Osteopathic Treatment for Knee Pain

A knee injury is one of the most common complaints especially among athletes. The knee includes bones, the meniscus, and ligaments. There are four bones of the knee, which are the patella, which is the kneecap, the thigh bone or femur, the tibia, and the fibula. The patella or kneecap sits on top of the knee joint itself and aids in the bending of the knee. The femur is connected to the tibia and the fibula runs just below and behind that bone.

Osteopathic treatment specializes in the manipulation of the joints and/or muscles. The osteopath works by using his or her hands to stretch and soothe tight muscles by this manipulative form of treatment. Not only is osteopathic treatment used for knee pain, but also for shoulder, hip, buttock, foot, ankle, elbow, back, wrist pain, and other areas of medicine as well.

Osteopathic treatment is concerned with manipulative movements and also concentrates on the body as a whole, using its natural healing qualities. This type of treatment is not to be confused with physical therapy or chiropractic medicine. This is a more subdued form of treatment using a holistic approach.

On your first visit to an osteopath a medical history, as detailed as possible, will be taken. An examination of your body will then be in order. Your osteopath will request that you move in certain ways so that he or she can assess your whole body. A closer look at the painful area itself will be thoroughly examined. If there is further question an x-ray or other diagnostic testing, such as an MRI will be obtained.

Specifically, osteopathic treatment of the knee would depend on the injury, problem, and condition of the knee joint. The knee would be fully evaluated prior to any treatment taking place. An osteopath might deal with the knee joint in several ways, such as stretching, ultrasound, and/or the use of friction. Another osteopathic treatment for knee pain may very well include the resting of the knee joint itself, ice, or exercises.

Each person is individually unique as is his or her injury or problem area. What will work for one person may not always work for another. An osteopath will be able to determine which type of treatment will work on your problem condition.

The osteopathic doctor, or D.O., believes in eight principles regarding osteopathic medicine. Some of these principles are as follows: They believe that the structure and function of the human body are related. They also believe that nerves are involved in the bodily fluid control, the body is capable of regulating itself and will repair from within, and it is a whole unit.

To learn more about the osteopathic approach in medicine you can contact the AOA or American Osteopathic Association.

RESOURCES

Australian Osteopathic Association: KNee Pain

American Osteopathic Association: CHronic Knee Pain

University of Maryland Medical Center: Osteopathy