Ergon Technique Versus PNF Stretching on Hamstring Flexibility in Knee Osteoarthritis

"* Hot pack for 15 minutes.~* Patient position: Prone with knee flexion approximately 45◦.~* Position of therapist: Standing at the affected side of patient.~* Technique:Massage cream will be applied on the hamstring and overactive or short muscle fibres that are restricted.The instrument will be applied parallel to the muscle fibers, both in a distal to proximal and them proximal to distal direction as needed.Then gentle massage stroking from the origin to the insertion will be performed using the instrument. Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization(IASTM) will be applied for 5 minutes.~* Strengthening exercises for quadriceps and hamstring will then be performed.~* Isometrics exercises of Quadriceps: By placing a towel roll below the knee and press and hold for 20 seconds, 5 sets.~* Isometrics exercises Hamstrings: By placing a towel roll below the knee and press and hold for 20 seconds, 5 sets.~* Wall sits: For 10 seconds, 5 sets."

"* The patient will be laid down prone and moist heat will be given for 15 minutes prior to stretching the hamstrings.~* Then patient will be lying supine with hip in 90⁰ of flexion. Patient's knee will be extended until a very mild stretching sensation is felt in hamstring muscles.~* Then patient will be asked to flex the knee against the resistance applied by hand of therapist.~* The patient will be asked to use a force of around 50% of maximal strength and an isometric form of contraction will be gained in the hamstring muscles. The patient will hold the contraction for 8 seconds and then the therapist command to relax the hamstring muscle.~* Immediately after the muscle relaxation the therapist further stretches the hamstring muscles up to a point where the subject reported a mild to moderate stretching sensation without any pain and will be held for 30 seconds.~* The procedure will be repeated 3 times in every session.~Strengthening Exercises:~* Same as ERGON Group"