Introduction

A painful joint disorder that impairs functional mobility, particularly in athletes and active people, is called fixed flexion deformity (FFD). Using cutting-edge tools and customized rehabilitation plans, we at Elite Physiotherapy and Sports Injury Centre are experts in the thorough and sophisticated physiotherapy care of FFD. Our method restores range of motion and improves quality of life by combining advanced modalities with comprehensive functional evaluations.

What Is Fixed Flexion Deformity?

Fixed Flexion occurs when soft tissue or bone limitations prevent a joint, especially the knee or elbow, from being fully extended. This condition is referred to as Fixed Flexion Deformity. Even with outside help, the joint in this situation cannot fully extend and stays in a partially flexed position.

Causes of Fixed Flexion Deformity

Prolonged joint immobilization (post-injury or surgery)

Muscle imbalances or tightness, especially hamstring or biceps contractures

Joint effusion or intra-articular swelling

Fibrosis or adhesions in periarticular structures

Post-traumatic arthritis or osteoarthritis

Neurological disorders causing spasticity or contractures

Congenital conditions or developmental joint abnormalities

Usually, FFD develops gradually. For example, if the joint is kept in a flexed position for a long period of time following an injury, the soft tissues will adapt by shortening. Extension is limited throughout time by fibrotic alterations in the muscles, ligaments, and joint capsules. Incomplete healing or inadequate rehabilitation can also make the illness worse.

Clinical Features and Symptoms

Unable to completely straighten the affected joint

Stiffness in the joints, particularly after rest or in the morning

Pain or discomfort when exercising or lifting weights

Functional restriction,s whether it comes to lifting, running, or walking

Changes in the lower limb FFD gait pattern

Muscle atrophy brought on by inactivity

Joint malformation that is visible in more advanced cases

Diagnosis at Elite Physiotherapy and Sports Injury Centre

Effective therapy at our clinic is based on a precise diagnosis. For every patient, we employ a mix of functional and physical evaluations.

Physical Assessment Includes:

Active and passive range of motion are measured goniometrically.

Checking for fibrosis, tightness, and tenderness

Muscle testing by hand to detect imbalances or weakness

Assessment of joint play to determine capsular limitations

Special Physiotherapy Tests:

Thomas Test – to assess hip flexor contracture in lower limb FFD

Ely’s Test – for rectus femoris tightness

Popliteal angle test – for hamstring flexibility

Prone knee flexion test – for detecting quadriceps tightness

Extension lag test – to identify quadriceps weakness or adhesion

Advanced Physiotherapy Management at Elite Physiotherapy

At Elite Physiotherapy, our Team is committed to treating the underlying cause rather than just the symptoms. To deliver safe and efficient care, we integrate functional rehabilitation, manual therapy, and state-of-the-art modalities.

1. Manual Therapy Techniques

Myofascial release to target soft tissue restrictions

Joint mobilization to improve capsular elasticity

Soft tissue manipulation for fibrosis breakdown

Muscle energy techniques to lengthen shortened muscles

2. Stretching and Mobility Exercises

Prolonged low-load static stretching using positioning aids

Active-assisted and passive stretching exercises

Functional movement training to integrate improved ROM

Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) for neuromuscular control

3. Strengthening Exercises

Isometric and eccentric strengthening for antagonist muscles

Closed-chain exercises to improve joint stability

Functional retraining to restore gait or upper limb function

4. High-End Modalities for FFD Management

CRET Therapy (Capacitive and Resistive Electric Transfer)

Promotes deep tissue heating

Reduces fibrosis and improves elasticity

Enhances cellular metabolism and tissue regeneration

Super Inductive System (SIS)

Stimulates neuromuscular activation

Breaks pain-spasm-pain cycle

Improves joint mobility and motor control

High-Intensity Class 4 Laser Therapy

Penetrates deep tissues to reduce inflammation and fibrosis

Stimulates collagen remodeling

Accelerates healing of soft tissue structures

Shockwave Therapy (if fibrosis is present)

Used carefully in chronic cases with soft tissue calcifications

Stimulates neovascularization and tissue regeneration

Breaks down adhesions and scar tissue

Hydrotherapy

Useful for early mobility training in chronic FFD

Reduces joint loading while promoting ROM

Aids in functional muscle activation

Personalized Care at Elite Physiotherapy

We are aware that each patient is unique. Our FFD treatment regimens are therefore completely tailored and modified following goals, progress, and response. We guarantee the following at Elite Physiotherapy and Sports Injury Centre:

Individualized care from skilled physiotherapists

Frequent monitoring of functional progress

Resolving the contributing biomechanical issues

Support for athletic and ergonomic training

Exercise regimen at home with professional supervision

When to Seek Help

Consult us right away if you observe a gradual loss of extension or joint stiffness that doesn’t go away with rest. Early intervention lowers the chance of lifelong malformation and greatly improves results.

Final Thoughts

Fixed Flexion Deformity restricts performance, confidence, and independence in addition to affecting joints. Elite Physiotherapy & Sports Injury Centre enables patients to regain full mobility and resume optimal performance through a targeted, evidence-based, and comprehensive physiotherapy approach. We are the premier option for managing FFD in Delhi and NCR due to our cutting-edge physiotherapy solutions and extensive clinical expertise.

Book your consultation today and take the first step toward a pain-free, mobile future.