In today’s society people are becoming more active and with that comes the problem of wear and tear and damage to the knees. The causes of knee pain can vary widely, and the treatments are equally as varied.
The main function of the knee joints, along with the hip joints, is to bear a person’s weight, to bend and straighten and allow free movement. However, the knee is more than just a simple hinge since it allows twisting and rotating. The knee also relies on a complex structure of bones, tendons, cartilage, and ligaments to allow it to support the whole body and carry out its functions.
When assessing a person’s knee pain the chiropractor and occupational therapists will thoroughly examine the muscles, joints, ligaments, gait, and posture and discuss your past history of injuries and also your lifestyle and any habits that might be contributing factors in your condition.
While attending to the areas in and surrounding the pain in the knee, our practitioners will also investigate whether or not there are problems in other parts of your body that could be the real source of the pain, which might be adding to it. For instance, if you have tight muscles in the back or a limited range of hip movement this can place too much strain on the knees and cause a lot of pain. But these issues can be dealt with by appropriate treatment and care, to help you become pain-free.
Surgery is usually not required since most conditions affecting the knee tend to respond well to treatment, and the treatment to relieve knee pain usually comprises multiple techniques for each specific condition and can include:
- Chiropractic adjustments
To restore the best movement and function possible, our practitioners will use gentle, directed and controlled adjustments to both your knee joints and to the surrounding tissues and to those of your spine.
- Myofascial Release
Overworked and tightened lower back, hip and leg muscles can be associated with knee pain. Myofascial Release (MFR) works to relax the muscles and soft tissues to increase their function. MFR is quite similar to massage, but it is more focused on deep treatment of the soft tissues to restore movement and to relieve pain.
- Active Release Technique (ART)
Used to improve muscle function and release scar tissue, ART treatment targets specific areas of the muscles and soft tissues and is also effective in the restoration of the range of motion of the meniscus, one of the more common causes of knee pain. The meniscus is cartilage that cushions the knee joint between the tibia (shinbone) and the femur (thighbone). Knees have two menisci which can be torn and damaged by undue pressure or rotation of the knee.
- Rehabilitation
Rehabilitating the knee requires exercises, stretches, and foam rolling which can be taught by our practitioners to ensure you don’t damage your knee again. Once you learn them, these techniques can be carried out at home.
Private Health Care rebates – use them by December 31 or lose them
Most health funds only allow extras claims for a year, usually from January until December, but many people are unaware that their annual health fund rebate entitlements don’t carry over to the next year. This means unless you use them they are lost forever. The cut-off date is December 31, so now is the time to use them.
With HiCaps® instant rebates, your health fund benefit can help you relieve your pain, find relief and recovery from an injury, go to your rehabilitation class, or have a check-up. So, to make sure you don’t miss a rebate you have paid for, call Langer Health today and make an appointment on 08 9382 3466.
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