The Knee Project

The knee joint is required to produce movement, stability, power, and shock absorption. We rely heavily on our lower limbs to help us stand, walk, run, and jump. If our knees are not functioning properly all manner of problems can arise and we can feel very debilitated.

Our philosophy at Sport Dimensions is to assess the cause of symptoms, actively strengthen the muscles which support the knee, whilst protecting any injured structures. Rest generally doesn't feature as part of our treatment programme as this often causes stiffness and decreased function- there is always something that can be worked on. We successfully treat ACL, PCL, medial and lateral collateral ligaments, arthroscopic surgery, cartilage damage, patella tendonitis, anterior knee pain, iliotibial band syndrome & arthritis.

Knee pain can be caused by a variety of problems. Muscular weakness can produce unnecessary stress on the knee joint, and imbalances can cause shearing forces to occur so that pain is experienced in specific localised areas of the knee joint. If one leg is stronger and more dominant it will take a great deal more strain and force, and may be carrying the weaker leg.

Poor running technique can contribute to muscle imbalance and injury. Many people assume that if they rest from running, the pain will ease and they can go back to running again with no further problems. Wrong! Until you correct the underlying cause of pain, it will not go away by rest alone. Analysis of your running style is necessary to see what it is that needs to be changed. The position in which you stand or plant your feet can also have a significant effect in contributing to knee pain.

Anterior / Posterior Cruciate Ligaments

Damage to either of these ligaments can see you out of action for many months, so good rehabilitation is crucial. The quadriceps, and more importantly the hamstrings must be strengthened to avoid stressing the ligament, whether it be following a tear or surgical repair. If you are awaiting surgery, the stronger you are beforehand the quicker your recovery will be post surgery. Research is proving more and more that post surgery early movement, controlled strengthening, and proprioception are most beneficial to the healing process. Using the Frapper Acceleration Programme, our protocols are designed to minimise time away from sport and activity, aiming to get people safely back to their sport at 5-8 months following reconstruction.

Medial and Lateral Collateral Ligaments

As with the anterior and posterior cruciates, damage to these ligaments of the knee can put you out of action for some time. It is less likely that surgery will be needed for these ligaments, so strengthening the muscles is imperative to recovery. It is imperative with these injuries that active rehabilitation is carried out quickly and that it is progressed to dynamic stability before return to sport. This way you dramatically reduce the risk of reinjury.

Arthritis

There are certain ways to minimise the symptoms of arthritis, including Strength and Nutrition. Arthritis is essentially a deterioration of the joint. This can be slowed down by being strong, fit, active and nutritionally healthy. The strength and control of your leg muscles will determine how much strain your knees take, so the stronger the muscles are and the better the control is, the more the knee becomes protected. Joint replacements can be put off by a significant amount of time if the muscles are strengthened. If a replacement is inevitable then the stronger and fitter you are before hand, the more speedy and successful your recovery will be.