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Pathology 1: Osgood Schlatters

Osgood-Schlatter’s disease (OSD) is named after two physicians, Dr. Robert Osgood and Dr. Carl Schlatter in 1903 who defined the disease.  OSD, also known as tibial tubercle apophyseal traction injury, is defined as a rupture of the growth plate at the tibial tuberosity.  It can also be inflammation of the bone, cartilage and/or tendon that attaches at the top of the tibia.  These stresses can cause multiple subacute avulsion fractures in the tendon which can cause inflammation.  Through over use the patella tendon pulls away at the bone.  With repeat trauma to this area, new bone grows back which causes a bony lump on the tibila tuberosity.

            OSD is found in about one of every 10 (differs between researchers) children between the ages of 9-16 that are highly involved in sports, higher in boys than girls.  The most common time in which children develop this disease is when they are going through periods of growth spurts when the muscles are trying to catch up with the bone growth.  When the tibial tuberosity gets bigger, it is very tender and can be extremely painful when hit.  
The most common symptoms include:

•  pain that worsens with exercise, 
• relief from pain at rest, 
• swelling or tenderness under the knee and over the tibia,
• limping after exercise due to pain, and 
• tightness of the quads and hamstrings.  

Some activities that increase these symptoms include: 

• running, 
• jumping, 
• squatting, and 
• walking up and down stairs.  

Extending the knee against resistance, stressing the quads or hitting the knee are ways to reproduce the pain.  The pain usually stops after growth spurts are done and there are no long-term effects.  However, some have reoccurring knee pain for the rest of their life.

            Most doctors recommend RICE for most generic cases and plaster casting for more serious ones.  There are many other types of treatments available: analgesics and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications for pain relief and reduction of local inflammation, exercise programs, stretches, taping, braces, and massage (ice massage or light massage over the knee and tendons to decrease pain and increase blood flow). 

Most cases take over two years to heal, some even longer.  The usual treatment is to not move or irritate the knee for about three days and to take it easy for 1-2 weeks after being diagnosed.  

Once the pain has resided, gradual progressions back into normal activities are advised.  Stretching, and special exercises should still be done to prevent further injury to the knee and the patella tendon and attachment site.  The coach can help to increase the healing time by changing the way they practice, by focusing more on technique and or other aspects that might produce improvement and decrease future risks is other children, rather than conditioning that might cause further damage.

Bibliography

http://www.osgood-schlatter-disease.com/

http://drreeves.com/Biomechanics%20OSD%20Article.pdf

http://childrensnyp.org/mschony/P02776.html

http://www.sportsinjuryclinic.net/cybertherapist/front/knee/osgood.htm

http://www.articlesbase.com/diseases-and-conditions-articles/osgood-schlatter-disease-causes-symptoms-and-treatment-methods-210278.html

 

  

National Massage Therapy Awareness Week

Did you know that October 23-29th is National Massage Therapy Awareness Week! I will be giving 10-15 min Chair Massages the 24, 25, 27th from 10am-12pm for $5. Come and support your body's health!

Click to check out the poster

National Massage Therapy Awareness Week

Modality 1 : Reflexology

What is Reflexology?

Reflexology is done on the feet (shown below), hands and ears.  It is based on the principle that there are mini-maps of the body represented.  Pressure applied to these points help to create balance within the body. 

Origin?

Found among hieroglyphics dating back 5000 years.  Age old evidence was also found in India, China, and Japan.

How does it work?

Reflexology works through subtle energy flow and zones in the feet, hands and ears.  This helps to prevent and clear up venous stasis. Also helps to realign the bones in the feet to help with natural reflexology.

Benefits?

• Decrease Stress
• Increase Relaxation
• Increase Circulations
• Decrease Toxins and Impurities
• Increase Energy
• Preventative Health Care
• Increase Creativity and Productivity

Reflexology is a great way to help get the body what it needs.  Feeling tired, or super energized after a session is not uncommon.  Foot reflexology will help keep your mind, body and feet feeling healthy and relaxed.

Topics

Every now and then some of my gymnasts come up to me and ask me why they hurt, or what they can do to make the pain go away, or a stretch that will help.  I like these types of questions because they make me think and sometimes I learn as well.  

Let me know if you have and questions about: Contraindications, stretches, massage modalities, structure and function, etc. I would love to help you out.

Massage and Stress

Work, children, everyday life.  All these things have one thing in common...they create stress.  Massage is a great way to relieve stress.  Less stress means more productivity.  More productivity means feeling better about life in general.

How does therapeutic massage make you feel about your life?