Hip and Knee Injuries

Injuries to the hip and knee and the therapies to treat them.

Bursitis:

There is a large fluid sack near the top of the hip bone that helps keep the tendons of the hip lubricated. From either tight musculature over top, poor mechanics of the leg, trauma, or even hip weakness, the bursa can get inflamed. Inflamed bursa, or bursitis can be very painful and even limit weight bearing on that hip.

Removing the forces that caused the bursitis is key to fixing the problem. Often times stretching of tight muscle groups combined with strengthening of weak groups like the rotators and abductors will normalize the force around the hip and take the pressure off the bursa. Chiropractic adjustments to the pelvis and low back can help normalize these forces as well. Modalities to improve healing such as electrical stimulation, ultrasound, Class IV Laser, moist heat, kineseo-taping, and myofascial tissue work can all accelerate healing. Sometimes, fixing the abnormal gait through custom orthotics is needed to fix the hip (as we know the foot bone is connected to the hip bone). In some cases, when the healing is not occurring as well as it should, regenerative techniques may be of great help.

Arthritis in the hip:

As the wear and tear of normal life takes it toll on the hip, the hip can get painful and significant reduction in motion can make even putting on shoes and socks difficult. This can happen as young as 50! Arthritic hips can usually cause pain more in the groin area on the affected side and are often worse first thing in the morning, when getting up from sitting for long periods, and twisting of the hip.

Regaining motion in the hip can be effective through stretching and joint mobilizations. Chiropractic adjustments to the hip, pelvis,and low back can also help normalize the motions in the area. Strengthening the supporting area can reduce the strain on the joint as well.

Tendonitis:

Tendons are not well supplied with blood flow. Therefore small micro trauma over time or even one sudden injury can be difficult to heal. Abnormal forces over long periods of time like pronating when walking, or outward rotated hips, or sudden use like trying a new workout routine can all trigger this condition. The pain will be worse with movement and loading of the leg and relieved at rest.

Modalities like Shockwave, ClassIV laser, Ultrasound, deep tissue myofascial release, Kineseo-Taping can all help stimulate healing. Therapeutic exercises to help with range of motion and strength is essential to healing. Chiropractic adjustments for low back and pelvis which control the positioning of the knee can be of value. Physical therapy to help restore function to the muscles in the area can help heal the tendon, as well. In some cases, when the healing is not occurring as well as it should, regenerative techniques may be of great help.

Meniscus damage:

There is a small disc of cartiledge between the knee bones that acts as a shock absorber. Over time with normal wear and tear or accelerated through trauma or excess weight, these areas can tear or erode. This can cause pain in the knee, pain that locks the knee at times, and often times causes a buckling sensation in the knee. Usually it is just in one part of the knee (inside or outside) right at the joint line.

Modalities like Shockwave, ClassIV laser, Ultrasound, deep tissue myofascial release, Kineseo-Taping can all help stimulate healing. Physical therapy to help restore function to the muscles in the area can help heal the tendon, as well. Visco-supplement injections of hyaluronic acid act like a gel barrier to cushion the joint and can in some instances help heal the joint.In some cases, when the healing is not occurring as well as it should, regenerative techniques like may be of great help.

ACL tears/ligament damage:

There are strong ligaments on the outside and inside of the knee called the collateral ligaments. Inside the knee to prevent shearing forces and twisting of the knee, are the cruciates. Commonly injured in sports or trauma, the ACL and the MCL/LCL can be torn. Tears cause pain and instability.

Therapy will help reduce the instability through maximizing the muscle groups that support and stabilize the area. In the initial phases, modalities like Shockwave, ClassIV laser, Ultrasound, and Kineseo-Taping can all help stimulate healing. If instability persists, specialized braces can be fitted to reduce the risk of further injury. In some cases, when the healing is not occurring as well as it should, regenerative techniques like may be of great help.

Arthritis in the knee:

As the wear and tear of normal life takes it toll on the knee, the area can get painful and significant reduction in motion can make even putting on shoes and socks difficult. This can happen as young as 50! Arthritic knees are often worse first thing in the morning, when getting up from sitting for long periods, and twisting motions.

Regaining motion in the knee can be effective through stretching and joint mobilizations. Strengthening the supporting area can reduce the strain on the joint as well. Visco-supplement injections of hyaluronic acid act like a gel barrier to cushion the joint and can in some instances help heal the joint.In some cases, when the healing is not occurring as well as it should, regenerative techniques may be of great help.

Patella-femoral Pain:

Abnormal forces from improperly aligned legs and even trauma can cause pain in the cartiledge surfaces of the weight bearing bones of the knee and kneecap. This pain can be sharp, under the knee, and is often worse during repetitive activities like jogging or long walks and can linger for hours afterwards.

Normalizing the forces on the knee cap through strengthening, taping, bracing, and chiropractic adjustments for alignment all help reduce the pain and help heal the injured structures. Modalities like Shockwave, ClassIV laser, Ultrasound, and Kineseo-Taping can all help stimulate healing. Visco-supplement injections of hyaluronic acid act like a gel barrier to cushion the joint and can in some instances help heal the joint.In some cases, when the healing is not occurring as well as it should, regenerative techniques may be of great help.