Don't Ignore Chronic Knee Pain

The knee is a complicated joint, with many functions within the body. With chronic knee pain, it gets difficult to move around without pain. Although the pain may not feel severe, over time chronic knee pain can get worse without treatment. It is important to have pain that has lasted for a week or more evaluated by a physical therapist.
Physical therapy Connecticut can help return knees to a state of health. While knee injuries tend to compound over time, getting the right physicaltherapy New Haven, Connecticut is the best way to beat chronic pain of the knee.

The knee is comprised of tendons, ligaments, cartilage, muscles, bursae, and bones. When one part of the knee is inflamed, the entire structure can be out of balance. This can result in swelling around the knee, difficulty walking on stairs, pain upon twisting the knee and any number of other chronic pain conditions.

Left untreated, knee injuries only get worse. With chronic swelling, the cartilage that sits between the femur and the tibia/fibula will deteriorate. When this cartilage is completely gone, the cushioning in the knee joint is no longer there. The bones will rub together, causing pain and difficulty walking.

If the knee is making popping sounds or there are signs that the bones are rubbing together, this needs to be evaluated right away. With strengthening exercises and injections, it might be possible to ward off a total knee replacement for a number of years.
To keep knees healthy, it's vital to always stretch before exercising, and maintain an optimal weight. Stretching reduces tension on the knee joint and allows muscles to support the knee properly. When the muscles surrounding the knee are strong, the knee will work better, causing less pain.

When visiting with a physical therapy office in Connecticut, bring any tests that have been done on the knee for the physical therapist to review. Wear comfortable clothing and be prepared for ice, stretching, and exercises to strengthen the knee. Pay close attention to the therapist, and practice any exercises at home to ensure proper rehabilitation.

The Importance of Cardio

One lesson learned from physical therapy New Haven is that cardio is an important part of anyone’s exercise regimen. It is especially important for those trying to lose weight because cardio burns fat. The goal of cardio exercise is to reach a target heart rate and keep it there for twenty minutes. The target heart rate is between 50% and 85% of a person’s maximum heart rate. People with a heart condition, who are obese, or those in physical therapy Connecticut for cardiac rehabilitation should consult with a physician before beginning any cardio exercises.

Cardio Helps Lose Weight Fast

Cardio is good to strengthen the heart and improve circulation. Cardio exercise also increases endurance. While walking or jogging is better than sitting around watching TV, these types of exercise do not burn up much fat. To shed the pounds quickly, cardio is the answer. Effective cardio exercise gets the heart pumping and keeps it beating, at the proper rate, for a full twenty-minute session. 

Doing cardio exercises two or three times per week (with a day’s rest between) for a few months, creates amazing results. Most people achieve a good cardio workout by running on a treadmill or using the stationary bikes in the gym. Once a regular cardio routine is in place, with good effects, the next step is to increase the intensity of the workout.

High-Intensity Interval Training

For athletes and those in decent physical shape, high-intensity interval training (HIIT) is a special form of cardio workout, which is more effective. HIIT burns fat quickly by maintaining a constant challenge to the body. A typical HIIT session is bursts of maximum effort followed by short rests in-between, and then repeat the pattern for the desired full session.

An example of a HIIT repetition (rep) is, sprinting on the treadmill for one minute, running as fast as possible, then resting for thirty seconds. The session starts with short warm-up period of two reps at a lower intensity, then full-out reps, then a cool-down of two reps at a lower intensity at the end.

The Benefits of Cardio

A cardio exercise program improves cardiovascular health, reduces stress, lowers blood pressure, and helps control weight. An extra benefit is that cardio exercise causes the body to release endorphins which are a natural part of body chemistry and responsible for creating a good mood.