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Patellofemoral pain
Experiencing knee pain while walking, running, squatting, kneeling, going up or down stairs or slopes?
You may have a condition known as Patellofemoral pain syndrome.
Patellofemoral pain syndrome is one of the most common knee complaints of both the young active sportsperson and the elderly. Patellofemoral pain syndrome is the medical term for pain felt behind your kneecap, where your patella (kneecap) articulates with your thigh bone (femur). This joint is known as your patellofemoral joint Patellofemoral pain syndrome, is mainly due to excessive patellofemoral joint pressure from poor kneecap alignment, which in time, affects the joint surface behind the kneecap (retropatellar joint). Physiotherapy inventions help strengthen one’s quadriceps and hips, which subsequently aids in restoring the biomechanics of the patellofemoral joint. Physiotherapists are able to advise and design customised exercise programs to improve the strength of your knee and leg muscles and help you maintain good general fitness. If you are experiencing patellofemoral pain, or any pain in your knee and joints, it is important to have your condition assessed by a physiotherapist. Patellofemoral pain typically develops because of 1 of 3 different reasons 1. Excessive pronation of the foot (flattening of the arch). It doesn't matter if you have high arches or flat feet, it depends on how much your arch flattens from non-weight baring to weight baring. This can be addressed in the short term with the use of orthotics but a strengthening program of the muscles that support your arch is recommended. 2. Weak quadriceps (weak thigh muscles). The quads are the largest muscle group in the body that we use to extend our knee. Important for walking, running, squatting, and climbing stairs. We can test your maximum isometric contraction and compare it to your unaffected side to see if this is a contributing factor and address any deficit with an appropriate strengthening program. 3. Weak hip abductors (gluteal muscles). Gluteus medius and minimus help to keep our pelvis level while walking and running. If your opposite hip dips then the knee you are standing on will drift inwards causing poor alignment of the patellofemoral joint. This deficit can be picked up with good observation skills and strength testing.Osteoarthritis and supplements
Osteoarthritis and supplements
Osteoarthritis is a common inflammatory condition characterised by joint pain. See below example.
Osteoarthritis affects 2.1 million Australians. The prevalence is higher in women and joint symptoms are experienced by more than 25% of people aged 65 years or older.
Osteoarthritis is particularly burdensome, on individuals and on the healthcare system and is the main reason for knee replacement surgery. This is of great concern considering the projected rise in the aging population.
In recent years, omega 3 fatty acids (from fish oil), glucosamine and chondroiten have increased in popularity. Research into these and osteoarthritis is showing some promising results, however more research is still needed.
Should you take these supplements if you have Osteoarthritis??
You can as there is some worthwhile evidence but it should form only a small part of your management plan.
Score your pain on a scale of 1-10 before taking the supplement, then after 3-6 months score your pain again to see if there has been any change.
If you are taking chondroitin it is recommended that you take a supplement containing 800mg such as BioOrganics glucosamine 750g and chondroitin 400mg.
There is much stronger evidence to show that dietary induced weight loss (>10% of body weight) and physical exercise such as strength training and aerobic exercise can have a moderate to large improvement in pain, function and quality of life.
In addition, learning effective pain – coping skills have been shown to have positive outcomes not only for pain but also for function, stiffness and disability.
World Physiotherapy Day September 8th 2017
Each year, on 8 September, we celebrate World Physiotherapy Day, a global event recognising the incredible role physiotherapists play in the community and the relationships that patients have with their physiotherapist. The theme for this year's World Physiotherapy Day is 'add life to years'—aligning with the World Confederation for Physical Therapy. The message builds on the findings of WHO’s World Report on Ageing and Health and a range of reports indicating the contribution and cost effectiveness of physiotherapy in healthy ageing. Physiotherapists are health professionals who have a key role in helping people with long-term conditions achieve their goals, fulfil their potential and participate fully in society. They work with people to maximise movement and functional ability. If you have problems that affect your mobility, ask a physiotherapist, the qualified experts in movement and exercise. On World Physiotherapy Day, we promote awareness of the benefits of physiotherapy in the prevention, maintenance and treatment of injuries to ensure all Australians can add life to years. (Source: Australian Physiotherapy Association)
To Celebrate World Physiotherapy day 2017 all the Physiotherapists have been interviewed, Below are their responses.
DAN What is the best thing about being a physiotherapist? Without a doubt helping people to achieve their goals. Seeing people transform themselves following an injury so that eventually there are stronger and moving better than pre injury is the ultimate goal and gives the most satisfaction as a Physio. If someone tells me that they feel better that what they did pre injury or they are able to do something that they haven't been able to do in a long time than I know I have done a good job. MELISSA What is the best thing about being a physiotherapist? I have been a Physio for over 20 years now and I still get such a thrill helping people: whether it is reducing pain, improving movement, helping people with exercises or empowering people to make the lifestyle changes needed to live a healthier life. MATT What is the best thing about being a physiotherapist? Very simply – to be able to help others. To spread knowledge and address an issue, one step at a time. To meet several hundred faces each year and work through each issue, each injury, one at a time. To self-empower people with knowledge and understanding that they can have for the rest of their lives. The physical component of treatment is obviously an integral part of physiotherapy but it is the knowledge base that I believe is indispensable. Obviously it is a huge bonus to be able to watch people improve and observe them going from a painful state to pain-free. It can be an extremely draining job but I can honestly say I wouldn't want to be doing anything else – I have never enjoyed it so much. JOEL What is the best thing about being a physiotherapist? I enjoy the mental Challenge of problem solving with clients in a vulnerable situation, helping them understand whats going on ans what we can do to assist. De - escalating someone who has thought the worst of their situation, Instilling in them optimism and confidence is a great outcome and good feeling. CARLY What is the best thing about being a physiotherapist? Being able to help people reach the goals that are most important to them. No matter how big or small, it's really rewarding to be a part of that journey. I also love that physio can take you in so many directions. From the clinic to the sports field, the possibilities are endless! KAI What is the best thing about being a physiotherapist? The best thing about being a Physiotherapist is being able to help people in need and have a positive impact on someone's life. It's awesome to be able to help people understand what is causing their pain and particularly when someone has that light bulb moment when they understand exactly what is going on with their body. It's also great to be able to meet a wide range of people and to help people achieve their goals. DARLA What is the best thing about being a physiotherapist? The best part about being a Physio is having the opportunity to help people reach their goals. I love that as a Physio no day is ever the same. I get to meet so many different people and work with them to achieve their personal goals whether it be recovering from an injury or fitness & health goals. MARIUM What is the best thing about being a physiotherapist?The best part about being a physio is definitely the way you get to surprise patients with what they're capable of doing with their bodies. Most people believe that they'll be stuck with their aches and pains forever or can only reach a certain stage with their sporting careers. It's a great feeling knowing that I can help make a difference in patient's every day lives.
