Osgood-Schlatter disease and massage

Surfcoast massage is located in Torquay and Jan Juc the very area that is full of activity, people exercising and sports of all kinds. Osgood-Schlatter disease can be common with childrens growth spurts and doing a lot of running, jumping, squatting and quick changes of direction.

Sign and symptoms

Osgood-Schlatter disease is an inflammation of the patellar ligament at the tibial tuberosity. It is a painful bump just below the knee and is most often seen in young adolescents. Risk factors include overuse and repetitive exercise such as running, jumping, descending and ascending stairs and during kneeling.

Osgood-Schlatter disease causes pain in the front lower part of the knee. Intense knee pain is usually the presenting symptom that occurs during activities. The pain can be reproduced by extending the knee against resistance, stressing the quadriceps or striking the knee. Pain is initially mild and intermittent. In the acute stage the pain is severe and continuous in nature. Impact of the area can be very painful.

Prevention

Lack of flexibility in the quadriceps and hamstrings can be a direct risk indicator. Muscles can shorten, which can cause pain but this is not permanent. Stretches can help reduce shortening of the muscles. The main stretches for the prevention of osgood-schlatter disease is the hamstrings and quadriceps.

Treatment

Treatment is generally conservative with rest, ice and specific exercises being recommended. Typically symptoms resolve as the growth plate closes. Massage with physiotherapy is generally recommended once the initial symptoms improve to prevent recurrence.

Surfcoast massage in Torquay and Jan Juc is fully qualified in remedial and sports massage to help with this condition and can help you to understand and treat the problem. Surfcoast massage can be contacted on 0438668878 to book an appointment or find out more speak to Lisa.