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KNEE INJURY REHABILITATION AND PREVENTION
Over the past two decades there has been a significant increase in the number and the severity of knee injuries. In addition, statistics show females are eight times more likely to sustain a significant knee injury. In light of this, new rehabilitation concepts and injury prevention programs have been developed. Advanced rehabilitation and injury prevention focus on a highly specific 30-60 minute program that replaces traditional warm-up and exercise. The program has been developed by Steve Hatfield, physical therapist and athletic trainer, and Cheryl Stetzer, physical therapist. Developmental input was collected from physicians, physical therapist, athletic trainers, and patients. The program’s main focus is educating the patient on strategies to avoid injury or re-injury, optimal rehabilitation, and includes specific exercises targeting problems as identified in a thorough evaluation. The 5 key components of the program are:
Optimally, the program should be performed at least 2-3 times per week. The Rehabilitation and injury prevention program consist of a warm-up, stretching, strengthening, plyometrics and activity specific agilities and balance to address potential deficits in the strength and coordination of the stabilizing muscles around the knee joint. It is important to use proper techniques during all the exercises. These innovative programs can be adapted to a variety of diagnoses. The most suitable diagnoses include: ACL and knee ligament injuries, tendonitis, arthritis and patellar pain. Contacting your physician and a qualified physical therapist or athletic trainer will start the rehabilitation and injury prevention program. For further information, you may contact Steve Hatfield MPT, ATC or Cheryl Stetzer MPT at Maryland Sports Care & Rehabilitation in Salisbury.
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