Therapeutic knee exercise apparatus

Abstract

A therapeutic device adapted for facilitating recovery of joint mobility and muscle strength follow knee joint surgery in a human patient and a method for use. The therapeutic device includes an adjustable strap adapted for fitment about the midpoint of the patient's foot. A connecting strap is coupled to an edge of the adjustable strap between a pair of spaced apart swiveling connections, and a tension strap is secured about the adjustable strap and extending substantially the length of the patient's body. During use, tension maintained in the tension strap against the patient's foot facilitates knee joint flexion and provides a resistive force against knee joint extension.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] Not Applicable. STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH [0002] Not Applicable. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] The present invention relates generally to therapeutic devices utilized to facilitate recovery of joint mobility and muscle strength following joint surgery, and in particular, to a therapeutic knee exercise device adapted for facilitating recovery of joint mobility and muscle strength follow knee joint surgery in a human patient. [0004] Knee surgery, and particularly knee replacement surgery, is an invasive procedure which often requires cutting through skin, muscle, and tendons to provide a surgeon with access to the knee joint and associated supporting structures in the leg of a human patient. During the recovery period following knee surgery, it is necessary to repeatedly exercise the knee joint to restore tendon elasticity, muscle tone, and joint flexibility, as well as to prevent or limit the development of sc...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0008] A first method for utilizing a therapeutic device of the present invention with a patient in a prone position on a horizontal surface includes the initial step of placing an adjustable strap about the patient's foot, approximately disposed within the arch of the patient's foot, and with the connecting strap extending towards the heel of the patient's foot. The tension strap, coupled to the connecting strap, is extended along the patient's leg and torso, and over the patient's shoulder, where it is held by the patient. The tension strap is pulled by the patient to assist in lifting the patient's foot and flexing the knee joint from a horizontal extended position to a desired angle of flexion, facilitating joint mobility. Tension is maintained on the tension strap as the patient's leg exerts a force to return the knee joint to the horizontal extended position, providing a muscle strengthening resistance. The cyclical processes is repeated as desired.

[0009] A second method for utilizing a therapeutic device of the present invention with a patient in a supine position on a horizontal surface includes the initial step of placing an adjustable strap about the patient's foot, approximately disposed within the arch of the patient's foot, and with the connecting strap extending towards the heel of the patient's foot. The tension strap, coupled to the connecting strap, is extended horizontally along the patient's leg and torso, and to at least the patient's waist, optionally behind the patient's shoulder, where it is held by the patient. The tension strap is pulled by the patient to slide the patient's heel along the horizontal surface, assisting in elevating and flexing the knee joint from a horizontal extended position to a desired angle of flexion, facilitating joint mobility. Tension is maintained on the tension strap as the patient's leg exerts a force to return the knee joint to the horizontal extended position, providing a muscle strengthening resistance. The cyclical processes is repeated as desired.

Problems solved by technology

The development of scar tissue and adhesion can be particularly painful, and can lead to a reduced range of motion for the knee joint over time, further complicating the recovery process, and potentially requiring additional surgical procedures to alleviate the condition.

Often, simply extending and flexing of the knee joint provides insufficient resistance to develop muscle tissue, and may not have sufficient range of motion without external aids to restore pre-surgical elasticity to the tendons.

However, the base member is a cumbersome component, and the device cannot be utilized with the patient in a prone position.

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