Ask a PT

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Posted - 03/02/2007 :  07:24:29  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
Our user asked: "what is the purpose of pallellar mobs? "

Ask a PT Response: "The patella acts as a fulcrum for your quadriceps (thigh) muscle which allows you the biomechanical advantage of straigthening your knee through those last 10-15 degrees. With out your patella (knee cap) you would not be able to straighten your knee out all the way. After knee surgery or a period of knee immobility, edema (swelling) or scar tissue can develop resulting in decrease mobility of your patella. If this happens your knee cap will not be moving as it should at the knee joint with activities which requires bending and straightening of the knee. This could result in decrease knee range of motion and pain. Therefore, it is very important that your patella be able to move freely at the knee joint to allow for optimal biomechanical efficiency. Another reason you may want to perform patella mobs is to help spread the synovial fluid around in you knee. The cartilage at the knee doesn't have a blood source and receives nourishment by absorbing nutrients in the synovial fluid in your knee. During a period of immobility or injury to the knee, patella mobs are especially important for the previously mentioned. I hope this answers your question. Thanks for using CyberPT."