In the musculoskeletal system, chronic injuries suggest that something is wrong somewhere else, or the injury would resolve, right? The way I look at the body is from the point of view that the systems need to work together for movement to occur without upset. The organization of the body requires mobility in some joints and tissues and stability in other joints and tissues.
I saw a fellow today who had chronic knee pain. Non specific anterior knee pain that came on for no apparent reason and has just been very persistent. Examination revealed a low grade chronic patella tendinitis (the tendon between the knee cap and the tibia). BUT, he also has tight IT Bands, tight quads, and a very stiff foot with a stiff ankle.
My point is that chronic injuries are usually chronic because OTHER issues need to be addressed. And the only way to figure our what else needs to be worked on or what must change is to be evaluated.
In his case, the evaluation revealed the tightness of the tissues described, and also a need to custom orthotic therapy to improve his overall structural biomechanical alignment.
My question to you is this: What would an evaluation of your biomechanics and function suggest for treatment to be successful?
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About Me
- Neil Chasan, PT, MMT
- I have been practicing since 1982, mostly with active people. I teach at the University of Washington in the PT school. I am published in Common Musculoskeletal Disorders and in Orthopedic Physical Therapy Clinics of North America.