of the foot.

The time spent on your feet is constantly increasing. By the end of 3 days, the patient must walk at least 100 m along the hospital corridor.

Another exercise that you can do as much as you like. First, bring your feet toward your buttocks by bending your knee joints. And then straighten your legs one by one: first the healthy one, then the operated one.

The therapeutic effectiveness of physical therapy is increased through the use of physiotherapeutic procedures. These are magnetic therapy, ultraviolet irradiation, UHF therapy, cryotherapy. Electrical stimulation of the biceps and quadriceps muscles of the thigh is also performed.

Print this picture and perform the complex every day.

Taking medications

In addition to antibiotics, therapeutic regimens include drugs to improve the functioning of the urinary organs, as well as hepatoprotectors. Means are used to normalize the blood supply to soft tissue structures with nutrients and oxygen. To relieve pain, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are used in tablets with the active ingredients diclofenac, nimesulide, and ibuprofen.

Chondroprotectors are required to accelerate regenerative processes and improve metabolism in the area of ​​the operated knee joint. Throughout the entire rehabilitation, patients are advised to take a course of balanced complexes of vitamins and microelements to strengthen general and local immunity. After complete healing of the sutures, local application of warming ointments and gels helps relieve discomfort.

Massage for knees with gonarthrosis

Massage is a set of therapeutic techniques with which a master helps a person through dosed effects on the body with a variety of mechanical movements. In the case of gonarthrosis, mechanical movements should be gentle and not cause pain to the patient. The massage technique for gonarthrosis of the knee joint depends on the degree of development of the disease and on the patient’s well-being.

Massage movements:

• rubbing;
• pressing;
• creating vibration;
• touching the surface of the knee with hands or special massage devices.

Using competent techniques, the massage therapist relaxes the tissues around the injured knee, touches the tendons, and restores their functionality. The professional term is “reception power.” The pressure exerted by the massage therapist on the surface of the leg. Here we discuss deep and small massage for gonarthrosis. Deep is done with great effort, which causes inhibition to develop, damaged tissues to relax, and blood flow to them increases.

Massage with low force is a superficial technique that stimulates and excites articular and periarticular tissues, bringing them into a state of active action. Massages of varying strengths are performed at different degrees of development of gonarthrosis.

Treatment procedures also differ in tempo and speed of action on the massage area. Speed ​​is checked by counting the number of massage actions of the same type that the massage therapist performs in one minute. The tempo varies between fast and slow. Fast is used to increase joint tone and increase the excitability of nerve endings. A slow massage technique is required to reduce tone, calm both the sore knee and the person himself. To improve the patient’s well-being, acupressure of the legs is performed for gonarthrosis. This is a mandatory therapeutic measure that restores blood circulation in the leg with the affected knee, improves gait, and allows you to completely abandon the cane.

It seems that the masseuse works with everyone the same way. But no. Treatments for each patient, at each stage of gonarthrosis, have their own characteristics. The massage therapist adjusts the impact on the massage area depending on the doctor’s prescriptions and the person’s general well-being.

Late recovery period

Two weeks after the operation, the late stage of rehabilitation begins, which lasts about 3 months. During this period, the patient takes prescribed medications, engages in physical education and gymnastics. Rehabilitation at home is not as effective as in specialized specialized centers. They are equipped with exercise equipment, swimming pools, and are staffed by experienced rehabilitation doctors, professional exercise therapy instructors and massage therapists.

No instruction can replace the work of a rehabilitation therapist. If you have big plans for your life, after surgery, be sure to attend a recovery course at a rehabilitation center.

Most often, the knee joint is replaced with an endoprosthesis when it is affected by arthritis or gonarthrosis. During illness, a person often limits mobility to reduce the severity of pain. His posture changes, his gait becomes shaky and uncertain. Daily physical therapy exercises help to develop correct motor patterns and strengthen the muscles, ligaments, and tendons that stabilize the knee when walking. The complex is developed by a doctor individually for the patient. It can be adjusted and supplemented.

This is what the seam should look like after six months to a year.

In what cases should you resort to massage?

Massage for pain in the knee joint should be used in the following situations:

• if a creaking or crunching effect occurs in the marked area;
• in case of swelling;
• if there is redness of the tissues near the knee joint;
• with slight visual deviation of the patella.

Preoperative preparation for rehabilitation

Preparation for postoperative rehabilitation begins not after the end of the operation, but even before the start of surgical procedures. The need for this is due to the fact that this operation has risks of complications. To mitigate these risks, it is necessary to take certain preventive measures.

Impact on problem muscle areas must begin before the operation. The need for this is due to the fact that after the operation the already weak muscles will become even weaker. This nuance is the reason for the high risk of complications in the form of contractures, atrophy, thromboembolism, vein thrombosis, etc. Elimination of hypotonicity and increased blood supply allow us to count on the absence of these problems. In addition, the implant can function normally only if the muscle-ligamentous structures are elastic and sufficiently elastic.

Developing the muscles before installing the knee joint also helps to simplify and speed up the recovery process. The patient will be able to endure the early stage of rehabilitation more easily if he learns in advance to walk correctly on crutches, do basic physical therapy exercises, etc.

What benefits can massage bring?

Massage for arthritis of the knee joint and other phenomena that cause pain makes it possible to eliminate the feeling of stiffness, limited mobility, and relieve discomfort that interferes with living a peaceful life. Properly performed procedures help relieve muscle atrophy, improve lymph outflow, and saturate tissues with oxygen and nutrients.

How to massage the knee joint? First you need to study the anatomical structure of the presented area. This is required because there is a complex articulation of muscles, ligaments and bone tissue here, which provides the shock-absorbing ability of this part of the body. You need to act carefully so as not to cause additional harm to health.

1.1 Indications for knee massage

In general, knee joint massage is recommended for all people, even those who do not have any diseases or prerequisites for them. But there are direct indications for its implementation.

Knee warm-up before massage

It should be done in the following cases:

1. For chronic pain both in the joint itself and in the cup or back of the knee. But if your leg hurts due to an acute injury, then it is better to wait a few days (for acute knee diseases or their exacerbations, massage is contraindicated).
2. After surgery on the legs (as a technique that restores joint mobility). For example, after arthroscopy.
3. In the presence of arthrosis, arthritis (including ankylosing spondylitis), gonarthrosis.
4. In the presence of chronic idiopathic (causeless) crunching in the knee joint.
5. After spraining the ligaments or muscles of the leg (preferably 3-4 days after the injury, but not earlier).
6. For synovitis, dysplasia, bursitis or valgus.
7. With partial immobilization of the knee joints (for example, due to the development of contracture due to inflammatory diseases of the lower extremities).

1.2 Lesson on knee joint massage (video)

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1.3 Does a healthy person need a knee massage?

Even healthy people who have no prerequisites for diseases of the lower extremities can benefit from massage of the knee joints. Moreover, it is recommended for people of all age groups, even infants.

Here is a list of the main beneficial effects of such procedures for a healthy person:

1. For the prevention of various diseases. Even if there are no prerequisites, they can appear at any moment.
2. Frequent preventive massage will strengthen both the ligamentous-muscular system of the knees and the joints themselves.
3. The procedure itself is enjoyable and relaxes your legs quite well.
4. You can improve the mobility of your knee joints. This is especially useful for those people who play sports. Moreover, any kind, even one that does not require running or jumping (the legs are still the support of the body, and this support must be strong).

Painful lesions in the knee joint

Accordingly, therapeutic massage is needed only for that category of people who already have any diseases of the lower extremities.

Indications

The choice of type and technique of massage depends on medical indications, which may include:

• Rehabilitation after injuries and in the postoperative period; • Correction of flat feet; • Paralysis and restrictions in movement after a stroke; • Joint diseases - arthritis and arthrosis; • Osteochondrosis of the lumbosacral region, complicated by radiculitis and inflammation of the sciatic nerve; • Increased physical activity; • Nervous stress; • Impaired motor functions of the legs; • Cellulite; • Excess body weight and metabolic disorders.

Rules and features of massage

Massage procedures for gonarthrosis have their own characteristics. Therapeutic massage differs significantly from regular massage, which is done for relaxation. Correct technique and as careful movements as possible are important here. The therapy is designed to improve the condition of the joints, and not to worsen the situation.

General rules for knee massage for arthrosis include:

• pre-warming and warming up (therapeutic exercises, hot shower, foot baths, sauna);
• you need to sit down or take a lying position, depending on the type of manipulation, but always in a calm and comfortable place;
• the use of special ointments, creams, oils for massage;
• gentle, slow massage movements that do not cause pain or discomfort;
• basic techniques - stroking, rubbing, kneading, vibration (for deforming forms, mobilization and manipulation are used);
• a course of therapy consisting of 5-10 massage sessions, according to indications they can be repeated several times a year;
• an integrated approach that does not exclude basic drug therapy.

It is better to entrust a massage of the knee joint to a specialist - a certified massage therapist or chiropractor. He will select a set of techniques individually and do everything correctly. If you wish, you can learn the technique of self-massage and carry out therapeutic procedures at home.

When performing a massage, it is very important to take precautions so as not to overload the joint.

Carrying out procedures in the clinic

Even if at first this massage technique seems easy to you, you should never practice it on your own without proper training. Before performing the procedure, specialists at the Osteomed clinic must determine the location of the periarticular mucous bursae, the presence of effusion, range of motion and many other factors, ignorance of which can lead to injury and pain.

The course is prescribed in the absence of acute pain, and its price will depend entirely on the reason for the procedures, the number of required sessions determined by the massage therapist and the need for accompanying procedures, such as mud and mineral baths, muscle massaging, gymnastics and others.

Also, the price of joint massage in St. Petersburg is determined by the person receiving the procedure (as a rule, sessions for children are cheaper), the duration of the procedure, as well as the qualifications and skill of the massage therapist. Osteomed Clinic cares about your health and tries to provide the highest quality services at the best prices.

Classic procedure scheme and its features

The main technique used in medical institutions is classical. The session consists of 3 stages:

1. Preparation. The patient assumes a relaxed position. Massaging begins from the lower spine with a gradual transition to the hip area. The muscles are rubbed and warmed up, prepared for further exposure.
2. Main stage. The therapist moves to the area of ​​the sore knee. Using rubbing, the lateral parts of the joint are worked out. The knee is alternately bent and extended, and rotational movements are performed with a small amplitude. The kneecap does not receive direct impact. This avoids pain and does not provoke an inflammatory process.
3. The final stage. The session ends with light shaking of the knee joint and stroking.

One of the options for a classic massage is in warm water. In this case, the patient is placed in a bath of water heated to a temperature of 37°C.

During the procedure, it is important to follow the sequence of standard movements. Manipulations begin with stroking with a full palm and are completed with them. The result of each stage is warming up, optimizing blood supply, relieving tension, and stimulating lymph outflow.

Complications after knee replacement

Postoperative pain syndrome is quite natural due to a violation of the integrity of the skin and soft tissues. But, if its severity does not decrease, the surgeon should be notified. Increasing pain in the knee may indicate the accumulation of purulent exudate, the development of an infectious process, or blockage of a vein by a blood clot. The following complications are also possible after endoprosthetics:

• infection of tissues by pathogenic bacteria;

Sometimes a knee joint infection may develop. It is introduced during surgery or it was initially present in the body and was not diagnosed before surgery.

• dislocation of the endoprosthesis;
• development of contracture;
• allergy to the implant material.

One of the complications of endoprosthetics is instability in the area of ​​the patella due to incorrect orientation of the implant.

Contracture - this can happen when the recovery program has not been completed. The prosthesis fits correctly, there is no pain, but the leg does not fully extend.

Types of massage

The classical technique is far from the only option for treating knee arthrosis.

In medical practice, various massage techniques and their combinations are actively used:

• Japanese (shiatsu) – pressing on individual parts of the body using the palms and fingers, activates the body’s self-healing;
• Finnish - kneading with the pads of the thumbs with a sequential transition from the foot to the thigh, hypertonicity and spasms of the leg muscles are relieved, the cells are saturated with oxygen;
• Swedish - deep massage using strong rubbing and kneading movements aimed at eliminating compactions and improving muscle functionality;
• French - a soft and gentle effect on the lymphatic vessels in order to enhance lymph flow, remove toxic substances, and nourish tissues;
• acupressure (acupressure) – joints are massaged by pressing on biologically active points on the body that are responsible for the functioning of the knee joints;
• vacuum - a targeted therapeutic effect on the pathological area using cups or a special vacuum apparatus, local blood circulation improves, stagnation is eliminated;
• stone therapy - massage with hot stones of volcanic origin, stimulates the flow of nutrients, activates metabolic processes.

As a result of the use of various techniques, natural tissue regeneration is accelerated, degenerative-dystrophic changes in joints are slowed down, and a general improvement of the body occurs.

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In the early stages of pathology development, the procedure can completely restore lost joint functions and enhance cartilage regeneration

Mechanotherapy

Many clinics have established rehabilitation centers equipped with special equipment for joint restoration. Upright and horizontal exercise bikes are the most therapeutically effective. In the initial period of rehabilitation, horizontal devices are used, with the help of which the knee joint is developed without excessive loads. The therapeutic effect consists of frequent monotonous repetition of movements (circular rotations). In the damaged joint, blood circulation improves, nutrients and biologically active substances begin to flow into the tissues to accelerate regeneration. Abrasion of the injured cartilage lining the bone heads does not occur. The design of exercise bikes allows you to dose the loads and gradually increase them as the muscle corset strengthens.

CPM therapy.

One of the effective methods of rehabilitation after a knee injury is CPM therapy. When it is carried out, coordination of movements improves and a correct motor stereotype is formed. It is used after severe injuries, such as joint fractures. CPM therapy (Continous passive motion) consists of passive long-term development of the knee with special devices. They are designed to force the joint to flex to a predetermined degree. The specified parameters are increased, allowing you to work out individual muscle groups that are responsible for flexion or extension of the knee.

Many well-known manual therapists (Bubnovsky, Gitt) use kinesitherapy to increase the functional activity of injured or destructive joints. This is a form of physical therapy. The method is based on the benefits of performing frequent movements with small amplitude. The most effective exercises are on special vibrating couches. After several sessions of kinesitherapy, blood circulation and microcirculation are normalized, spasms of skeletal muscles are eliminated, and a muscle corset is built up, stabilizing the joint during movement.

Massage techniques

To understand how to massage the knee joints, you should familiarize yourself with massage techniques that are effective for this area. There are not many of them, but it is simply necessary to have theoretical and practical knowledge about them.

Movements when massaging the knee joint

The most effective massage techniques (also suitable for self-massage):

1. Point impact. This is pressing with your fingers on various areas around the knee joint. This technique begins with soft indentations, but over time they should become deeper. A good and affordable technique for self-massage.
2. Stroking the skin. Starting and finishing movement. It involves lightly stroking the skin with the palm of your hand, followed by an increase in speed and slight indentation. This technique accelerates blood circulation well.
3. Pinching the skin is done with the index finger and thumb. You need to start with light pinching, gradually moving to stronger ones, capturing not only the top layer of skin, but also the subcutaneous muscles.

Technique 1.

Classic massage is divided into 5 movements:

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• Stroking;
• Squeezing;
• Trituration;
• Kneading;
• Vibration.

In this technique we will show only those exercises that are needed for the knees.

You can use any cream: children's, any anti-inflammatory, massage. In our case, this is Nega massage cream. The main thing is that it is a cream, not a gel. Because the gel base is quickly absorbed and does not allow us to work with massage movements.

First point: upper pole.

The patella has poles: superior, inferior, lateral. The quadriceps tendon is attached to the upper pole. Therefore, it definitely needs elaboration.

The movements should be quite rigid and should not be pleasant. You can massage with the pad of your thumb or the joints on the same finger. Don't be surprised if it hurts. We massage the point for 2-3 minutes.

Second point: lower pole.

Here the patellar ligament goes to the tibia tuberosity. You can fix your knee with one hand and massage it with the other. Also hard and with the help of your thumbs. Processing time: 2-3 minutes.

The effectiveness of your work should be judged by the redness that appears. If it is not there, the fabric does not warm up, then the massage is incorrect and ineffective.

Third point: tibia tuberosity.

The strongest muscle, the quadriceps, is attached to it. This point should be given special attention. Since diseases often occur, for example, tonsillitis. In terms of time also: 2-3 minutes.

Local movements can be changed to general ones, and you can go through the points repeatedly.

Fourth point: femurs, joint space.

The joint gap is the connection of the membrane. Here are the lateral ligaments of the patella and knee. You need to massage it with circular movements with your fingertips. We perform for 2-3 minutes.

Fifth point: fibula.

Also massaged with thumbs. We do everything from both sides. Then we move on to self-massage with the phalanges of the fingers. We do everything for 2-3 minutes.

During massage, painful places do not need to be bypassed; on the contrary, they need to be looked for, identified and massaged. If you find such a place, focus on it. Massage harder and longer.

Sixth point: mobilization of the patella.

We move it with our fingers in different directions. There should be no pain. We move it in a circle. With these movements we mobilize the patella. It can also be lifted from different sides. Do it: 2-3 minutes.

Seventh point: attachment points of the hamstrings.

We massage these points on both sides and with the pads of 4 fingers.

The posterior surface cannot be massaged, because there is a nerve, large veins and arteries, and a package of lymph nodes. We massage only the side and front.

A little trick.

Self-massage with the knee joint bent. In this position, the patellas moved down, exposing parts of the femur underneath. The condyles of this bone are very often affected. We also look for painful points. Massage them with circular movements. Our task is to remove these pains during the massage.

Massage can be performed either daily or every other day. Sessions 15-20. The main thing is consistency. If you do it once a month, it will not be effective.

Technique 2. Self-massage for knee pain.

If you have knee pain, you don’t have to do a self-massage of your legs; you can simply massage this area.

First we warm up.

The main task: to improve microcirculation, remove spasm and restore movement.

To warm up, simply rub the knee area with your palm. You can take cream.

Working on the inside of the knee joint.

Use two thumbs to press on this area. We look for painful places and push it. Blood circulation will improve in this place and the spasm will go away.

If it is more convenient for you, then you can press your fists on this place. This will depend on the condition of your knee joint. If it hurts a lot, do a little at first. We do such movements in a circle. We do everything for about 10 minutes.

It will be painful at first, but then you will get used to it.

After working on such points, you can also apply ointment and wipe the entire knee with your palm.

Restoring movement.

Sit down, grab your leg with your hands at the bottom of your knee. Lift up from the chair. Swing your shin forward and back. Then scroll clockwise, then counterclockwise. For 10 counts.

Exercise 1 to develop the knee joint.

1. Take a fitness band.
2. We tie our leg at the ankle to the chair.
3. We sit on a chair so that the knee angle is 90 degrees.
4. We slide our feet forward, then backward.
5. The elastic band should not hang down, it should always be in tension.

For those who feel their knee well: you can lift your leg with your hands and do an extension. It's more complicated, but better in efficiency.

The exercise is done 10 times - 1 set, 12 times - 2 sets.

Exercise 2.

1. We tie an elastic band to the leg of the sofa and to the ankle.
2. We sit on a chair so that the knee angle is 90 degrees.
3. We slide our foot back, then return it to its place.
4. Sliding should not come from the toe, but from the heel.
5. Don’t relax the elastic, keep it taut.

For advanced: lift your leg with your hands and do the same movements.

The exercise is done 10 times - 1 set, 12 times - 2 sets.

Honey procedure

If you don’t have a hand massager at home, then with arthrosis or after an injury, with the permission of a doctor, you can massage your knees with honey. First, the painful area is steamed with a compress, a poultice of herbs: sage, chamomile, calendula or pine needles, or a heating pad. Next, the knee is lubricated with semi-liquid honey (1 tbsp.). It is impossible to heat honey above 40°C, as it will lose its medicinal properties.

Next, soft and deep “sticking to the skin” and more sharp “unsticking” from the skin are performed with the pads of the fingers (the first phalanx) until the honey becomes dirty gray in color and pain appears when the fingers come off.

Next, moisten a small terry towel in hot water, apply it to the knee and, after cooling for some time, wipe the affected area. Repeat this poultice 2-3 times, leaving for 2-3 minutes. Finally, the knee is wrapped in a warm scarf and left overnight.

Procedure using honey

Honey and shiatsu for massage

Natural melted honey is often used during massage. This allows you to nourish the tissues with various beneficial substances. The procedure occurs in the following sequence:

1. First you need to steam your knee well.
2. Heat a tablespoon of honey in a water bath to about 30 degrees.
3. Rub thoroughly into the inflamed area.
4. At the end, you need to massage your knee in a circular motion for several minutes.

At night you need to make a compress of honey. Apply a soaked cloth to the inflamed area and wrap the knee with a scarf. This method improves tissue restoration and stabilizes all metabolic processes, and also strengthens the immune system.

Japanese gymnastics and self-massage can be added to standard treatment. The procedure involves a targeted effect on active areas. To get maximum efficiency, you need to apply the pressure correctly:

1. The points must alternate.
2. When applying pressure, you need to listen to the pain. Do not exceed the individual threshold.
3. You can gradually increase the load on each point. The same place needs to be worked several times, using different ranges of movements.

Do not overload the joint. The main goal of the method is to improve blood circulation, which helps eliminate stiffness. This massage can be done at any stage of the disease.

Basic exercises

When performing exercises, you should monitor your well-being, since the load should not cause severe discomfort or pain.

Exercises:

• At first it is best to start with simple squats (see the picture below), but so that there is no heavy load on the joint. For this reason, you need to rely on the surface. The duration should not exceed 10 minutes. If pain occurs, the exercise time can be reduced to 5 minutes;
• you need to take a sitting position, it is best to do this on a hard surface. The legs should be stretched forward, while the torso should reach towards the limbs. There may be some minor pain and discomfort while performing this exercise. This is due to the fact that due to injury, the ligaments have lost their elasticity, as mobility has been significantly reduced. After all, when left without movement for a long time, ligaments tend to shorten, for this reason it is extremely important to perform stretching exercises. The number of approaches is 2 times, and the duration itself should not exceed 3 minutes. After completing the exercise, you should not make sudden movements; you need to rest for a while, and then you can slowly get up from the floor.

It is important to exercise every day, then there is every chance of restoring joint mobility in the shortest possible time. In addition, it is imperative to follow the doctor’s recommendations, perform all movements consistently, and ensure that they are performed correctly.

Use of massagers

Nowadays, more and more often, when self-massaging at home, a special device is used - a massager. What is the advantage of mechanizing the process? Firstly, not every person is able to perform self-massage to the fullest due to their painful condition. Secondly, the device allows you to reduce the time for the procedure.

Modern massagers provide deep massage, intense heating of the joint, and vibrating effects.

The design of the massager, as a rule, includes rollers on a special platform that can provide multifunctional massage. We can highlight effective modern devices such as Marutaka and Join Max. The first option can work in Shiatsu massage mode. The second system was created specifically for the treatment of lesions of the knee joint.

Knee massage for arthrosis is considered an important element of complex treatment, which can significantly increase the effectiveness of drug therapy. This procedure can be carried out in specialized medical institutions or independently at home. It is important to do everything correctly, taking into account the characteristics of the disease and in full.

Therapeutic exercise and gymnastics

Daily physical therapy exercises are the most effective way to recover from a knee injury. A set of exercises is prepared by a physical therapy doctor. It takes into account the degree and type of injury, the patient’s age and weight, a history of chronic pathologies, and physical fitness. The first training takes place under the supervision of a specialist. He will tell you how to perform the exercises correctly, avoiding excessive stress on the joint. After a few days, patients begin to engage in physical therapy at home. What exercises do physical therapy doctors recommend during the rehabilitation period:

• lie on your back, do circular rotations with your feet, and then alternately squeeze your toes on both feet;

• lift first one, then the other leg by 40 cm, trying to hold it in this position for several seconds. Perform the exercise using both legs;

• lying on your back, bend your legs and press your heels firmly to the floor. Tighten and relax the muscles of the inner thighs;

• lie on your back, bend your leg, pull your knee towards your body. Slowly straighten your leg, stay in this position for 5 seconds, lower your leg;

• press your back against the wall, raise your straight leg 50 cm, hold for a minute, lower.

All exercises should be performed with the injured and healthy leg, the functionality of which is also impaired after injury, especially during prolonged immobilization. The appearance of pain during exercise signals the need for a long rest. Exercise therapy doctors recommend listening to the sensations that arise when performing movements. If it brings pleasure and has a positive effect on the functioning of the knee joint, then the number of approaches should be increased. After a few weeks, you can begin more intense training:

• squat, first leaning on the back of a chair, and then without support;
• go up and down stairs;
• place your legs behind your back one by one, trying to press your feet to your buttocks.

Regular training will significantly reduce the duration of the rehabilitation period. They are especially relevant in cases of damage to the structural elements of the knee. Even minor destruction of the cartilage tissue lining the bone heads can cause the development of irreversible pathology - gonarthrosis. If the joint has been immobilized for a long time, it is necessary to begin training immediately after removing the cast. Traumatologists recommend performing passive exercises immediately after eliminating pain, tensing and then relaxing the muscles. Otherwise, there is a high probability of skeletal muscle atrophy and the development of contracture (stiffness of the knee joint) due to the formation of scars on connective tissue structures.

Post-immobilization period of rehabilitation

The post-immobilization period of rehabilitation after injury and surgery can last from 2 to 4-5 months. Sometimes it takes longer. The intensity of the load gradually increases. As the muscles and ligamentous apparatus become stronger, running and walking in the pool and swimming are added. Exercises on step platforms and special exercise machines also demonstrate effectiveness. A few months after the operation, it is also worth starting to do deep squats, however, if any discomfort, swelling or pain appears, the exercises should be stopped, and the problem should be reported to the doctor.

Until the functionality of the knee is fully restored, running, jumping, and swinging legs are excluded. Caution should be exercised when performing twisting exercises and transferring body weight to the injured limb.