Are you currently struggling with pain in your knee during your everyday activities? At Twin Boro Physical Therapy Morristown, our expert physical therapists are specialized in orthopedic conditions and can help you identify and treat the root cause of your pain. Residents of Morristown, NJ, should not hesitate to contact our office today to get started.
At Twin Boro Physical Therapy, we believe every patient is unique and deserves a treatment plan made specifically for them. When you come in for your first appointment, our specialists will assess your current pain level, mobility, range of motion, strength level, swelling, and ability to perform certain movements. We will also ask you about any previous injuries, how long the symptoms have persisted, and look at your individual anatomy. If additional information is needed for us to diagnose your injury, we will have you take imaging exams such as x-rays or MRIs to give our physical therapists the complete picture.
Once your initial assessment is complete, you will be paired one-on-one with a physical therapist who will create a rehabilitation plan tailored to your condition and needs. This plan will incorporate a variety of therapies each with a different intention to help promote healing from multiple angles.
Knee Strengthening for Skiers
Skiing is a popular winter sport for all ages, but the lateral force on the knee from skiing can, unfortunately, lead to injury when the body is not conditioned properly. While all injuries are not avoidable, there are certain factors to keep in mind to minimize the chances of injury and prepare the body for the increased demands of the sport.
The knee is made up of a complex structure of bones, cartilage, ligaments, and tendons. The tendons are short bands of fibrous tissue that connect the bones and provide stability to the joint. The four main ligaments of the knee also provide stability, but the softer nature of these tissues leaves them prone to injury. In fact, most ski injuries are damage to the ligaments from a sharp change of direction. The two ligaments that we most office see injury to are the ACL and the MCL, which account for about one-third of all ski injuries.
Who is at higher risk?
While knee strengthening is important for everybody, certain groups of people are at a higher risk. These include females, people with weak core muscles, those who are overweight, and those who are new to the sport. The risk of injury is also increased when using improperly fitted equipment or skiing in areas of low visibility and ungroomed terrain.
What are the best knee strengthening exercises?
To reduce injury most effectively, completing these exercises regularly can help build leg and core stability to prepare the body for the demands of the sport. Our top recommendations to incorporate into your exercise routine are:
- Squats (both single and double legged)
- Side to side skater hops
- Side planks
- Hamstring curls
- Deadlifts
- Wall sits
- Leg lifts
These exercises, in addition to warming up before and after ski sessions, can help to reduce the chance of injury from skiing and effectively condition the body for the demands of the sport.
Ready to Begin?
To get started today, residents of Morristown should contact our experts at Twin Boro Physical Therapy Morristown today. Knee physical therapy has been shown to significantly reduce knee pain and improve movements, and the sooner you start the sooner you can see the results. To contact our office, call 973-455-0254 or visit our website.
