To increase knee flexion after immobilization, patellar mobilization should be performed in which direction?

To increase knee flexion after immobilization, patellar mobilization should be performed in which direction?

• A. Proximal
• B. Medial
• C. Distal
• D. Lateral

Answer: (C)

To gain more knee bending after immobilization, focus on how the patella moves during flexion. As the knee flexes, the patella is guided downward toward the tibia. Performing a gentle distal (inferior) patellar glide helps overcome scar tissue and capsular tightness that can limit this inferior patellar movement, restoring smooth patellofemoral articulation and allowing greater knee flexion. Glides in other directions mainly address different aspects of patellar tracking and do not specifically promote the increased inferior glide needed for more flexion. So, moving the patella in a distal direction best supports improving knee flexion after immobilization.

To gain more knee bending after immobilization, focus on how the patella moves during flexion. As the knee flexes, the patella is guided downward toward the tibia. Performing a gentle distal (inferior) patellar glide helps overcome scar tissue and capsular tightness that can limit this inferior patellar movement, restoring smooth patellofemoral articulation and allowing greater knee flexion.

Glides in other directions mainly address different aspects of patellar tracking and do not specifically promote the increased inferior glide needed for more flexion. So, moving the patella in a distal direction best supports improving knee flexion after immobilization.