Physical Therapy Can Help You Resolve Unwanted Knee Pain
Knee pain is a common complaint that affects people of all ages, often hindering their ability to perform everyday activities and enjoy a high quality of life. Whether resulting from injury, arthritis, or overuse, knee pain can be debilitating.
Fortunately, physical therapy at Breckenridge Physical Therapy offers hope for those seeking relief. This article shares the journey of Alex, a 40-year-old marathon runner, who found relief from persistent knee pain through the expert care of our skilled therapists.
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The Onset of Pain
Alex’s passion for running was undeniable. Completing several marathons each year, he was no stranger to the physical demands of long-distance running. Unfortunately, Alex began experiencing sharp pains in his right knee, particularly during and after runs. Initially dismissing it as regular wear and tear, he soon realized the pain was not subsiding but worsening with time.
Seeking Help
After several weeks of persistent pain, Alex knew he needed professional help. His search for a solution led him to Breckenridge Physical Therapy, known for our team of experienced physical therapists specializing in sports injuries. From the moment he walked in, Alex felt a sense of hope. The clinic’s approach was about alleviating pain, understanding its root cause, and preventing future issues.
The Physical Therapy Journey Begins
Alex’s journey began with a comprehensive assessment that included a detailed discussion of his running habits, knee pain history, and a physical examination to assess his knee’s strength, flexibility, and alignment.
Our clinic’s expertise in sports injuries came to the forefront with a detailed analysis of Alex’s running gait. His therapist identified several inefficiencies in his running form contributing to his knee pain.
His therapist determined Alex was dealing with patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS), a common issue among runners characterized by pain around the kneecap. His therapist explained that Alex’s pain was likely due to a combination of overuse, improper running technique, and muscular imbalances.
Our Patients Get Great Results
“I have been going to Ellie at Breck PT for four months, and it has made a big difference in my life! My issue(s) were based on chronic pain and past injuries, not a new catastrophic incident. I wasn’t sure what to expect or what gains to realize. My therapist set me on the right path immediately while continuing to understand my situation holistically. I now feel equipped with a plan and I am stronger already. When I arrived, I wondered if my future was limited to reduced activities and more pain. Today I am optimistic about the adventures and pursuits that lie ahead.”
– A.F.
Tailored Treatment Plan
Understanding the specifics of Alex’s condition, the therapist devised a personalized treatment plan. The multifaceted plan addressed Alex’s knee pain symptoms and underlying causes.
- Manual Therapy: Alex’s treatment started with manual therapy. His therapists used hands-on techniques to free up restrictions and tension in the soft tissues around his knee. This approach helped reduce Alex’s pain and increase his range of motion, setting a solid foundation for further therapeutic interventions.
- Strengthening Exercises: Recognizing the importance of muscular support for knee stability, Alex was guided through a series of strengthening exercises focused on building up the muscles around his knee, particularly the quadriceps and hamstrings. These exercises were designed to absorb shock more effectively, reduce the burden on his knee during runs, and prevent future injuries.
- Motor Control Exercises: To address any dysfunctional movement patterns contributing to Alex’s knee pain, the therapists introduced motor control exercises. These exercises aimed to correct his movement patterns, ensuring that he adopted more efficient movement strategies during running and daily activities, thereby reducing strain on his knee.
- Education and Preventive Strategies: Beyond immediate treatment, education played a vital role in Alex’s therapy. He learned the importance of proper footwear, adequate warm-up and cool-down routines, and strategies to gradually increase running distances without overloading the knees.
Exercise of the Month: Seated Leg Extension
Sit up straight in a chair with your feet flat on the floor. Slowly extend one leg out in front of you until it’s straight, squeezing your thigh muscle. Hold briefly, then lower it back down with control. Alternate legs or complete all reps on one side before switching. 3 Sets, 10 Reps (each leg). (Materials needed: chair)
The Road to Recovery
Alex’s dedication to physical therapy paid off as he noticed a significant reduction in knee pain, improved running efficiency, and a newfound awareness of protecting his knees from injury. The holistic approach at Breckenridge Physical Therapy addressed Alex’s pain and equipped him with the knowledge and tools to maintain knee health in the long run. But Alex’s journey was about more than just overcoming knee pain. It was a transformative experience that reshaped his relationship with running. He emerged from physical therapy as a runner and an informed athlete, mindful of his body’s signals and the importance of balance in training.
Conclusion: A Testament to the Power of Physical Therapy
Alex’s story is a testament to the effectiveness of physical therapy in resolving unwanted knee pain. At Breckenridge Physical Therapy, the combination of expert assessment, personalized treatment, and a commitment to patient education proved to be a winning strategy.
Alex’s journey offers hope and inspiration for anyone struggling with knee pain. If you’re dealing with knee pain, call our team and schedule a consultation today!
Meet Our Team
Dr. Alexander Kuck
PT, DPT, C-PS
Dr. Ellie Allan
PT, DPT, C-PS
Dr. Justin Welch
PT, DPT, C-PS
Recipe of the Month: Easy Grilled Veggie Portabella Pizzas
Ingredients:
- 2 large Portabella Mushroom Caps
- 3 cloves garlic chopped (or minced)
- 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
- 4 wedges Laughing Cow – Light Garlic & Herb Cheese
- 1 cup Red Peppers Chopped
- 1 cup Green Peppers Chopped
- ½ cup Onion Chopped
- 1 cup baby kale chopped
Instructions:
- In a saucepan on your stove, heat the olive oil on low.
- Pop your portabella mushrooms in there and saute for 1-2 minutes. Flip them over and saute the other side for about 1-2 minutes, or just until they are slightly softened. Remove the mushrooms to a baking pan lined with tin foil.
- Add the garlic, onions, kale and both peppers to the oil
- Saute for a few minutes or until onions are translucent. Stir around frequently.
- Remove from heat when done.
- Add two wedges of laughing cow light garlic and herb cheese to each Portabella cap.
- Divide the veggies from the saucepan between the two portabella mushrooms.
- Broil the mushrooms for about 2-3 minutes.
- Remove, eat & enjoy!
Debunking the Myth That Running Causes Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease characterized by the breakdown of cartilage in the joints, leading to pain, stiffness, and impaired mobility. While there is a common misconception that running contributes to the development of OA, numerous studies have shown this to be a myth. Running has various health benefits, including improved cardiovascular fitness and weight management, which support joint health. In addition, movement, including running, helps keep the cartilage in the knee healthy.
Research has highlighted other factors that are contributors to the development of knee OA:
- Age: Aging is the most significant risk factor for OA. As individuals age, the cartilage in their joints naturally undergoes wear and tear, making them more susceptible to degeneration.
- Genetics: Genetic factors play a crucial role in determining an individual’s susceptibility to OA. Certain genetic variations have been associated with an increased risk of developing OA in various joints, including the knee.
- Previous joint injuries: Previous knee injuries, such as ligament or meniscus tears, can predispose individuals to OA later in life. The trauma from these injuries can accelerate the degenerative process in the affected joint.
- Obesity: Excess body weight places additional stress on the knee joints, leading to accelerated cartilage breakdown and an increased risk of developing OA. Maintaining a healthy weight through regular exercise and a balanced diet can help reduce the risk of OA.
- Joint misalignment or instability: Abnormalities in joint structure or function, such as malalignment or instability, can lead to uneven distribution of forces within the knee joint, contributing to cartilage degeneration and OA development.
Protect Your Knees With PT
The bottom line is that running does not cause knee OA. At Breckenridge Physical Therapy, our therapists understand the risk factors associated with knee arthritis and will provide programs to preserve your joint health and reduce the burden of OA so you can keep running!
Sources
- https://dailydishrecipes.com/grilled-veggie-portabella-pizzas/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7661565/,
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32161824/,
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6829001/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9983113/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27519678/
