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Today’s blog has been written by Aniko, our soft tissue therapist. |
Sports Massage for knee pain
Knee pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal problems we come across. It is not surprising, considering it carries a significant portion of our body weight. Soft tissue or sports massage therapists are trained to assess where this pain originates from, to treat it and prevent it from reoccurring.
We look at body alignment as if people were made of building blocks (bones) and guy ropes (muscles) comparing and contrasting both sides of the body. It’s beautifully simple and with our anatomy knowledge, we can identify which muscles are working too much or not enough.
Flushing through the muscles of the thigh – hamstrings, quadriceps, adductors – and lower leg – calf muscles including the tibialis anterior at the front of the leg – with long flowing strokes, the healing process is enhanced by improving circulation and removing waste and toxins from the injured muscle. Using shorter cross movements over the patellar tendons and patella, we break up adhesions, reduce the formation of scar tissue and help realign new fibers.
Ultimately pain is signalled by our brain which can be overcome by various neuro muscular therapy techniques, one of which is called trigger point therapy. The therapist reproduces the knee pain by putting pressure on a different part of the leg – just above the knee, middle of the thigh, top of the calf or on the tibialis anterior. This is followed by stretching and releasing the tight muscle that caused this pain which helps rebalance the muscles around the knee.
Soft tissue therapy is widely used as prevention as well as cure for these issues and enables you to be able to do more of the things you love while reducing the risks of injury. At the end of the visit, you may be recommended certain exercises that fit in with your lifestyle. There are many things you can do while you are waiting for your kettle to boil!
If you are suffering with pain in your knees and would like more information or a full assessment then please get in contact with us via enquiries@physio-logical.net or 07835 712306. You can also book an appointment online.
