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Showing posts from May, 2018

Patellofemoral Syndrome / Chondromalacia Patellae or (Runner’s Knee, Rower’s Knee)

The Knee Joint Complex
The knee joint complex is notably one of the most complicated joints structures within the body, with the shoulder joint complex arguably being the most complexed. Knee joints consist of multiple components including, bone, ligaments, tendons, bursae, articular cartilage, menisci, synovial fluid and fascia. Furthermore, there are many muscles with attachments via tendons, which pass over the knee joint complex and are an integral part of overall structure and function. Each of these structures of the knee provides different and in some cases multiple functions. Some typical examples of differing roles include shock absorption (menisci, cartilage), friction reduction (bursae, cartilage), structural stability (ligaments, tendons, muscles, fascia), physical movement (muscles) etc. Furthermore, many of the functions of specific structures are affected by the other structures, for example, muscle function can be changed by the state of the fascia.
Kinetic Chain and Kne…
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Stress, the Individual, Wellbeing, Performance and the Workplace (Part Two)

The effects of sustained, long-term "Stress"As a brief recap of the first article “Stress, the Individual, Wellbeing, Performance and the Workplace (Part One)" the author covered:- The physiological and psychological changes that occur as part of the Human “Fight, Flight and Freeze” stress response.Discussed what a “stressors” is and how “perception” of stress plays a huge part in the human stress response. How the stress response instantaneously affects a wide variety of the systems throughout the body, both short and possibly longer term via the release of hormones.That one can divide the Central Nervous System into smaller parts or sub-systems.How the “Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS)” is constantly running at a base-level, even while the “Parasympathetic Nervous System (PSNS)” is operating.The Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS) is associated with the “Fight, Flight or Freeze” stress response.That the Parasympathetic Nervous System (PSNS) is associated with “Rest, Diges…
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Plantar Fasciopathy (Plantar Fasciitis)

Plantar Fasciopathy (Plantar Fasciitis) is one of the most common sources of heel pain and can often prove debilitating for many patients once symptoms become chronic.  The condition tends to affect middle-aged people, though can easily impact younger and extremely active people, people who spend a lot of time on their feet and people carrying heavy loads. Heavy loads may be due to obesity or can be related to an aspect of work, such as in the military and emergency services. Pain is usually felt on the underside of the foot and near heel area and is commonly sharp and stabbing in nature. As with many conditions with an inflammatory component, symptoms tend to appear worse first thing in the morning or after rest. Typically, the pain seems to improve with walking once one has pushed through the pain. However, symptoms then return and can prove worse after a rest period. One can see the Plantar Fascia area highlighted with a “greenish tint” in the following diagram.

Images produced with…
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TotalMSK Running Related Injury Series - Achilles Tendinopathy

Achilles Tendinopathy is a condition that can be very painful, severely hamper ones running ability and can often prove problematic to resolve once Chronic. The injury is typically characterised by pain, swelling and general stiffness just above the heel bone (1 - 2 inches). As with many conditions with an inflammatory component, symptoms are usually worst first thing in the morning and appear to improve with movement. Hence, it is quite common for people to push through the discomfort and or even run through the pain. However, the tissues then usually feel far more painful after the activity, and the pain, stiffness and swelling come back after rest or a nights sleep.

Common Causes of Achilles Tendinopathy include:-
Blunt force trauma.Excessive calf muscle tension.Not warming up or cooling down sufficiently.Failing to stretch tissues effectively.Ankle injuries and unresolved tissue damage.Changes in joints, structures and or soft tissues affecting the kinetic chain (biomechanics).Unsu…
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