Knee Injuries: Therapy

General measures

  • For meniscus, ligament, and cartilage injuries, follow the PECH rule:
    • “P” break: stop playing sports, rest, immobilization.
    • “E” ice/cooling: immediate application of cold, this is crucial for the healing process: it prevents the expansion of tissue damage; cold also has a pain-relieving effectNotes on implementation: repeat every 2 to 3 hours; do not apply ice directly to the skin; do not use on open wounds.
    • “C” Compression e.g. elastic pressure bandage (moderate tension).
    • “H” Elevation above the level of the heart: reduce blood supply to the damaged tissue; better removal of tissue fluidNotes on implementation: In case of extensive swelling, elevate for 1-2 days.
  • See a doctor!

Conventional non-surgical therapy methods

  • In primary patellar dislocation (patella jumps out of its guide), reduction (bringing back to a normal position) followed by immobilization in a plaster tutor (sleeve-shaped plaster cast) is performed.
  • If the meniscus is entrapped for the first time, an attempt can be made to reduce the entrapped part.

Medical aids

  • In the case of uncomplicated rupture of the lateral ligament (tear of the collateral ligament) without instability, a knee orthosis (varus/valgus adjustment if necessary), which serves to stabilize the knee joint, should be worn for six weeks; forearm crutches if necessary
  • In posterior cruciate ligament rupture, the patient receives forearm crutches.
  • In cartilage contusion (cartilage contusion), the patient receives forearm crutches for complete relief.

Regular checkups

  • Regular medical checkups

Sports medicine

  • Endurance training (cardio training) and strength training (muscle training).
  • Risky sports such as skiing and soccer should be avoided.
  • In case of sprains (sprains) should be intensive muscle building training.
  • For knee cartilage damage, isometric muscle strengthening should be performed; for cartilage contusion (cartilage contusion) relief for several weeks.
  • Preparation of a fitness or training plan with appropriate sports disciplines based on a medical check (health check or athlete check).
  • Detailed information on sports medicine you will receive from us.

Physical therapy (including physiotherapy)

  • Early phase
  • Stabilization and prevention training
    • Proprioceptive, sensorimotor and coordinative training.
    • Improvement of motor skills
    • Functional gymnastics
    • Sports-specific build-up training
    • Exercise pool / aqua gymnastics
  • Electrotherapy – to improve blood circulation and relax the muscles.
  • Ultrasound therapy
  • In patients with a nonobstructive meniscal tear, ie, meniscal tear without blockages, diagnosed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), patients benefited from 8 weeks of physical therapy to the same extent as from partial arthroscopic meniscectomy.

Complementary treatment methods