Effects of Dynamic Soft Tissue Mobilization in Reducing Hamstring Tightness in Knee Osteoarthritis

Dynamic soft tissue mobilization will be given in the following sequence, In supine position with 90˚ flexion of knee and hip joint deep longitudinal strokes will be applied from distal to proximal direction along with the tightened area of hamstring while passively stretching the hamstring. Total 5 longitudinal strokes will be applied followed by shaking for 20 seconds. Then progressed to the next dynamic technique in the above-mentioned sequence but the patient will be asked to do leg extension actively to achieve reciprocal inhibition of the hamstring muscle. In The next step, the subject will apply a force to the therapist's hand to engage the hamstring eccentrically as the muscle will be lengthened to its end range. In that position, the therapist will apply 5 deep longitudinal strokes from the distal towards the proximal direction on tight hamstring muscles.

The position of the patient will be supine lying with 90⁰ flexion of hip. Therapist will passively extend the knee joint where patient will feel a mild stretch. Then therapist will ask the patient to do knee flexion in counter resistance applied by the therapist by using about 50% of his maximum strength and isometric contraction of hamstring muscles will be achieved. Patient will maintain that isometric contraction for 8 seconds then relax on therapist command. Just after relaxation therapist will further stretch the hamstring muscle to the point of mild to moderate painless stretch and patient will hold it for 30 seconds. Three repetitions will be applied in each session.

application of cold pack on knee joint for 10 minutes

"i. Isometric hip adductors exercises in crook lying: Two sets of 10 repetitions with a 10-seconds hold will be carried out.~ii. Isometric quadriceps strengthening exercises in supine lying: A towel roll underneath the knee joint will be used to perform this exercise. Two sets of 10 repetitions with a 10-seconds hold will be performed."