In the vibrant Upper Keys community, knee pain is a prevalent concern among our active residents, including those in Key Largo and Islamorada. This discomfort often finds its root cause in a condition known as Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome. A lesser-known but significant contributor to this syndrome is the tightness in structures like the IT band and quadriceps.
The IT band, a taut band of connective tissue running down the outer thigh, attaches to the lateral aspect of the kneecap. When excessively tight, it can exert force, pulling the kneecap out of its natural groove, and leading to mechanical pain around the kneecap. Recognizing and addressing these issues is vital for chiropractic care in our Upper Keys community, ensuring pain-free mobility and overall musculoskeletal well-being.
Beneath the Surface: How Mitch Tackled Knee Pain
In the picturesque Upper Florida Keys—Key Largo, Tavernier, and Islamorada—Mitch*, a 31-year-old dive instructor, lives his passion, guiding tourists through the mesmerizing underwater world. His days ask of him patience, boundless positivity, and physical demands as he introduces eager tourists to the mesmerizing undersea world.
While his job requires heavy lifting and navigating boat ladders, the thrill of the ocean and the enchantment of its reefs fuel his spirit. Yet, beneath the sun-kissed surface, a relentless companion torments him—knee pain.
Mitch's knee discomfort traces its origin to patellofemoral pain, driven by an intricate web of quad imbalances and a vice-like grip of IT band tightness. In the water, where every flipper-assisted kick is a reminder of his knee ailment, and on the boat, where every climb tests his resolve, the pain lingers as a reminder of vulnerability.
Knee pain shadows his every move, diminishing the joy he derives from his dream job and casting a shadow over his daily disposition. His commitment to providing tourists with unforgettable experiences remains unwavering, but the nagging knee pain prompts concerns—fears of missing time in the water and the haunting specter of potential surgery.
*Name changed for anonymity
Common Complaints of Patients With Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome:
Pain when walking up or down stairs
Pain that gradually gets worse when running
Pain with prolonged walking or standing
IT Band Tightness & Pain
Limping
Reduced Balance
Difficulty with Stairs
As uncertainty grips him, Mitch embarks on a quest for relief, uncertain of where to turn. His general doctor's prescription of muscle relaxers brought no lasting respite, and his efforts with foam rolling, topical ointments, and over-the-counter pain relievers offer only fleeting solace. An evening spent surfing the web leads him to stubble upon Seaside Chiropractic.
While Mitch had sought chiropractic care in the past for lower back pain, he had been unaware of its potential in addressing knee pain. Intrigued and hopeful, he places his trust in the hands of Seaside Chiropractic.
There, Mitch discovers the transformative potential of a three-pronged approach—active release techniques that target soft-tissue ailments, chiropractic methods addressing joint restrictions, and a personalized rehabilitation roadmap to foster lasting relief and resilience. His journey towards recovery begins, as he embraces the promise of alleviating his knee discomfort and the possibility of returning to the world beneath the surface.
Seaside Chiropractic's approach for Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome consists of the following:
The IT Band which is highlighted in blue, shares fibers with a structure called the lateral patellar retinaculum, which attaches to the lateral aspect of the knee cap. If there is excess tightness in the IT Band, it can cause this retinaculum to pull the knee cap out of its groove, which is a very common cause of mechanical knee pain. It is also not uncommon to see compensatory symptoms such as low back pain, SI Joint pain, calf pain, foot pain, etc.
Active Release Techniques® (ART) to treat the Gluteus Medius and Other Involved musculature
Active Release Techniques® (ART)is a soft tissue therapy that's gaining popularity for its ability to identify and treat the underlying causes of pain and dysfunction. One of the key components of ART is the Diagnostic Algorithm, a step-by-step process that helps ART practitioners identify the specific structures causing soft tissue conditions. Patients describe an ART treatment as feeling like a “good mixture of a deep tissue massage and a really good stretch”.
Some of the commonly treated muscles in conditions similar to Mitch’s are the IT Band, Quadriceps, Psoas, Patellar Tendon, Quadriceps Tendon, and smaller muscles such as Articularis genu and Popliteus.
The Chiropractic Adjustment to Free up the Joints of the Hip, Pelvis, and Knee
The Chiropractic adjustment typically involves a specific force to a vertebra or joint, aimed at correcting spinal & joint subluxations. The goal of adjusting the spine is to restore proper motion and improve spinal and overall joint function.
The Chiropractic profession uses many different adjustment techniques. Our team will determine what techniques are appropriate for Mitch and his condition.
Physical Rehabilitation to Address the Imbalance in the Knee
The final piece of the puzzle, rehabilitation, promises not just relief but resilience against future injuries. Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (DNS) is a treatment method that focuses on restoring the body's innate movement patterns through the activation of the nervous system. Developed by a team of physical therapists, chiropractors, and neurologists in Prague, DNS is a proven method for improving stability, mobility, and overall health.
DNS works by using specific exercises and techniques to stimulate the nervous system, activating the body's deep stabilizing muscles and promoting the restoration of optimal movement patterns.
A common dysfunctional pattern that we see in patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome is overactivation of the entire lateral chain of the lower body, with tenderness and trigger points noted in the lateral hip, lateral glute, IT Band, lateral calf, and even into the outer portion of the ankle.
Mitch's narrative echoes a universal theme—one where mechanical pain often bewilders individuals, leaving them uncertain of where to seek help. Seaside Chiropractic's commitment emerges as a guiding light, emphasizing the treatment of the individual, not just the ailment. Through cutting-edge diagnostics and tailored treatment plans, the promise is clear—to help individuals like Mitch regain their stride and rediscover the pleasures of everyday life.
Elevating Chiropractic Care in Key Largo and the Upper Keys
Whether you're enjoying the tranquility of Key Largo or embracing the beauty of Islamorada, your well-being matters. Knee pain relief isn't a distant dream—it's a reality within reach.
ART Certified Providers offer a tailored approach that outshines conventional methods in cases like these. By addressing knee issues head-on, these providers can make a real difference in your life.
