Knee Pain – Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

Jacky Chiang — Thu, 15 Aug 2019 00:58:27 +0000

What is patellofemoral pain syndrome?

Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS), is one of the most common causes of knee pain. It is commonly presented as a diffuse ache around the knee cap that is worse with knee movements. The can occur particularly with loaded activities such as climbing stairs or running. Sometimes, prolonged sitting can also cause pain, known as the “theatre sign”. Crackling or popping sounds may also suggest PFPS due to malalignment or instability of the kneecap. Typical onset of PSPS is usually gradual with recent change in training frequency or load. The cause of the pain is an imbalance of forces on the kneecap which causes malalignment

Risk factors of patellofemoral pain

Many other risk factors can also contribute to PFPS, including:

Altered biomechanics (e.g. foot rolling inward)
Previous injury or surgery
Quadriceps weakness
Reduced kneecap mobility
Poor lower limb flexibility
Change in footwear

Therefore, a thorough examination by a physiotherapist is recommended to explore the underlying cause of your knee pain and to also rule out other conditions such as patellar tendinopathy or fat pat syndrome.

How can physiotherapy help?

Studies have shown that physiotherapy can help with PFPS and that good outcomes are maintained after long-term follow-up. Effective treatment of PFPS involves a thorough physical assessment to target the underlying cause. Initial treatments may involve resting from aggravating activities, soft tissue massage, manual therapy to improve joint mobility, taping or strength and flexibility exercises. Orthotic devices may also be beneficial for some people to address biomechanics of the lower limb. However, there is no one-size-fits-all treatment as an individually tailored program is essential to address the underlying cause of your knee pain. See one of our physiotherapists for a thorough assessment and specific exercises to help you get back to previous level of function as quickly as possible.

The post Knee Pain – Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome appeared first on Anytime Physio.

Shoulder Pain – Impingement and Bursitis

Jacky Chiang — Thu, 15 Aug 2019 00:30:00 +0000

What is shoulder impingement?

Shoulder impingement is a condition where the bursa or rotator cuff tendons are compressed in the subacromial space. This is the area between the head of the arm bone (humerus) and the acromion, a bony prominence at the top of the shoulder joint. The cause of shoulder impingement can be a bony spur on the acromion, poor posture, weakness of the rotator cuff muscles or muscle tightness. This can also relate to a rotator cuff tear or tendinopathy, this is an overuse injury.

What is bursitis?

Bursitis is an inflammation of a fluid filled sac in the joint called bursa. The bursa reduces friction between muscles, ligaments and bones. The shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint and the bursa is often inflamed in the subacromial space. Another term for shoulder bursitis is subacromial bursitis

What causes shoulder bursitis?

The cause of shoulder bursitis is usually due to overuse of the shoulder. This can be from activities such as throwing, swimming, cleaning or gardening. Subacromial bursitis is commonly related to shoulder impingement. The onset of pain is usually gradual, but sudden onset of pain can happen from direct trauma to the shoulder, such as a fall.

Symptoms

Shoulder bursitis results in pain with reduced range of motion (painful arc). Activities that may aggravate this injury include lifting and overhead movements, or lying on the affected side. For example, reaching across, hands behind back or rotating arm inward.

How is shoulder bursitis diagnosed?

Your physiotherapist will assess the shoulder with a series of tests to assist in the diagnosis of shoulder bursitis. Shoulder bursitis may be concurrent with other conditions. Sometimes X-ray, ultrasound or MRI scans can be helpful to differentiate between other pathologies.

Treatment of shoulder bursitis

The first step to treat shoulder bursitis. Avoid aggravating positions and activities that cause the microtraumas. This will reduce exacerbation of symptoms. Icing for 15min every 2-3 hours may be beneficial to reduce the inflammation for the first 48-72 hours. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen can useful to reduce pain. Rehabilitation involves postural correction, manual therapy, and taping. There will also be exercises that strengthen and stretches weak or tight muscles. In severe shoulder bursitis, your physiotherapist may refer to your medical practitioner. This will be for an ultrasound-guided corticosteroid injection. This will help to reduce the inflammation. Evidence suggests that the effects of corticosteroid injections are only short-term. You should avoid favoring the injection over physiotherapy. It is crucial to continue with the exercises prescribed by your physiotherapist. This will ensure positive long-term outcomes.

The post Shoulder Pain – Impingement and Bursitis appeared first on Anytime Physio.

Pain Archives - Anytime Physio