Information on Specific Knee Therapies and Trainings. Alphaklinik - The international specialists for knee, back and shoulder problems

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Information on Specific Knee Therapies and Trainings

Physiotherapy

This is the most well-known and traditional form of rehabilitation therapy. It refers to the targeted treatment of physiological functional disorders of the body through the use of special passive and active exercises (active exercises are carried out by the patients themselves, whereas in the case of passive exercises the patients' movements are controlled by the therapist). Through the repetition of such exercises, the affected part of the body is strengthened until normal functionality has been returned.

Manual Therapy


Aqua Ciser

This is a rehabilitation therapy that can be applied to any part of the body. The therapist controls the patients' movements rather than the patients doing the exercises themselves, hence the name "manual therapy". Special mobilisation techniques are used that require a high degree of skill on the part of the Aqua-Cising therapist. Targeted and appropriate load is applied to the joints and musculature with a view to normalising functional disorders by increasing the mobility range of the joints and re-normalising the coaction of the affected "functionality chains".

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a valuable complementary treatment to traditional medicine. It can improve and speed the healing process considerably – for example following a knee, spine or shoulder operation as performed here at the Alpha Klinik. The stimulation of biologically active points helps restore the body's functional equilibrium and imbalanced energy flows. Patients can deal with post-op stress better by leveraging the body's own reserves, and the immune system is strengthened.

Osteopathy

Osteopathy is a form of therapy/rehabilitation therapy that takes the "whole person" into account, including the body's physiological systems (musculoskeletal, neural, etc.), psychological factors, and how they all interrelate. It can be used not only to treat the symptoms of functional disorders, but also to pinpoint and treat the cause behind them. The therapist applies special manual techniques to the joints, ligaments, muscles and even the inner organs. With the aid of the body's own regenerative and self-healing abilities, mobility is restored by restoring the balance between the body, its various systems and the psyche.

Manual Lymph Drainage

This is a special type of massage therapy. The therapist uses gentle, rhythmic movements to stimulate the flow of lymphatic fluid build-ups out of the affected tissues. The therapy also involves compression treatments and special exercises. Lymph drainage detoxifies and helps reduce swelling, which promotes the healing process. (The lymphatic system re-absorbs toxins and other substances that get trapped between the cells and returns them to the bloodstream or liver/kidneys to be eliminated from the body.)

Matrix Therapy

This is a very effective rehabilitation therapy that is not offered by very many rehab centres. Functional disorders in the body often go hand-in-hand with poor circulation, lack of oxygen supply and the build-up of excess acid in the tissues. When these conditions last for longer periods of time, they can result in severe damage to the tissues, which in turn lead to functional disorders. Matrix therapy utilises targeted mechanical oscillation (vibration) frequencies promote the re-normalisation of such tissues.

Electrotherapy

This is the umbrella term for a number of different (rehabilitation) treatments that utilise the healing qualities of electric energy. Depending on the problem, direct or alternating current is applied at an appropriate frequency. This form of therapy is especially effective for stimulating sluggish circulation in the tissues and improving the functionality of the nerves. On a cellular level, metabolic processes are improved.

Pulsating Magnetic Field Therapy

Pulsating magnetic fields are known to improve the circulation and cell metabolism rate in dysfunctional tissues. Moreover, this form of (rehabilitation) therapy can re-normalise such functional disorders relatively quickly. It has been known for some time and is well documented that pulsating magnetic fields are especially effective for treating slow-healing bone breakages and similar problems. The therapy is also successful for treating a number of other bone disorders (e.g. osteonecrosis*) and artificial joint prostheses (e.g. knee or spinal disc) that have loosened. Finally, it has been shown that this form of therapy can also help with the regeneration of cartilage, ligament and tendon tissue.

* The word osteonecrosis literally means "bone death". It refers to a condition whereby a portion of bone loses its blood supply and starts to die.

Rehabilitative Strength Training

The initial goal of this form of training is to stabilise the weakened muscle functionality after an operation. Later, the muscle strength and stamina is built up gradually until the patient is able to return to day-to-day life - work, sport and leisure activities - without pain or other limitations. It is also advisable continue with a maintenance strength training program in the long-run in order to avoid the recurrence of problems or injuries in the future, but this need not be an extensive or time consuming program.

Isokinetic Training

Isokinetics are used not only for rehabilitative training / strength training purposes, but also for diagnostic purposes and training control - including for sports people. With the aid of a computerised training and test system, precise information about the condition and performance of the musculature during various motion speeds and training modes can be obtained. This allows for individually tailored training programs and the measurement of their success. During isokinetic training sessions, the movements are not accelerated, i.e. the motion speed remains constant. The resistance adjusts itself to the strength of the individual according to the load they exert on the machine. If the individual experiences slight pain for a few seconds during training, the machine automatically reduces the resistance to zero. This makes isokinetic training an excellent method for people who have damaged joints or whose joint has been operated on.

Proprioceptive Training

Rehabilitative strength training and physiotherapy are much more effective if they are accompanied by methodical proprioceptive training. Proprioceptive receptors are sensory cells that are found in the joint capsules, ligaments, tendons, sinews and musculature. They detect the load placed on / tension in the tissues and transmit this information to the central nervous system, which then adjusts the actions of the muscles accordingly. Proprioceptive training improves this sensibility and the corresponding muscle reactions. The complex proprioceptive receptor systems are especially susceptible to functional disorders after an operation and/or a long period of convalescence. They usually need to be "reactivated" with the aid of special training methods such as proprioceptive training.

The Gyrotonic Expansion System (GXS)

Gyrotonics is a holistic training / rehabilitative training concept that views the body as a whole and the spine as its central support. The therapy originated in the U.S. and is also known as the Juliu Horvath Method, named after the man who invented it. Dr. Toft, Chief Surgeon of the Alpha Klinik Knee Unit, introduced the technique to Europe in 1988, having studied it directly under the supervision of Juliu Horvath. Gyrotonics utilises multidirectional, circular motion sequences that are carried out without pausing and with a continuous resistance level. Each movement is accompanied by corresponding breathing exercises that effect the body in a similar way to yoga. Gyrotonics is different to yoga however in that it is very dynamic, whereas yoga primarily involves static exercises. The gyrotonic machines allow for total freedom of movement in terms of variety, direction and load. In contrast to the majority of training equipment, rather than just individual muscles, functional chains of muscles are exercised. Strength, mobility and coordination are all improved at the same time. And thanks to its similarity to yoga, gyrotonics also reduces stress!

Aqua-Cising

The aqua-ciser is basically a basin filled with water that has a treadmill at its base. As the water reduces the level of load exerted, it enables patients who have had an operation or who have been immobilised for a long period of time to train in a gentle manner. With the aid of forward and backward motion of the treadmill, plus a water current generator, gait, balance and agility are trained. In addition, a variety of massage nozzles simultaneously relax the patient. The therapist can work with the patient to develop a normal gait and can ensure that inappropriate load/movements are avoided or corrected. Thanks to the buoyancy of the water, it is possible to begin training much earlier, which means a faster recovery for the patient.