Knee extension treatment apparatus

A knee extension treatment apparatus for applying a downward force to an upper surface of a user's leg that is supported by said knee extension treatment apparatus for facilitating the straightening of the leg when bent at the knee, said knee extension treatment apparatus comprising:

• a base frame assembly including a hinged seat portion;
• a collapsible ankle support connected to said base frame assembly, said ankle support including an elevated support surface for receiving the user's ankle;
• and
• first and second strap assemblies connected to said base frame assembly, each strap assembly being secured at one end to said base frame assembly and constructed and arranged to lay over the upper surface of the user's leg, an opposite end of each strap assembly being movable by the user whereby pulling said opposite end creates a downward force on the upper surface of the user's leg.

A knee extension treatment apparatus for applying a downward force to an upper surface of a user's leg while that leg is supported by said knee extension treatment apparatus for facilitating the straightening of the leg when bent at the knee, said knee extension treatment apparatus comprising:

• a base frame assembly;
• support means for elevating the user's leg;
• first and second strap assemblies connected to said base frame assembly, each strap assembly being secured at one end to said base frame assembly and constructed and arranged to lay over the upper surface of the user's leg, an opposite end of each strap assembly being movable by the user whereby pulling said opposite end creates a downward force on the upper surface of the user's leg;
• and
• a ratcheted pulley assembly connected to said first and second strap assemblies for maintaining a selected tension on each strap assembly as established by the user, said ratcheted pulley assembly including a control knob and a removable torque lever for increasing the moment arm.

A method of performing knee extension treatment to the leg of a user using a treatment apparatus that includes a base frame assembly, including a seat portion, an ankle support with an elevated support surface, a first strap assembly for applying a downward force on the leg of the user at a location proximal to the knee, a second strap assembly for applying a downward force on the leg of the user at a location distal to the knee, a ratcheted pulley and a cable connecting said first and second strap assemblies with said ratcheted pulley, said method comprising the following steps:

• (a) laying in a recumbent position on said seat portion;
• (b) elevating the leg so as to position the ankle on said support surface;
• (c) securing a first end of said first strap assembly to said base frame assembly;
• (d) laying said first strap assembly across the leg at a location proximal to the knee;
• (e) securing a first end of said second strap assembly to said base frame assembly;
• (f) laying said second strap assembly across the leg at a location distal to the knee;
• and
• (g) pulling on said cable by turning said ratcheted pulley.