Posted by Kevin Rindal on Tue, Feb 15, 2011 @ 06:31 AM
Over the past month, one of the primary complaints I have been treating people for is pain underneath their kneecap; and not surprisingly, they tell a story of getting back into their training program too aggressively. Often times they describe this pain as: worse when getting up from a seated position (especially after having their knees bent for an extended period), pain going up or down stairs, or simply pain when they push on their kneecap.
So what can you do about this type of situation? If your symptom of pain behind the kneecap persists for longer than a week, you should make an appointment with your doctor for an examination. Based on the exam findings, your doctor will diagnose your condition and then prescribe an appropriate rehabilitation program.
In the case of "Runner's Knee," the most common recommendations are:
• Rest
• Ice
• Therapeutic modalities (ex. ultrasound, low level laser therapy etc.)
• Anti-inflammatory medcation (NSAIDs)
However, there must also be an active component to the rehabilitation of "Runner's Knee". Some of the active components can include:
• Exercise program to balance the quadriceps muscular imbalance for correcting the aberrant paterllar tracking.
• Myofacial release (Active Release Technique and Graston Technique). This component of the rehabilitation process also aids in balancing the tension of the muscles that stabilize the kneecap.
• Kinesio Taping can provide a mechanical correction that helps improve the biomechanics of the knee and braces.
• Cho-Pat can help alleviate symptoms while training the muscles to hold the patella in a better position.
Runner’s Knee is a condition that often times resolves quickly with the appropriate treatment. If you have any of the symptoms described above, please contact InHealth for an evaluation and treatment so you can start the process of getting back to pain free running.
If you would like more information, download this free whitepaper on Runner's Knee!
Seattle Chiropractor, Kevin Rindal
If you have any questions, please feel free to email Kevin Rindal, Seattle Chiropractor at DrRindal@InHealthSeattle.com.
Posted by Kevin Rindal on Fri, Feb 11, 2011 @ 06:17 AM
The Seattle Chiropractor Report: Are you tired of popping an Ibuprofen or Asprin every time you experience pain such as a sprain, strain, or ache from a chronic injury? InHealth has compiled a list 11 ways to naturally relieve pain, and they may just surprise you.
1. Eat Omega-3 Fatty Acids (i.e. fish oil, flax seed, green leafy vegetables, etc.)
2. Take Pro-Inflazyme (Nutritional Supplement made by Nutri-West)
3. Arnica and Boswellia (Naturally occurring substances that have been shown to reduce inflammation and bruising).
4. Try to avoid pro-inflammatory foods: Fatty meat, chicken skin, farm-raised fish, corn based foods, refined sugar, processed foods and meats, etc.
5. Focus on eating anti-inflammatory foods (low-calorie nutrient dense food): skinless chicken, vegetables, lean meat, tree nuts, fruit, etc.
6. Ice (Cryotherapy)
7. Epsom salt soak.
8. Try a topical analgesic spray like Cryoderm.
9. Low Level Laser Therapy: Has been shown to decrease inflammation and improve the rate of healing in injured tissues.
10. Soft-Tissue Mobilization Techniques such as Active Release Technique and Graston Technique have been shown to stimulate healing (increased production and laying down of fibroblasts). Our very own Seattle Chiropractor, Kevin Rindal, specializes in these techniques.
11. Kinesio Tape (KT) is widely used in Sports Medicine to help support injured muscle by pulling up on the skin to create “space” for inflammation to be channeled out of the injured area. KT also helps with pain reduction and muscle relaxation.
Medication is an important part of treatment in many cases, however, if you can address your pain naturally, you can avoid other side effects. We have included a white paper that includes more information on the effects of taking NSAIDs such as Ibuprofen or Asprin on your body.
Have questions? Feel free to contact Kevin Rindal, DC at
DrRindal@InHealthSeattle.com.
If you have any questions, please feel free to email Kevin Rindal, Seattle Chiropractor at DrRindal@InHealthSeattle.com.