Why Do I Have Tennis Elbow?

You may recognize this situation: The doctor diagnoses your elbow pain as something called tennis elbow–but you’ve never played tennis at all! Don’t be confused by the name – tennis elbow is a common complaint, and a background in sports isn’t necessary to be afflicted.

The medical term for tennis elbow is lateral epicondylosis, referring to the tendons attached to the bone in your arm near your elbow. These are the tendons that extend the wrist and fingers. But after episodes of repeated gripping or lifting, these tendon anchor muscles can become inflamed or degenerated. When this happens, the attachment of these tendons becomes weakened, and places a strain on the muscles. This can lead to intense pain. It often starts at the bony point on the underside of the elbow and radiates down your forearm. The severe pain can wake you up at night, or stop you from lifting your morning cup of coffee.

Treatment and Therapy

The treatment of tennis elbow targets improving the health of these strained tendons. Restoring strength to the connected muscles is also critically important. The first thing that doctors usually recommend to treat this condition is nonsurgical management. This can include anti-inflammatory medications or steroid injections into the painful area. But in the early stages, a referral to a hand therapist is also highly recommended!

An occupational therapist, or a therapist who specializes in working with the hand, wrist, and elbow, will identify what is needed to alleviate the pain in the short term and restore the tendon’s health in the long term. Hand therapists use manual techniques that will help you to move smoothly and comfortably through the stages of healing. In some cases, the therapist may need to customize a splint or brace for you. They will also develop a program of exercises and stretches that you can do at home when you are ready.

Whether you’re Roger Federer or an Average Joe, tennis elbow can be a painful, stressful ailment. But a good therapist is key to achieving your goals when it comes to recovering, and is the first step on the road to getting you back in the action!

Article written by Joanne E. Petrunik, OTR/L. Joanne specializes in Hand Therapy, Upper Extremity Rehabilitation, Sports Injuries and Pre- and Post- Operative Rehabilitation. You can request an appointment with Joanne at one of our locations.

Schroth Method for Scoliosis Specialist

Park Sports PT’s newest Schroth Method Specialist Irina Taranenko

At Park Sports PT, we pride ourselves on recruiting the finest physical therapists. Our team is diverse, certified and compassionate about their patients and their careers. So, we’re excited to introduce Irina Taranenko. Irina’s focus is Scoliosis and she is a certified Schroth Method therapist.

Irina is a long time resident of Brooklyn and is passionate about her city, her community and her career. Sports played a big part of Irina’s childhood. She competed on a high level in numerous individual and team sports. As a result, these experiences gave her a unique awareness of her body and her health.

It was this combination of science and movement that really appealed to Irina as she began thinking about her career. Irina decided to pursue Physical Therapy and received her DPT and Bachelors of Science degree in from Touro College in New York City with a focus on research based patient care.

Struggling with Scoliosis.

Growing up, Irina struggled with scoliosis. Hence, she experienced two major surgeries and the arduous recovery from each surgery. Scoliosis quickly became a subject Irina could closely relate. Her personal experiences helped her understand the emotional challenges scoliosis presents to patients. Because of this Irina decided to obtain her C1 certification through the Barcelona Scoliosis Physical Therapy School (BSPTS) where she became a certified Schroth Therapist.

The Schroth method has recently gained more popularity in the US. As a result, method has built a strong reputation in the industry. It is known as a great way to successfully correct posture and halt curvature of the spine. The Schroth method was not readily available to Irina when she was dealing with her childhood scoliosis. Consequently, helping others with the Schroth Method became very appealing to her.

CLICK HERE for a detailed look into the history of the Schroth Method.

Irina specializes in the three-dimensional treatment of Scoliosis. The three dimensional approach to scoliosis deals with postural corrections to elongate the trunk and correct imbalances of the spine. The goal is to develop the inner muscles of the rib cage in order to change the shape of the upper trunk and to correct any spinal abnormalities.

Scoliosis affects 6-9 million Americans. The primary age of onset for scoliosis is 10-15 years old, occurring equally male and female. At Park Sports PT, we treat scoliosis using the Scroth Method. This specialized form of treatment has shown to greatly ease pain and improve current and potential quality of health for younger and older patients. Irina is part of our dedicated team of Park Sports Schroth specialists.

Contact us today to learn more.

Hamstring Injuries

Hamstring injuries can be painful and set you back weeks if not properly recognized and treated. Strain to the hamstring occurs when one or more of the three hamstring muscles or tendons (at the back of the thigh) is torn, either partially or completely. It is one of the most common injuries of the lower body. While hamstring injuries are most often associated with athletes participating in sports involving high-speed running, such as football, soccer, or track, anyone with a hamstring runs a risk of a hamstring injury. There is also great risk of hamstring re-injury. In fact, after tearing a hamstring muscle, a person is two to six times more likely to suffer a subsequent injury. In most cases, hamstring strain injuries are successfully managed with physical therapy.

“Hamstring strains are one of the most frequently occurring injuries in sport. They can be challenging and frustrating to treat because of the high recurrence rate. Hamstring strains account for 12–16% of all injuries in athletes.”
The National Center for Biotechnology Information

Symptoms of a Hamstring Injury

Pain in the back of your thigh, either behind your knee, in the muscle belly, or near your buttock
Difficulty fully straightening your knee without pain
Hard to take large steps or walk quickly, or pain experienced with climbing stairs
Discomfort with running

In most instances, there is pain associated with a hamstring injury. The range of pain can be from mild to severe. As the hamstring covers a large portion of the back of the leg, the exact location of symptoms may vary from person to person.

Causes of Injury

A hamstring injury may come on suddenly, typically as the result of a quick motion that occurs with running or cutting maneuvers while participating in sports. Occasionally, you can suffer a hamstring strain by simply moving the wrong way while getting up from a chair or while walking and running.

First steps to injury recovery

See your doctor to be sure you get an accurate diagnosis
Visit a physical therapist to start treating the pain and to start working on restoring your normal mobility
Avoid aggravating activities that can cause pain or prevent normal tissue healing of your hamstring

Evaluation

At Park Sports, we regularly treat hamstring and other sports injuries. Many of our therapists are current and former athletes so we understand the importance of strength, range of motion, and rehabilitation when it comes to performance and daily life. Treatment starts with an initial evaluation. All hamstring injuries are unique so the initial evaluation phase is vital time for us as we work to prepare an individualized treatment plan. During our evaluation we will:

Determine the Range of Motion (ROM) of your hip and knee. Hamstring strains typically limit the amount of motion and flexibility around the hip and knee joints
Measure the strength of your hamstrings and surrounding muscles
Check on how your hamstring pain limits your ability to perform normal activities. We will watch you walk, run, climb stairs, or jump, depending on the severity of your condition

Treatment

The main goals of physical therapy for a hamstring strain include restoring normal flexibility and ROM, regaining normal strength, controlling pain and swelling, and helping you get back to optimal function.
Ultrasound is a deep heating treatment that can help improve circulation and extensibility around the injured tissues of your hamstring.
Massage. Massaging the injured tissue can help improve scar tissue mobility. The effects of deep stripping massage results in an increased hamstring length rather quickly, improving flexibility, but does not affect the strength of the muscle.
Kinesiology taping techniques help improve the way your hamstring muscle functions. Kinesiology taping can also be used to decrease swelling and bruising around your hamstring muscles.
Ice may be used during the acute phase of injury to control swelling and to decrease pain that you are feeling.
Moist heat packs help relax your hamstring muscles and to improve tissue extensibility prior to stretching.

We will also prescribe specific exercises for you to do in the clinic, and a home exercise program for you to do on a regular basis.

Get Back and Better

Hamstring injuries have a history of returning and we want you to get back to your life and be in a better physical place. Studies show that physical therapy can help the hamstring heal properly. In addition, our therapists will work with you on balance, posture and other everyday motions that will help to reduce re-injury. For more information or a free evaluation of your injury, please contact us.

Shoulder Injuries: The Rotator Cuff

Shoulder injuries and pain are frequent complaints we encounter at Park Sports Physical Therapy. There are many factors involved in the diagnosis of shoulder pain. A skillful clinician looks at the whole picture – your posture, the entire kinetic chain including your core and lower extremities musculature, the spinal alignment and most importantly, your shoulder blade mechanics. After all, shoulder pain is most often just a manifestation of a deeper problem.

One problem we often see concerns shoulder injuries to the Rotator Cuff.

Rotator Cuff Tendinitis

Shoulder injuries to the Rotator cuff such as Rotator Cuff tendinitis affects the tendons and muscles that help move your shoulder joint. It is often preceded by the shoulder impingement syndrome, when the tendons of the rotator cuff get “squeezed” by the bony elements. It is a result of faulty mechanics during shoulder elevation, which leads to irritation and inflammation of the tendon and eventually to tendinitis. This condition usually occurs over time and reflects a certain athletic lifestyle or profession that requires repetitive arm and shoulder movement.
Sometimes rotator cuff tendinitis can occur without any known cause. Most people with rotator cuff tendinitis are able to regain full function of the shoulder without any pain.

Symptoms

The symptoms of rotator cuff tendinitis tend to get worse over time. Initial symptoms may be relieved with rest, but the symptoms can later become constant. Symptoms that go past the elbow usually indicate another problem.

Some symptoms include:

Pain and swelling in the front of your shoulder and side of your arm
pain triggered by raising or lowering your arm
a clicking sound when raising your arm
stiffness
pain that causes you to wake from sleep
pain when reaching behind your back
a loss of mobility and strength in the affected arm

Rotator Cuff Tears

There are two kinds of rotator cuff tears. A partial tear is when the tendon that protects the top of your shoulder is frayed or damaged. The other is a complete tear. A complete tear goes all the way through the tendon or pulls the tendon off the bone.

Physical Therapy Treatment

If you have a shoulder injury to the rotator cuff such as rotator cuff tendinitis or a rotator cuff tears, you’re not alone. It happens to millions of people every year. It’s a common cause of shoulder pain. The right treatment can make you feel better, keep a small injury from getting worse, and help you heal. For many people, physical therapy (PT) is the answer. It may be all you need to treat an injured rotator cuff.

At Park Sports our program includes personalized exercise, monitored application of ice and heat, detailed massage from a trained specialist, and specific equipment to help return your shoulder back to its normal range of motion. Our role is not just to treat your pain. We want to help you get back to doing the things you enjoy pain free and with a new understanding of how your body functions to help reduce future injury.

According to WebMd, “one study shows that people who got PT for a rotator cuff tear did just as well as those who had surgery.”

Surgery

If nonsurgical treatment isn’t successful, your doctor may recommend surgery. Most people experience full recovery after having rotator cuff surgery. We also treat many patients after rotator cuff surgery to help them recover quickly and in a way that sustains their health and the healthy future of their rotator cuff.

Please contact us for more information about Park Sports and rotator cuff injuries.

Park Sports PT is a Participating Member of the Hospital for Special Surgery Rehabilitation Network.

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Pelvic Floor Could be the Issue

Pelvic Floor could be the issue. Does your low back pain linger, even after trying every trick in the toolbox? You’ve gone to massage therapy, acupuncture, and even the chiropractor – but nothing seems to work. While these professionals are good at addressing the spine and the hip muscles, they may be overlooking an important culprit of low back pain – the pelvic floor.

When people think of pelvic floor dysfunction, they often think of difficulty with bladder control or leakage of urine upon exertion. While this is certainly an issue for many women (in fact urinary incontinence affects over 50% of postmenopausal women and 30% of women postpartum), the pelvic floor does more for your body than simply control your bladder.

Your Pelvic Floor muscles form your Core.

The pelvic floor muscles form the base of what is commonly referred to as the ‘core’. These muscles line the pelvis and attach to the tailbone. They work with the deep abdominal and back muscles, as well as your breathing muscle (the diaphragm), to support the spine and control the pressure inside your abdomen. The pressure created by the abdominals and diaphragm exits through the pelvic floor. Without a strong floor, the integrity of the lumbar spine and sacroiliac joint may be comprised, leading to back injury or dysfunction. The opposite may also be true. When the back is in pain, the pelvic floor muscles may tighten as a protective mechanism, leading to trigger points and stiffness in the region. Recent research shows that this is more prevalent than we realized.

Of women with low back pain, more than 95% had pelvic floor dysfunction as well. This included pelvic tenderness (71%), weakness (66%) and even pelvic organ prolapse (41%).

Try physical therapy!

So what can you do about this? Try pelvic floor physical therapy!

A pelvic floor physical therapist understands the close relationship between the pelvic floor and low back pain. An initial evaluation and thorough history will rule out other potential causes of your back pain. At Park Sports PT our pelvic floor specialist, Lacey Salberg, PT, DPT, is very familiar with these cases. For example, Lacey was recently treating a patient who came in with classic low back pain and sciatica symptoms. The patient first saw Lacey after weeks of unsuccessful treatment from other healthcare professionals, who all attributed her pain to a tight piriformis muscle. Because Lacey took a pelvic floor approach, she discovered that the sciatic pain was actually due to tightness of an important pelvic floor muscle – the obturator internus. After a few weeks of treatment with Lacey, involving muscle energy techniques and soft tissue release, the back pain and sciatica symptoms resolved completely.

In conclusion, for targeted long term relief of lower back pain, both the pelvic floor and lower back must be looked at together. For questions or to make an appointment with our pelvic floor physical therapist, click here.

Written By: Lacey Salberg

Park Sports PT is a Participating Member of the Hospital for Special Surgery Rehabilitation Network.

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Link to study:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29268147

Scoliosis Treatment: Schroth Method for 13 Year Old Female

The Schroth Method for Scoliosis

One recent case here at Park Sports involved a 13 year old female named Kathy. Kathy was a highly energized, busy, and athletic young teen. She danced ballet, played lacrosse, and was a competitive swimmer. As is often the case, Kathy discovered she had scoliosis at a regular check up at her doctor’s office. As a result, her doctor monitored Kathy with x-rays every 6 months for a year. They determined that her spine displayed a curve progression over the 12 months. Kathy was also in pain and had to greatly reduce her activities.

Her Diagnosis.

The diagnosis Kathy received from her medical doctor was as follows:

Right Thoracic convexity with 11 degree Cobb angle
Left Lumbar convexity with 16 degree Cobb angle

Treatment at Park Sports PT.

Kathy and her family decided they wanted to pursue physical therapy. After researching Park Sports PT and visiting our clinics, Kathy began working with our Scroth Method specialist Dr. Kristin Romeo. One of the many aspects of Park Sports Kathy and her family liked was that Dr. Romeo is also an athlete and competitive soccer player and has a personal understanding as to how important body function and health is to athletic performance and everyday activity.

At the start of treatment, Dr. Romeo reviews all medical records pertaining to her patient’s scoliosis. She then performs her own examination, re-taking measurements and preparing her own evaluation. After Dr. Romeo performed these important tasks for Kathy, she designed a treatment plan and schedule.

Excellent results.

Kathy visited Park Sports PT 22 times over the course of three months. After these three months, Kathy was pain free and resumed her full slate of activities. In fact, her Left Lumbar convexity, which was 16 degrees when treatment began, was 11 degrees after three months. Kathy’s family purchased most of the Schroth equipment we used in her sessions at our clinic for home use to help Kathy continue her at-home plan.

If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with Scoliosis, the Schroth Method might be a perfect solution for less pain and better future health. For more information on the Schroth Method, Park Sports PT, and a consultation, please visit us HERE. Park Sports PT is a Participating Member of the Hospital for Special Surgery Rehabilitation Network.

Treating Scoliosis with The Schroth Method

The Schroth Method for treating Scoliosis

Park Sports PT offer patients who have been diagnosed with Scoliosis a highly experienced team focused on the Schroth Method. This specialized form of treatment has shown to greatly ease pain and improve current and potential quality of health for younger and older patients.

We treat a wide variety of patients at Park Sports PT and one case involved an active 67 year old female named Abby. Abby was used to playing tennis three times a week and walking three miles per day. Pain from her scoliosis rendered these activities impossible. As a result, Abby tried conventional physical therapy on two separate occasions, both leaving her in more pain and desperate for a solution. Consequently, these events lead her to seek the Schroth Method from Park Sports PT.

Patient Profile: Abby, 67 Year old Female

Abby met with our Schroth Method specialist Dr. Kristin Romeo. At the time of her evaluation, Abby presented with a L lumbar convexity of 42 degrees. Because of this, she was experiencing sever pain in her lower back, both hips, and pain in her neck region. She was in agony and questioned whether she would ever play tennis or walk more than a few blocks unaided again.

After conducting a thorough examination and reviewing all of Abby’s medical records pertaining to her Scoliosis, Dr. Romeo created a customized program of treatment for Abby. They met two times a week for eight weeks. After these eight weeks, Abby started to feel better. For example, she began to walk lengthy distances, first one mile, then two miles, pain free. Dr. Romeo focused on postural changes, specific breathing techniques based upon Abby’s posture and altered the way Abby sat and performed routine physical activities. By meticulously strengthening soft tissue, Abby was able to redefine and re-strengthen her posture.

As of this article, Abby is planning a tennis weekend and is confident she will be pain free.

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The Schroth Method for Scoliosis

The Schroth Method for scoliosis utilizes a three dimensional approach to elongate the trunk and correct imbalances of the spine. The goal is to develop the inner muscles of the rib cage in order to change the shape of the upper trunk and to correct any spinal abnormalities.

Developed by Katharina Schroth

The Schroth Method was originally developed by Katharina Schroth in Germany. The method uses customized exercises to return the body’s posture to a more natural position. It is standard treatment for scoliosis in many European countries, and is gaining trust and popularity in the United States.

Scoliosis Symptoms

Symptoms of Scoliosis vary. Pain does not always accompany scoliosis. As a result, scoliosis can present in a variety ways such as abnormal trunk lean, uneven rib cage/shoulders or even back pain. If you suspect scoliosis contact your primary care provider. Prior to Schroth treatment, an x-ray is needed as scoliosis can present differently externally due to overlying musculature and does not give us the full picture. So, knowing the bony anatomy allows us to monitor your progress and tailor your treatment to your specific curvature.

Treatment at Park Sports PT

Getting treatment at Park Sports PT means you are working with certified therapists trained in the Schroth Method. They are partners in your health and wellness. Your therapist will create a personalized plan just for you and your specific condition. Our treatment approach can treat scoliosis patients of all ages. It can also can be utilized to treat in all stages of scoliosis, including after surgery.

Throughout treatment, we look closely at the three-dimensional curve in the spine. We teach patients very specific ways to correct that curve or scoliosis posture. Once patients have recognized their corrected posture, we teach them breathing and muscle activation techniques to hold that correction. Essentially, we help train the motor neurons to sense when they’re in a corrected posture versus when they’re in their scoliosis posture.

The Schroth Method takes a lot of repetition and commitment from the patient to learn these techniques. That’s why home exercises are also recommend at least five days a week for a half hour each time.

Trial results show improved patient outcomes

Several trials have found that physical therapy scoliosis-specific exercises lead to improved patient outcomes. This includes less pain and improved muscular strength, muscular endurance and self-image. In one study, spinal deformity improved in 69 percent of patients who completed Schroth exercises. This compared to only 6 percent in patients who did not complete their exercises. The Schroth Method at Park Sports PT works.

Your Park Sports PT team will create a personalized plan and will help prepare you to work on your strength and posture at home. The result is long term care and a stronger and healthier body.

Contact Us

If you or your child has any symptoms or have visited your primary care provider and are looking for treatment, contact us today to learn more. We are here to help.

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Pelvic Floor Therapy

Pelvic Floor Therapy and Dysfunction.

Pelvic Floor Therapy can be an important part of a healthy life. So when it comes to posture, comfort, intimacy, and wellness, a healthy pelvic floor is one of the most vital parts of your body. Many women face daily discomfort, lack of intimacy, physical pain, and more due to a dysfunction of the muscles, ligaments, and nerves that support the pelvic region.

A healthy and re-energized pelvic region can greatly restore your well-being and help to eliminate symptoms that are negatively effecting your life.

Pelvic Floor Dysfunction (PFD) may be brought on by a variety of reasons. These include pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, prior surgery or radiation, heavy lifting and straining, obesity, and congenital weakness. This can lead to vulvar pain, localized pelvic discomfort, prolapse, low back pain, leakage, incontinence and much more. Most do not seek advice from a physical therapist. Those who do however, can see life changing results.

At Park Sports, we are dedicated to life changing results.

Park Sports Therapy Approach to Pelvic Floor Dysfunction.

What to Expect When Getting Started.

At Park Sports, we understand the seriousness of your decision to seek help. We offer evidence-based and individualized treatment plans backed by a wealth of knowledge and a history of success.

Our pelvic floor therapist Lacey Salberg PT, DPT has received extensive training from the Herman & Wallace Pelvic Rehabilitation Institute, a leader in pelvic floor education and awareness. Lacey will take the time to discuss your health concerns. She will also fully evaluate your condition and create personalized plan, uniquely designed for your comfort level, your lifestyle and your body. You will receive one-on-one sessions in our private treatment room as she coaches you towards your health goals.

Working Together.

We consider your health a team effort. Part of your therapy will include an at home exercise program that will help you progress through your treatment plan. As you make advancements, it is possible that your initial plan may need some adjustments. Your therapist will listen carefully to your body and closely monitor your functional gains. If necessary, she will discuss modifying your treatment plan to better achieve your health goals.

Long-Term Planning.

Once you reach your goals, your therapist will provide an at home plan. This plan will help you maintain your new functional gains and pelvic floor health. Of course we will always be available to provide advice and assistance. As your health and wellness partner – our goal is your long-term happiness.

Park Sports Pelvic Therapy Floor Services.

Our practice offers a full range of services for Pelvic Floor Dysfunction including:

Comprehensive musculoskeletal and orthopedic evaluation, including assessment of the pelvic floor muscles and hip alignment.
External and/or internal manual therapy techniques such as myofascial release, soft tissue mobilization, neuromuscular facilitation, and scar massage.
Biofeedback for muscle re-training and recruitment.
Bowel and bladder training and diaries.
Therapeutic exercises such as postural re-education, muscle relaxation, core stabilization, and flexibility exercises.
Home exercise program instruction.
Self-management techniques to improve overall quality of life.

Contact Park Sports.

Contact us today to learn more about Pelvic Floor Therapy at Park Sports and to schedule an initial appointment. Let’s meet and discuss your questions, concerns and needs. We offer a premiere service with proven life changing results and we look forward to serving you.

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Injury Prevention for Youth Soccer Athletes Workshop Recap

On March, 28th 2018, physical therapists, Igor Kozlov, DPT, and Aaron Lentz, SPT, gave their first presentation at the new Park Slope United Club House, which just opened up their doors on March, 24th 2018 in Bedford Stuyvesant.

A lot of great material was covered including common injuries that soccer players face during training and games, the FIFA 11+ warm-up, proper footwear for different kinds of turf, and the benefits of the Movement Assessment.

Here’s a brief recap.

What is the Movement Assessment?

A Movement Assessment is an evaluation of your child’s body’s movement. Our therapists will assess your child’s body’s posture and core strength, search for any muscle imbalances, test their flexibility, analyze their gait, and test for balance.

This creates a baseline for them to improve upon. A Movement Assessment is useful for catching any inefficiencies in the body early on that can lead to injury. This assessment has proven to be an invaluable tool for many of the athletes we see at our practice.

Imagine your child being able to run with greater efficiency and producing less strain on their muscles and joints, or having the knowledge to jump, land, and pivot with a lower chance of injury.

Our therapists can help your child gain greater insight and control over their body, which will lead to greater athletic performance.

The FIFA 11+

Aaron and Igor mentioned the importance of stretching and warming up before training and playing in any matches. The FIFA 11+ warm-up routine was created as an injury prevention program. Coaches and parents should be mindful and remind their young athletes to do a proper warm-up.

Recent studies have shown that the most common injuries in youth soccer players are torn ACL’s, Hamstring strains/tears, and ankle injuries.

Research has shown that implementing the FIFA 11/11+ warm up statistically decreases the number of injuries during soccer. The warm-up can be implemented before a game, practice or just kicking the ball around with friends.

The FIFA 11 is a series of warm-up exercises that are broken up into three parts.

Part 1 includes all running exercises, there are a series of 6 activities to be performed in part 1.

Part 2 is all about exercises that utilize plyometrics, balance training, and strength training. Part 2 includes another 6 exercises which can be changed to a more challenging level as the athlete improves.

Part 3 is the last section where there is just one exercise that again focuses on running. In part 3 the level of difficulty can be changed based on the ease of completion of the athlete performing the warm-up.

Download the FIFA 11+ warm-up sheet here.

Osgood-Schlatter Knee Pain — Medical Illustration originally sourced from https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases–conditions/osgood-schlatter-disease-knee-pain/

Osgood-Schlatters (Knee Pain)

Osgood-Schlatters is an overuse injury that is more common among boys from the age of 9-15 and during growth spurts. The presentation and symptoms are a pronounced bump below the knee cap, that is painful with activity, but the pain decreases with rest. The details of the injury affect the patellar tendon at its insertion point on the tibia and may affect the growth plate. Osgood-Schlatters can be diagnosed with a radiograph. This injury is caused by a lot of running and jumping activities.

Proper Footwear

The last topic that was discussed was proper footwear for playing soccer. The shoe should fit snug with just a little room for the toes to move. Proper soccer shoes should be worn while playing soccer, not running shoes or cross trainers or basketball shoes. This cannot be stressed enough!

For indoor play, there are specific indoor soccer shoes that should be worn. When playing on artificial turf there are specific turf cleats that aren’t as long and have more cleats on the bottom of the shoes.

When playing in wet or long grass that is softer the cleats should be a little longer to provide more grip while playing.

Schedule Your Child’s Movement Assessment with Our Expert Physical Therapists Today.

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