The limb's weight provides the stretch.
Ankle weights may be added incrementally to increase the load.
The value of LLPS
Low load prolonged stretching allows better accommodation of the muscle and tendon than forceful stretching for shorter times.
Peer-reviewed papersQuote from peer-reviewed paper:
"...static stretching increases range of motion, but it is not clear if higher intensity stretching leads to larger increases in range of motion."
Citation: Bryant J, Cooper DJ, Peters DM, Cook MD. The Effects of Static Stretching Intensity on Range of Motion and Strength: A Systematic Review. J Funct Morphol Kinesiol. 2023 Mar 24;8(2):37. doi: 10.3390/jfmk8020037. PMID: 37092369; PMCID: PMC10123604.
Medical devices for LLPS
A number of portable devices exist for patients to use for longer periods than the standard physiotherapy appointment.
Peer-reviewed papersQuote from peer-reviewed paper:
"....Unlike elastic deformation where tissue reverts back to its original length once the force is removed, plastic deformation leads to permanent elongation and remodelling of the tissues...."
Citation: Aspinall SK, Bamber ZA, Hignett SM, Godsiff SP, Wheeler PC, Fong DTP. Medical stretching devices are effective in the treatment of knee arthrofibrosis: A systematic review. J Orthop Translat. 2021 Feb 8;27:119-131. doi: 10.1016/j.jot.2020.11.005. PMID: 33659182; PMCID: PMC7878963.
Low load prolonged stretching for athrofibrosis of the knee
In patients struggling with loss of range of motion due to arthrofibrosis, such devices are of particular value.
Peer-reviewed papersQuote from peer-reviewed paper:
"...both load control (creep) and displacement control (stress relaxation) home stretching devices are effective in increasing knee range of movement in the treatment of knee arthrofibrosis...."
Citation: Aspinall SK, Bamber ZA, Hignett SM, Godsiff SP, Wheeler PC, Fong DTP. Medical stretching devices are effective in the treatment of knee arthrofibrosis: A systematic review. J Orthop Translat. 2021 Feb 8;27:119-131. doi: 10.1016/j.jot.2020.11.005. PMID: 33659182; PMCID: PMC7878963.
Forum discussions
- What is my kneecap catching on?
A discussion about arthrofibrosis, including LLPS.