This document discusses various suspension therapy techniques for the knee joint, including axial, pendular, and vertical suspension, each with distinct benefits and applications. Axial suspension allows for maximum movement and blood circulation, while pendular suspension is designed to strengthen muscles. Vertical suspension primarily provides support and reduces pressure sores, outlining the placement and movement techniques for each method.

1. Suspension therapy
KNEE JOINT
SUBMITTED TO – DR VANDANA
SUMITTED BY – LAKSHAY PANCHAL
ROLL NO – 1819098
BPT 2ND
YEAR

2. Why Axial Suspension ?
• Most common type of suspension.
• The part will move parallel to the floor which eliminates the gravity.
• This type of fixation allows the maximum movement of joint.
• In this way pure angular movements are obtained.
Benefits of axial suspension :
• Relaxation
• Increase blood circulation.
• Increase venous and lymphatic drainage.

3. Note :
1. Slightly flex the hip joint.
2. Pillow is placed between the slightly flexed hip
Joint Movement Patient
position
Point of
suspension
Sling (placement)
Knee Flexion
and
Extension
Side
lying
Above the
Knee joint
( point of joint
axis)
3-D ring sling at
ankle and foot
(Single sling mid
thigh joint/ can be
replaced by a
pillow between
thighs).
 Flexion and Extension
Axial Suspension for Knee joint

4. Axial Suspension for Knee joint

5. Why Pendular Suspension ?
• Point of suspension or axis is taken slightly away from the joint axis.
• Axis is changing towards medially or laterally , anteriorly and
posteriorly.
Benefits of pendular suspension :
• To strengthen the muscle.
• Increase muscle power.

6. Pendular Suspension for Knee joint
Joint Movement Patient position Point of
suspension
Sling
(placement)
Knee Flexion and
Extension
Prone lying Slightly away
point of joint
axis.
3-D ring sling at
ankle and foot
Note : For resistance -:- Two methods -
 1. Against gravity (gravity act as resistance) – flexion (supine), extension (prone),
 2. Fixed point is shifted to opposite to the movement direction (rope pull the segment and apply pull force or
resist the movement) as shown in table given below . * Not a pure pendular suspension (modification). *
1. Movement Flexion Extension
2. Direction of movement Posterior Anterior
3. Point of suspension or fixed point. Anterior Posterior

7. Pendular Suspension for Knee joint.
Fig. 1. A ,B and C – shows knee pendular suspension or fixation for knee joint and spring offers widely varying resistance

8. Why Vertical Suspension ?
• Mainly used for support.
• This type of fixation allows only small ROM of joint.
• The part will move like pendulum
Benefits of vertical suspension :
• Reduces the pressure sore.
• Support the body part.

9. Vertical Suspension for Knee joint
Joint Movement Patient
position
Point of
suspension
Sling
(placement)
Knee Flexion
and
Extension
Side lying At COG. 3-D ring sling at
ankle and foot
(Single sling mid
thigh joint/ can
be replaced by a
pillow between
thighs).
 Flexion and Extension

10. Bibliography
• Gardiner M. Dena (2005). The Principles of Exercise Therapy. CBS
Publisher.
• Hollis. Margaret & Fletcher-cook. Phyl (1999). Practical Exercise
Therapy. Blackwell Science.
• Narayanan. S. Lakshmi (2005 ). Textbook of Therapeutic Exercises.
Jaypee.