Lower Extremity & Knee Injuries/Conditions

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Ice or heat knee

Printed From: CyberPT - Your Online Physical Therapy Resource
Category: Patient Forum
Forum Name: Lower Extremity & Knee Injuries/Conditions
Forum Description: Patients can post questions and experiences about lower extremity & knee injuries/conditions.
URL: http://www.cyberpt.com/ptforum/forum_posts.asp?TID=923
Printed Date: May 02 2024 at 12:06am
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Topic: Ice or heat knee

Posted By: Ask a PT
Subject: Ice or heat knee
Date Posted: Nov 18 2011 at 1:19pm

Our user asked: "I currently have a case of Chondromalacia Patella in both knees. The pain is not bad when I walk,only when I bend my knees for long periods of time. Currently I am doing several flexibility exercises every day and strength exercises about 4 days a week(as prescribed by my Physical Therapist). I have been doing the exercises for a month. I do feel some tenderness, but not really a sharp pain(maybe a 4, on a scale of 1-10), and the pain is mainly felt just below the Patella on the lateral side of the joint. My question is: After I do my strength exercises should I use ice or heat, and where should I apply around my knees? Thank You."

Ask a PT Response: "For my patients with this condition, if I were to do modalities, I would typically utilize heat prior to exercise to warm up the tissue and promote tissue pliability followed by ice after exercise to decrease tissue irritability or any inflammation. The ice pack is usually placed on top and around the knee. I hope this helps."