Total Performance | Resolve Unwanted Knee Pain

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YOU RESOLVE UNWANTED KNEE PAIN Physical Therapy Can Help

EAST NORRITON

HARLEYSVILLE

HATFIELD

HORSHAM NORTH WALES

HEALTH & WELLNESS NEWSLETTER

We Accept MEDICARE & MEDICAID

North Wales team at a trunk or treat.

Physical Therapy Can Help You Resolve Unwanted Knee Pain

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 Total Performance 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. 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 Total

Performance, 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 expertise 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.

Learn more by visiting our website at TotalPerformancePT.com or schedule your consultation today by calling 215.201.4340 !

Tailored Treatment Plan

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 Total Performance 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 Total Performance, 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!

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. Manual Therapy 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. 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.

Sources: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7661565/ - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32161824/ - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih. gov/pmc/articles/PMC6829001/

Dr. Austin Dressler giving a presentation on knee pain.

OUR SPECIALTIES

Aqua Therapy Physical therapy that takes place in water, usually in a clinic pool, is known as aquatic therapy. This type of therapy is preferred if you want to reduce the amount of pressure on the joints, allowing you to move with less pain. It offers relaxing effects that can help with pain alleviation, relaxation, and improved mobility. Benefits differ from person to person based on what your end goal is for your therapeutic program, but overall you should expect to feel much better after each session with your therapist! All our pools are private and heated.

Dizziness, Vertigo and Concussions Do you ever feel wobbly or off-balance? Dizziness, vertigo, and concussions can have a detrimental impact on your everyday life, making it difficult to do even the most simple tasks. Conditions that can cause vertigo or dizziness and balance issues include vestibular neuritis, migraines, Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV), Meniere’s disease and stroke. Our physical therapists may be able to help you find a long-term solution to your problem through vestibular rehabilitation.

Debunking the Myth That Running Causes Osteoarthritis

• 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 Total Performance, 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!

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.

Sources: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9983113/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27519678/

Have You Met Your Annual Insurance Deductible? An insurance deductible is the amount of money that you must pay before your insurance company pays for your medical services. If your deductible is met, your physical therapy may not cost you anything. Patients with family plans or those who have had major surgeries or have a chronic illness are especially likely to have a $0 balance remaining on their out- of-pocket expenses. This means that the cost of physical therapy could be minimal or completely covered by the patient’s insurance plan. If you are close to or have met your insurance deductible for the year, then now is the time to come in for physical therapy! Are you feeling aches and pains? Need to work on your core? Let us help you get a head start for 2025.

215.201.4340 FREE CONSULTATIONS! Scan the QR code or call us today.

Dr. Austin Dressler giving a presentation on knee pain.

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