Osteopathy:
Osteopathy focuses on restoring balance and function to the musculoskeletal system through manual techniques, including soft tissue manipulation, joint mobilization, and stretching exercises.
Osteopaths look at the whole body to identify any underlying biomechanical issues contributing to knee pain and dysfunction.
For runners with knee injuries, osteopathic treatment may involve:
Addressing muscular imbalances: Osteopaths can identify and address muscle tightness, weakness, or imbalances that may strain the knee joint excessively.
Improving joint mobility: Osteopathic techniques can help restore proper range of motion in the knee joint and surrounding structures, reducing stiffness and improving function.
Correcting alignment: Osteopaths can assess the alignment of the lower limb and pelvis to identify any misalignments or asymmetries contributing to knee pain. By gently manipulating the joints and soft tissues, osteopaths can help realign the body and reduce stress on the knee joint.
Providing rehabilitation exercises: Osteopaths may prescribe specific exercises to strengthen the muscles around the knee, improve stability, and support proper biomechanics during running.
Physiotherapy:
Physiotherapy aims to rehabilitate and strengthen the affected area through manual therapy, exercise prescription, and education.
Physiotherapists conduct a thorough assessment to identify the root cause of the knee injury and develop a tailored treatment plan.
Treatment options for knee injuries in runners may include:
Manual therapy techniques: Physiotherapists may use massage, joint mobilization, and myofascial release to reduce pain, stiffness, and inflammation in the knee joint and surrounding tissues.
Exercise therapy: Physiotherapists prescribe targeted exercises to improve strength, flexibility, and endurance in the muscles around the knee and address any imbalances or weaknesses contributing to the injury. This may include exercises to strengthen the quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes, and calf muscles and improve core stability and balance.
Biomechanical analysis: Physiotherapists can provide guidance on proper running form, footwear selection, and training modifications to prevent the recurrence of the injury.
Education and self-management strategies: Physiotherapists empower runners with knowledge and tools to manage their condition independently.
In summary, osteopathy and physiotherapy can help you with treating and rehabilitating knee injuries in runners. Here at VPSM we can look at underlying biomechanical issues, improve joint mobility, strengthen supporting muscles, and provide guidance on injury prevention.