Low Load Prolonged Stretching

Written by Dr Sheila Strover on March 14, 2025

Low load prolonged stretching in knee rehabilitation is a slow moderate stretch for a prolonged time. Page updated May 2024 by Dr Sheila Strover (Clinical Editor)

Illustration of patient lying face down with the legs hanging over the end of the plinth.

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.

"...static stretching increases range of motion, but it is not clear if higher intensity stretching leads to larger increases in range of motion."

Joseph Bryant et al

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Medical devices for LLPS

A number of portable devices exist for patients to use for longer periods than the standard physiotherapy appointment.

"....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...."

Sara K Aspinall et al

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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.

"...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...."

Sara K Aspinall et al

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Range of motion, Passive extension

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Forum discussions

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