Managing an Osgood-Schlatter Disease Diagnosis

Cause

It can cause redness, swelling, and tenderness. Some cases are caused from an injury to the leg that causes tightness in the quadriceps muscle which then won’t allow for the muscle fibers and fascia to lengthen when performing extension of the knee.

Effects

Your doctor might prescribe tylenol or ibuprofen to reduce the pain but speaking from personal experience, medications don’t always help. You might also be referred to a physical therapist who will teach you to exercise the quadriceps (top of the thigh) muscles to reduce pain but this can make the problem worse since the cause of the disease itself is excessive shortening and tightening of the quads themselves. Worst-case-scenario could be a recommendation for surgery to remove the bony attachment. This can cause all kinds of negative repercussions that could have been avoided simply by getting bodywork from a professional who understands the role of fascia.

Treatment

By releasing the shortened tissues throughout the quads we can release pressure on the knee and the tibial tuberosity, that bony attachment at the tibia. You can generally expect a 90-minute visit for your first appointment where your posture and movement will be assessed and your therapist will determine a treatment plan specifically tailored to your needs. Your therapist will look for limitations in range of motion, which movements cause you pain, and which movements do not. After the assessment phase, you’ll be asked to lie on the table where your therapist will apply pressure to the top of your leg, inside, outside, and back side of your leg. It is important to work all compartments of the leg to reduce further injury and keep the problem from returning again in the future. 

Following your initial treatment, you will be given a set of repatterning exercises from the Pete Egoscue Method. Our therapists are trained to recognize the movements that your body would benefit from to reduce imbalances and aid in recovery during your treatment. After we have moved your soft tissue in the direction that the fibers should be going and realigned the body to create optimal performance and reduce pain, we want it to stay there long-term. The most successful recoveries come from utilizing all of aspects of what Structura has to offer. 

As with any other appointment at Structura, you’re always encouraged to ask questions and be involved in your health care. If you have concerns about treatment or are unsure of what to expect, feel free to ask! We’re eager to educate and help all of our clients learn how to be empowered when it comes to their healthcare and recovery.