The Comprehensive Guide to Quadriceps and Patellar Tendinopathy
When you think of anterior knee pain, several conditions come to mind, but few are as perplexing and common as quadriceps and patellar tendinopathy. As Auckland sees an increase in reported knee pain cases, it's vital to understand these conditions better and the state-of-the-art treatments available. Let's dive deeper into these tendinopathies and explore the therapeutic potential of EMS DolorClast® radial shockwave therapy and Osteopathy.
Quadriceps and Patellar Tendinopathy Explained
Quadriceps Tendinopathy: A Closer Look
Located just above the knee cap, the quadriceps tendon can undergo inflammation or experience minute tears, leading to quadriceps tendinopathy. It manifests as pain, especially during activities like jumping or stair climbing. A hallmark of this condition is the pain localised above the knee cap (Malliaras, Cook, Purdam, & Rio, 2015).
Patellar Tendinopathy: Beyond "Jumper's Knee"
Renowned as "jumper's knee", patellar tendinopathy affects the patellar tendon (a ligament), which links the kneecap to the shinbone. It is prevalent amongst athletes, especially those engaged in high-impact sports. Symptoms include pain below the kneecap, aggravated by prolonged sitting or athletic activities (Scott, Docking, Vicenzino, & Alfredson, 2015).
Root Causes and Potential Risk Factors
While overuse is a dominant factor, several aspects can predispose individuals to these afflictions:
High-Intensity Activities: Engaging in rigorous physical activities without proper rest can strain tendons.
Improper Training Techniques: Inadequate warm-up or poor form can lead to injuries.
Aging: As one ages, tendons become less flexible, making them more susceptible to injuries.
Underlying Conditions: Conditions like arthritis or prior knee injuries can increase the risk.
Therapeutic Potential of EMS Radial Shockwave Therapy
Amidst the plethora of treatments, shockwave therapy Auckland sessions stand out due to their non-invasive nature and effective outcomes. EMS radial shockwave therapy is proving to be a beacon of hope for many.
Conventionally treatment includes physiotherapy, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen, orthotics and bracing. These all come with their own limitations for example long-term use of NSAIDs are associated with a number of adverse effects and can inhibit tendon healing (Khan & Cook, 2003). Conventional management also typically takes 8 weeks to 6 months of consistent treatment to recover where as with Shockwave Therapy we have seen promising results after 4-6 weekly treatments.
Deciphering EMS Radial Shockwave Therapy
Shockwave therapy, specifically Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT), employs high-energy acoustic waves to stimulate targeted tissues. By introducing high-energy acoustic waves, this therapy stimulates the pain region, paving the way for enhanced blood circulation and cellular repair mechanisms. Additionally, it's adept at breaking down scar tissue and calcifications, promoting faster recovery (Gerdesmeyer et al., 2008).
Scientific Backing
By introducing controlled trauma, shockwave therapy prompts the body's natural healing mechanisms, making it particularly potent for chronic tendinopathies where the healing response has plateaued (Lee, Lee, & Choi, 2019). Recent research corroborates the efficacy of shockwave therapy with Lee, Lee, & Choi (2019) study demonstrating significant pain reduction and improved functionality in patients with chronic patellar tendinopathy post-treatment.
Osteopathy: A Holistic Approach to Knee Pain
For Auckland residents, the mention of osteopathy west Auckland brings to mind Movement Mechanics Osteopathy. Osteopathy focuses on the interrelation between the body's structure and its function, offering tailored treatments for individual needs. By understanding the interconnectedness of structure and function, osteopaths aim to restore balance and promote natural healing.
Osteopathic Treatment for Tendinopathy
For tendinopathies, osteopaths use a range of hands-on techniques such as soft tissue stretching, deep tactile pressure, joint mobilization, and even gentle manipulation. By employing manual techniques, osteopaths can alleviate pain and discomfort, enhance mobility and restore normal joint function, and stimulate the body's healing processes by improving blood flow and lymphatic drainage.
What Does the Research Say?
A study by Licciardone et al., (2013) demonstrated that osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) significantly reduced pain and improved functionality in patients with knee problems, further cementing its efficacy in treating tendinopathies.
Navigating Treatment Options in Auckland
Complementary Benefits
Tendinopathies can present complex clinical challenges, often requiring multi-dimensional approaches for optimal outcomes. Combining osteopathy with shockwave therapy is an emerging, promising approach in treating quadriceps and patellar tendinopathy.
The integration of osteopathic principles with the advanced technology of shockwave therapy brings forth a dynamic treatment approach:
Initial Relief: Osteopathy offers immediate relief, managing pain, and improving mobility.
Deep Healing: Shockwave therapy goes deeper, addressing chronic aspects of tendinopathies by invigorating the healing response.
Holistic Approach: While shockwave addresses the specific site of tendinopathy, osteopathy ensures that other biomechanical and systemic factors contributing to the condition are managed.
Personalised Treatment Plans
Given the individualistic nature of osteopathy, a personalised plan can be tailored, determining when and how shockwave therapy can be most beneficial. For instance, an osteopath might recommend shockwave therapy after initial manual treatments to consolidate gains and stimulate deeper healing.
Residents in the West Auckland region can benefit from a combination of EMS radial shockwave therapy and osteopathic interventions offered by Auckland Shockwave therapy & Movement Mechanics Osteopathy for comprehensive healing.
Final Thoughts
The journey from knee pain to recovery requires understanding, patience, and the right interventions. Integrating osteopathy with shockwave therapy offers a comprehensive approach, addressing both the symptoms and root causes. Patients benefit from both the immediate relief and long-term healing promoted by combing osteopathy with shockwave therapy.
Jonathan Hall M.Ost, GradDipHeal, BAppSci (HB)
Jonathan Hall is the founder and principle Osteopath at Movement Mechanics Osteopathy, a fully qualified Osteopath and currently studying Western Medical Acupuncture out of AUT New Zealand.
Gerdesmeyer, L., Frey, C., Vester, J., Maier, M., Weil, L., Weil, L., ... & Muehlhofer, H. (2008). Radial extracorporeal shock wave therapy is safe and effective in the treatment of chronic recalcitrant plantar fasciitis. The American journal of sports medicine, 36(11), 2100-2109.
Khan, K. M., & Cook, J. L. (2003). The painful nonruptured tendon: clinical aspects. Clinical Sports Medicine, 22(4), 711-725.
Lee, S. Y., Lee, J. H., & Choi, Y. J. (2019). Radial extracorporeal shock wave therapy enhances the rehabilitation of patients with patellar tendinopathy. The Knee, 26(5), 1032-1040.
Licciardone, J. C., Minotti, D. E., Gatchel, R. J., Kearns, C. M., & Singh, K. P. (2013). Osteopathic manual treatment and ultrasound therapy for chronic low back pain: A randomized controlled trial. Annals of family medicine, 11(2), 122-129.
Malliaras, P., Cook, J., Purdam, C., & Rio, E. (2015). Patellar tendinopathy: Clinical diagnosis, load management, and advice for challenging case presentations. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy, 45(11), 887-898.
Scott, A., Docking, S., Vicenzino, B., & Alfredson, H. (2015). Sports and exercise-related tendinopathies: A review of selected topical issues by participants of the second International Scientific Tendinopathy Symposium (ISTS) Vancouver 2012. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 49(9), 536-544.
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