Saturday, April 6, 2013

Chandler Chiropractor AZ: Active Release Technique



Your friendly Chiropractor in Chandler AZ, Dr. Dan Rae, is back at the computer during the lunch hour try and crunch out the article on Popliteus Tendinitis.  You are probably thinking to yourself, “What is this guy talking about.  I have never heard of Popliteus Tendinitis.”  Well, it is a lot more common than you think.


The popliteus muscles acts an an internal rotator (rotates the knee inward) when the knee is non-weight bearing.  Furthermore, it plays a very important role in supporting the Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL) and the Lateral Collateral Ligament (LCL), preventing the femur from sliding forward over the tibia as well as preventing varus angulation (inward angulation of the distal segment of a bone or joint).  The popliteus muscles also pulls the posterior lateral meniscus backwards during knee flexion.

These patients generally come into my clinic complaining of symptoms almost identical to Iliotibial Band Syndrome, which is pain on the outer portion of the knee after running or walking downhill.  Many times this injury is confused with Iliotibial Band Syndrome, and the patient does not get better because he/she is being treated for the wrong injury.

Rest and ice is needed in the initial stage of the injury; however, they are quickly replaced by myofascial release techniques Active Release Technique (ART) and Graston Technique to prevent scar tissue formation and chronic shortening of the muscle.  Orthotics have also been shown to be beneficial in the prevention of this injury.

Friday, April 5, 2013

Kinesiology tape as one of the treatment for jumper's knee



Your friendly Chiropractor in Chandler AZ, Dr. Dan Rae, is back at the computer this morning after missing out on writing articles this past week due to a hectic schedule.  Today I am going to address an injury that is very common known as Patellar Tendinitis, or better known as Jumper’s Knee.



In the image above by MendMeShop, we are able to see the inflammation in the patellar tendon just below the knee cap (patella).  The pain is felt at the at the patellar tendon or at the attachment to the patella or at the attachment of the patellar tendon to the tibia at the tibial tuberosity.  Pain is increased when attempting to straighten the leg against resistance when bent beyond 90 degrees.  This injury is usually caused due to repetitive stress to the patellar tendon from activities such as jumping and running.

These patients come into my office, generally athletes, complaining of pain just below the patella when running and jumping.

Treatment for Jumper’s Knee is very simple including RICE (rest, ice, compression, and elevation).  Kinesiology Tape is often applied to decrease the amount tension being placed on the patellar tendon.  Gradual return to full activity is highly recommended with initial avoidance of plyometric type exercises.  Those who do not follow the aforementioned protocol may accrue a chronic, difficult, often career-limiting disorder.