Thanks to today’s guest blogger, Neal Church, PT
As a physical therapist, I love a challenge. One of my most formidable challenges is patients with tibial plateau fractures. Tibial plateau fractures are one of the most frustrating injuries for patients because it is such a long-drawn-out process. These fractures occur at the top of the tibia, or shin bone, which is a primary weight-bearing surface. Tibial plateau fractures are treated differently than fractures of the tibial shaft. When treating tibial plateau fractures, cartilage covers the top of the tibial plateau, which must be protected after these injuries in order to prevent arthritis. If the fracture is displaced, or isn’t lined up perfectly, the patient usually will need an open reduction internal fixation (ORIF). This means the surgeon will open the knee and use hardware, i.e., screw and plates, to hold the fractured bone in place. Whether displaced or non-displaced, the patient is usually non-weight bearing for an extended period of time, which lasts as long as three months. Additionally, if the meniscus is involved, the physician may immobilize the patient for an extended period of time as well. All of this adds up to a very stiff knee!
an example of a TPF from medical-definitions.com
Regaining range of motion (ROM) is at the top of the list in rehab and does not come easily. Performing patellar joint mobilizations as soon as possible and establishing a solid home exercise program is vital. Gait training is always a part of the patient’s plan of care which progresses the patient from using a walker, to a cane, to independently ambulating without an assisted device. The gait training emphasizes heal strike, which is why straightening the knee is so crucial. Flexion, or bending the knee, can also be quite challenging and can make it difficult for the patient to go down steps, stand up from a sitting position, tie shoes and dress. Physical therapy visits are sometimes limited and there is much to be done while the patient is in the clinic. Utilizing time outside the clinic to regain ROM is crucial. A great modality that can be used at home is a Dynasplint. Dynasplint Knee Systems stretch the patient into extension or flexion and are available for every size patient. Remember, you can always wait to start strengthening, but you can’t wait to regain ROM. The longer you wait to regain ROM , the harder it will be.
NEW GIVEAWAY! You want the rehab victory, but the road to victory is never easy. So here’s a backpack that’s way more than a bag—it’s an extension of your will to achieve. The Under Armour PTH® Victory Backpack has front laundry locker to keep your sweaty gear separate from your daily gear. Tons of compartments keep you organized and wrapped in highly water-resistant, insanely durable material in Royal Blue, Black and White. When victory’s within reach, this bag will get you one step closer. Giveaway starts today and winner will be drawn next Thursday, Feb. 2 at Noon, EST. To enter, leave a comment here mentioning “range of motion.” Good luck!
I don’t know what happened to my range of motion as my 30s are quickly disappearing, but I plan to find it again before 40 sneaks up on me!
coriwestphal at msn dot com
My sons range of motion is limited due to an injury, and we are working on getting it better slowly and steadily.
I exericse to keep my range of motion in good shape.
I took about 6 months off from the gym, now that I’m getting back into the routine i notice my range of motion is not as great as when I mid training
I was in the hospital for an extended amount of time and my physical therapist made sure I improved my range of motion.
My range of motion will be to starting take stairs instead of elevator.
When I was in high school, I volunteered at a hospital in the PT dept. I saw the acronym PROM and was sure it wasn’t referring to the prom dance that we go to in high school, but had to ask what it meant to find out that it stood for passive range of motion.
Loved your comment!
My range of motion will be far greater after I walk the Camino de Santiago with this backpack.
I do range of motion exercises on my daughter for her do.
I want to improve my range of motion!! Exercise and the gym will be perfect with this backpack.
Stretching can improve my range of motion!
I need a better Range of Motion
I think my wii fit yoga has helped my range of motion.
I have to improve my range of motion
I think the range of motion of my knee has been reduced with age! Ack!
Range of Motion can be gained by movement. I like using yoga and walking to maintain my ROM.
I want greater range of motion on my walks
joint supplements may help Range of Motion
I regained my range of motion in a little less than 2 weeks after I had my left meniscus removed 2 months ago.
I want to improve my range of motion with yoga
I am hoping to improve my range of motion with excercise and healthy routines so thank you for the info
Thanks for dropping by, John.
Range of Motion can be improved by doing exercises at home. I think when my daughter had an incident with range of motion problems she seem to benefit from physical therapy and also home exercises to be done.
Wonderful, Pam! Hope your daughter is doing great.
Range of Motion is helped by exercise and sometimes joint supplements
Thanks for entering, Erin.
I am working on improving my range of motion with a personal trainer.I had a total knee replacement on my right knee.
Hi Mary, I hope your knee range of motion is improving each day. I cannot begin to tell you how many patients who have had TKR that we have helped with this: http://www.dynasplint.com/joints/knee/ . Are you lacking extension or flexion?
Hi Mary,
I hope your knee ROM increases each day. Ask your doc or therapist about http://www.dynasplint.com/joints/knee/ if you are not getting the extension or flexion you need. Keep working!
Stretching and yoga help range of motion.
Hi Lacey, I love yoga too. I have had a frozen shoulder and my hot yoga practice has really given me much more motion and prevented re-freezing. Stay fit!
I have went through a knee surgery. This product sounds fantasitc.
Hi Lacey, I hope your knee is recovering well and that your range improves daily. Here is the link for what many doctors prescribe for their patients who lack ROM: http://www.dynasplint.com/joints/knee/
Excerise will help increase range of motion
My daughter is trying to regain her range of motion right now after having a broken foot.
Range of motion (ROM) can be regained after injury by exercise.
Exercixe will help your range of motion.
I meant “exercise”.
I’ve had knee surgery and my range of motin has never been as good as it used to be it didn’t help that I favored the knee for so long my hip is not having problems. Just keep hoping and streching.
It’s possible to recover slowly from range of motion.
I have problem with the range of motion in my right shoulder. The left is fine though.
I worked with a physical therapist on my knee and its range of motion. I still have problems with it clicking with a use steps and if I sit too long my calf will swell up, like the circulation is cut off from the knee. HUMM!!
Working out increases my range of motion. Thank you.
my range of motion is very important for work, and work outs.
I really learned a lot about range of motion and different methods to regain ROM by reading this article. Thank you!
The more range of motion, the better!
I NEED TO HAVE BOTH KNEES REPLACED
Thankfully I haven’t had any range of motion problems since I was a teenager. I cracked and dislocated my tailbone and took forever to heal.
tdlsfm(at)yahoo(dot)com
My range of motion was affected in a knee injury, so I was happy to read this article and get more information.
Elizabeth Berg wrote a wonderful novel called Range of Motion.
smchester at gmail dot com