Knee Cap Degeneration and the benefits of Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment

Source: www.joselitodelacruz.com/Knee_pain.htm

Knee Cap Degeneration
(wearing down of the lining under the knee cap)

Causes:
Frequent falls compressing the knee cap against the underlying bone, causing wear and tear of the cartilage lining.
Shortening of one side of the knee muscles, causing misalignment of the knee cap.
Dropped foot arch causing a twist in the knee and misaligning the knee cap.
Excessive twisting of the hips straining the knee.
Compensatory strain of the knee from lower back injuries or limping from foot problems.

Treatment:
A complete mechanical analysis of the knee and other joints. Balancing ligaments that are strained with local deep friction and ultrasound therapy to reduce inflammation and promote recovery. Muscular stretching to shortened muscles and deep soft tissue release to muscles that have adhesions combined with muscle energy techniques to rebalance muscle co-ordination. Craniosacral treatments to release and improve previously sustained stress and strains.

Where DOs can help: Osteopaths are quite good at analysing knee problems because we take into consideration mechanical problems elsewhere in the body that have direct and indirect connections with the knee. We also work with podiatrists (foot specialists) when further analysis is required for foot related problems