2-Week Rehabilitation Program Post Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Treatment for Knee Osteoarthritis

This program is designed to reduce pain, restore range of motion (ROM), and progressively strengthen the muscles around the knee to improve stability and function while protecting the joint during the healing process.

 

General Guidelines

1. Protect the knee joint: Avoid high-impact activities, deep squatting, or prolonged weight-bearing activities.

2. Pain management: Use ice or heat therapy as needed for discomfort.

3. Progress gradually: Perform exercises in a pain-free range and increase intensity only as tolerated.

4. Monitor symptoms: Discontinue exercises if pain worsens or swelling increases, and consult your healthcare provider.

 

Week 1: Pain Management and Gentle Mobility

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Goals:

• Minimize pain and inflammation

• Restore gentle range of motion

• Prevent stiffness

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Day 1–3: Rest and Recovery

• Activity:

  • Limit weight-bearing activities. Use a cane or walker if necessary to reduce joint stress.

  • Avoid prolonged standing or walking.

• Pain Management:

  • Apply ice packs for 15–20 minutes, 2–3 times daily, to reduce inflammation.

  • Use heat therapy for stiffness or muscle tightness if there is no swelling.

• Passive and Gentle Active Mobility:

  • Heel Slides: Sit or lie on your back. Slide your heel toward your buttock, keeping your foot on the ground. (10 reps, 2 sets)

  • Quad Sets: Sit with your leg straight. Tighten your thigh muscle, pressing the back of your knee into the floor. (Hold for 5 seconds, 10 reps, 2 sets)

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Day 4–7: Gentle Mobility and Activation

• Mobility Exercises:

  • Seated Knee Flexion: Sit in a chair and gently bend your knee as far as comfortable. Return to the starting position. (10 reps, 2 sets)

  • Ankle Pumps: Sit or lie down. Flex and point your toes to promote circulation and reduce swelling. (10 reps, 2 sets)

• Strengthening:

  • Straight Leg Raise: Lie on your back with one leg straight and the other bent. Lift the straight leg about 12 inches off the ground, keeping it straight. (10 reps each leg, 2 sets)

  • Glute Bridge: Lie on your back with knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Lift your hips to form a straight line from shoulders to knees. (Hold for 5 seconds, 10 reps, 2 sets)

• Postural Awareness:

  • Practice maintaining an upright posture during sitting and standing to reduce stress on the knee.

 

Week 2: Progressive Strengthening and Functional Mobility

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Goals:

• Strengthen muscles around the knee

• Improve joint stability and endurance

• Enhance functional movement

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Day 8–10: Light Strengthening and Mobility

• Active Mobility:

  • Heel Slides with Resistance Band: Use a resistance band to assist with controlled heel slides. (10 reps, 2 sets)

  • Standing Knee Flexion: Hold onto a chair for balance and bend your knee, bringing your heel toward your buttock. (10 reps each leg, 2 sets)

• Strengthening:

  • Mini Squats: Stand with feet shoulder-width apart. Perform shallow squats, keeping your knees behind your toes. (10 reps, 2 sets)

  • Side-Lying Leg Lifts: Lie on your side and lift the top leg slightly, keeping it straight. Lower slowly. (10 reps each side, 2 sets)

• Dynamic Stability:

  • Step-Ups: Step up onto a low platform or step, then step back down. Alternate legs. (10 reps each leg, 2 sets)

  • Standing Hip Abduction: Stand with support and lift one leg outward, keeping it straight. Lower slowly. (10 reps each side, 2 sets)

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Day 11–14: Functional Strength and Endurance

• Strength and Stability:

  • Wall Sits: Lean against a wall and lower into a partial squat. Hold for 5–10 seconds. (5 reps)

  • Bridge with Marching: In a bridge position, lift one knee toward your chest, alternating sides. (10 reps, 2 sets)

• Functional Mobility:

  • Standing Calf Raises: Rise onto your toes, then slowly lower your heels. (10 reps, 2 sets)

  • Side Steps with Resistance Band: Place a resistance band around your thighs and take small steps to the side. (10 steps each direction, 2 sets)

• Aerobic Conditioning:

  • Walk on a flat surface or use a stationary bike for 10–15 minutes daily to maintain cardiovascular fitness and improve joint mobility.

 

Additional Recommendations

1. Hydration and Nutrition: Consume an anti-inflammatory diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, fruits, and vegetables to support healing.

2. Pain Management: Transition to heat therapy for stiffness in Week 2 as needed.

3. Ergonomic Adjustments: Modify daily activities to reduce stress on the knee (e.g., use proper footwear, avoid kneeling).