Like the hip, the knee joint carries a large amount of the body’s load and, as such, any conditions or injuries need to be properly cared for and managed. Common injuries include meniscus and ligament tears, as well as Patello Femoral Syndrome.
Meniscus around the knee can tear through bending and twisting of the knee, while ligaments will tear from severe twisting or from a direct blow to the knee. These injuries are often seen on the sports field as well as in the dance world, but can also affect everyday clients. At Aligned for Life Pilates, we use the Pilates method and the unique equipment devised by Joseph Pilates to strengthen the knee and then to restore full range of movement.
Patello Femoral Syndrome (also known as Chondromalacia or Runners Knee) arises when the patella (the floating bone at the front of the knee joint, known as the knee cap) is placed or tracking incorrectly. It can be caused by an imbalance in muscles around the patella, which then pulls the patella to one side. This can cause grinding, and consequent pain, underneath the knee cap. A well tailored and instructed program using the Pilates method will work to relieve load on the joint, and also to redress the muscle imbalance, to correct this problem.
Knee reconstructions are surgical procedures in which the relevant joint is replaced or repaired using a prosthetic implant. This type of surgery is usually performed as a means of reducing arthritis pain or fixing severe joint damage.
Once a client has recovered sufficiently from their surgery to receive medical clearance, it is highly advisable that they begin a routine of strengthening and movement exercises in order to relieve pain and reduce stiffness and further damage. The Pilates method, when delivered by a quality instructor, is an excellent way of strengthening and mobilising the joint, and indeed of working the whole body in concert with the repaired joint. Adverse effects of the surgery, such as chronic pain and limb imbalances, can also be relieved by quality Pilates programming. We recommend two Pilates sessions per week along with daily exercise to fully rehabilitate and return to full function.