Physical Therapy Can Help You Resolve Unwanted Knee Pain
October 2024 Newsletter
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 Empower 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.
Contact us to schedule an appointment for your initial consultation!
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 Empower 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 knowledge 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.
A 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.
State of the Art Modalities
- 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. Treatment techniques such as taping, cupping, dry needling, and other forms of soft tissue techniques help to address tissue restrictions and reduce pain.
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.
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 Empower Physical Therapy addressed Alex’s pain and equipped him with the knowledge and tools to maintain knee health in the long run.
Beyond Pain Relief
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 Empower 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!
EMPOWERED
PATIENTS
“I have Ehlers Danlos Syndrome and both of my therapists were very attentive and listened to the specific problems I had not only on the specific day but in my everyday life and helped me work to manage those issues and improve my pain levels and quality of life. I had no idea how many things I was doing that were harming me and I can’t believe how much less pain I’m in just from tweaking a few things. I also feel so much stronger than I ever have even though I did power lifting and CrossFit all through high school.” —Zada S., actual 5 star review.
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.
The bottom line is that running does not cause knee OA. At Empower 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!
Exercise of the Month
eccentric long arc quads
Start by sitting up straight in a chair with both of your knees bent to 90-degrees and your feet flat on the floor. Slowly extend your affected leg as far as possible or until it is fully extended. Pause briefly and then slowly bring your foot back down. Do 3 sets of 10 reps.
Meet Our Team
Briana Leatham
PT, DPT
Lindsey Wright
PT, DPT
Jacob Pollard
PT, DPT, Founder
Justin Handy
PT, DPT, Partner
Wes Mennear
PT, DPT, Partner
Rachel Stokes
PT, DPT, CLT
Heather Bitgood
PT, DPT
Morgan Borkovec
PT, DPT
Renae Plummer
Lead New Patient Coordinator & Benefits Specialist
Hayley Lincoln
Anchorage Office Manager
Sarah Swanson
Lead Wasilla Front Office Coordinator
Joanne Schultz
New Patient Coordinator & Benefits Specialist
Haley Soares
Director of Administration
Specialty Spotlights
Dr. Rachel Stokes
Rachel joined the Empower team in December 2022. She moved to Anchorage from Pittsburgh, PA as a military spouse and immediately fell in love with Alaska. Her passion in PT is Pelvic Health. She most recently became a Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Women’s Health Physical Therapy. This places her amongst a small but elite group of therapists who have each dedicated thousands of hours to women’s health direct patient care. In addition to her physical therapy achievements, she has also obtained an Associate’s Psychology degree from the Community College of Allegheny County which she applies to better navigate the tough and sensitive conversations that can come along with this field.
Dr. Ryan Dupuis
Ryan started at Empower PT back in 2022. A born and raised Alaskan, Ryan has taken her passion for hands to the next level this year by earning her CHT (Certified Hand Therapist) distinction. This is a coveted certification only earned through over four thousand hours & three years working with upper extremities just to have the opportunity to take the exam. Finding a CHT can be difficult, especially in Alaska. Seeking care from Ryan can make a significant difference in your recovery & overall hand health. Her specialized knowledge and tailored treatment plans ensure you receive the best possible care for your hands, promoting faster healing & improved function.
Quick & Easy Healthy Recipe
Honey Garlic Shrimp
This saucy shrimp owes a lot of its flavor to a bold marinade of honey, soy sauce, and garlic, which is music to everyone’s taste buds. For a little extra flavor, we add some minced fresh ginger, but that’s entirely optional.
Whisk the honey, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger (if using) together in a medium bowl. Place shrimp in a large zipped-top bag or tupperware. Pour 1/2 of the marinade mixture on top, give it all a shake or stir, then allow shrimp to marinate in the refrigerator for 15 min or for up to 8-12 hours. Cover and refrigerate the rest of the marinade for the next step. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Place shrimp in the skillet. Discard used marinade. Cook shrimp on one side until pink — about 45 seconds — then flip shrimp over. Pour in remaining marinade and cook it all until shrimp is cooked through, about 1 min more. Serve shrimp with cooked marinade sauce and a garnish of green onion. The sauce is excellent on brown rice and steamed veggies on the side.
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (reduced sodium)
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- Optional: 1 tsp minced ginger
- 1 lb medium uncooked shrimp, peeled & deveined
- 2 tsp olive oil
- Optional: chopped green onion garnish
Let’s Get You Better ASAP!
Don’t let pain dictate your life. Take the first step towards reclaiming your mobility and well-being with our expert support. Start your journey to a healthier you today.
