Therapeutic goals
Reduction of medial knee pain and inflammation.
Improved knee and hip mobility.
Strengthening of the medial stabilising muscles of the knee.
Correction of muscle imbalances and alignment problems.
Improved neuromuscular control and proprioception.
Prevention of recurrence and a gradual return to sporting activities.
Techniques used
Pain-relieving physical therapy as indicated. Massage therapy and myofascial release of the sartorius, gracilis, semitendinosus, quadriceps and triceps surae. Gentle knee mobilisations and stretching of the tendons involved.
Stretching of the sartorius, gracilis and semitendinosus. Stretching of the hamstrings and quadriceps. Gentle knee and ankle mobilisations if necessary.
Progressive strengthening of the medial stabilisers of the knee and hip: sartorius, gracilis, semitendinosus, gluteus medius and maximus, quadriceps (vastus medialis), lumbopelvic core stability work.
Single-leg balance exercises. Work on a balance cushion or wobble board. Hip-knee-ankle alignment control work.
Gradual reconditioning, first to walking and then to running. Knee control work during dynamic activities. Education on load management and prevention.
Exercise programme
- Isometric contractions of the pes anserinus
- Prone knee flexion with a resistance band
- Eccentric hamstring strengthening
- Controlled partial squat
- Glute bridge, double-leg then single-leg
- Side-lying hip abduction with a resistance band
- Lateral band walk (monster walk)
Protocol details
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