Osgood-Schlatter disease (OSD) is a common musculoskeletal condition that primarily affects children and adolescents during growth spurts, especially between the ages of 10 and 15. This condition is more frequently seen in males than females and is particularly prevalent among young athletes. OSD causes significant knee pain, typically felt just below the kneecap, which repetitive knee flexion and extension activities, such as soccer, basketball, and ballet can aggravate. The pain often intensifies with physical activity, leading to swelling and tenderness in the affected area.
Article Index:
Introduction
Osgood-Schlatter disease (OSD) is characterized by inflammation and irritation of the patellar tendon at its insertion point on the tibial tuberosity, a bony prominence on the front of the tibia. This condition leads to pain, swelling, and tenderness below the patella.
Prolonged stress on this area can cause the development of a palpable and tender bony bump. Healthcare professionals must identify these specific clinical signs, especially in pediatric and adolescent athletes.
OSD typically follows a self-limiting course and resolves over time. However, therapeutic intervention is often needed to relieve pain and discomfort. Effective conservative management strategies include rest, cryotherapy, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and modifications in physical activity. Additionally, stretching exercises and manual therapy play a significant role in managing symptoms.
Clinical Features of Osgood-Schlatter Disease:
Anterior knee pain predominantly localized inferior to the patella at the tibial tuberosity
Swelling or tenderness surrounding the knee, particularly at the tibial tuberosity
A palpable bony prominence or lump inferior to the knee, sensitive upon palpation
Muscular stiffness or tightness encircling the knee joint, exacerbated after periods of inactivity
Pain aggravated by physical activity involving running, jumping, or squatting movements
Pain alleviation with rest
This is predominantly observed in pediatric and adolescent athletes participating in sports or activities involving repetitive knee flexion and extension.
Symptoms may be unilateral or bilateral.
Infrequently, the affected region may exhibit erythema, warmth, or signs of infection.
Manual Therapy for Osgood Schlatter
Hands-on manual therapy is a valuable treatment option for Osgood-Schlatter disease (OSD), offering several benefits to patients suffering from this common musculoskeletal condition affecting children and adolescents. Manual therapy techniques can help alleviate pain, improve flexibility, and enhance overall function in individuals with OSD. Some of the key benefits of hands-on manual therapy include the following:
Pain reduction: Manual therapy techniques, such as soft tissue mobilization, can help alleviate pain in individuals with OSD by releasing muscle tension and breaking up adhesions around the affected area. These techniques can be particularly effective in reducing pain associated with tight muscles and tendons, such as the quadriceps and patellar tendon.
Improved flexibility: Manual therapy can help enhance flexibility in the muscles and tendons surrounding the knee joint by targeting areas of tightness and restriction. By promoting increased flexibility, manual therapy can help reduce stress on the patellar tendon and tibial tuberosity, primarily affected by OSD.
Enhanced joint mobility: Manual therapy techniques, such as joint mobilization, can help improve knee joint mobility by addressing joint restrictions and enhancing the range of motion. Improved joint mobility can reduce pain and improve function in individuals with OSD.
Reduced inflammation: Manual therapy can help decrease inflammation around the affected area by promoting increased blood flow and lymphatic drainage. This can help reduce swelling and tenderness at the tibial tuberosity and promote healing.
Muscle balance: Manual therapy can help correct muscle imbalances around the knee joint by targeting weak or tight muscles that may contribute to the development or progression of OSD. By addressing these imbalances, manual therapy can help reduce the load on the affected area and alleviate symptoms.
Biomechanical correction: Manual therapy can help address biomechanical issues that may contribute to OSD by improving the alignment and function of the lower extremities. Correcting biomechanical factors can help reduce the stress on the patellar tendon and tibial tuberosity, leading to symptom relief and prevention of further injury.
Individualized treatment: Hands-on manual therapy allows healthcare professionals to tailor treatment plans to the specific needs of each individual with OSD. By addressing the unique factors contributing to a patient's condition, manual therapy can provide more targeted and effective relief from symptoms.
Exercise
Though not curative for Osgood-Schlatter disease, exercise interventions can aid in symptom relief and damage prevention. Beneficial exercises include:
Stretching exercises: Muscular tightness exacerbating OSD can be mitigated through stretching exercises, reducing pain. Quadriceps, hamstring, and calf stretches are particularly advantageous.
Strengthening exercises: Enhancing muscle balance around the knee joint through strengthening exercises can reduce the load on the affected area. Leg presses, squats, and step-ups are examples of beneficial exercises.
Low-impact exercises: High-impact activities such as running and jumping can exacerbate Osgood-Schlatter's disease. Low-impact exercises, including cycling, swimming, and yoga, can help maintain cardiovascular fitness and improve flexibility without worsening symptoms.
Rest and cryotherapy: Rest and ice application can help alleviate pain and inflammation in the affected area. It is crucial to abstain from activities that induce pain and allow adequate time for the body to heal.
Treatment and Exercise Demonstration
Osgood-Schlatter Disease Uncovered
In this video, Dr. Brian Abelson, the Developer of Motion Specific Release (MSR), and Miki Burton RMT present you with effective treatment procedures and functional exercises for this common condition.
Note:
The treatment demonstration starts at 01:50
Mobility exercises start at 05:56
Strengthening exercises start at 11:42
Fascial Expansion: The MSR Knee Pain Protocol
Utilizing fascial expansions in knee pain management merges contemporary insights into fascia, kinetic chain relationships, and acupuncture principles. This approach is highly effective for treating Osgood-Schlatter Disease by improving joint function and reducing discomfort. The MSR protocol focuses on alleviating tension in the quadriceps and patellar tendon, which are often strained in this condition. By enhancing fascial health and biomechanics, the MSR techniques help reduce inflammation and pain at the tibial tuberosity, promoting tissue repair and improving mobility for young athletes experiencing this growth-related knee pain.
Treatment Frequency Recommendations
When providing manual therapy for OSD, the goal is to alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, and improve function. Each individual's response to therapy can vary. Regular assessment and feedback will determine the optimal frequency and duration for the patient.
Acute Phase:
If the pain and inflammation are severe, it's advisable to start with 2-3 sessions per week for one to two weeks.
This helps to manage the acute symptoms effectively.
Subacute/Chronic Phase:
Once the acute symptoms subside, the frequency can be reduced to once a week or once every two weeks, based on the individual's progress and response to therapy.
Duration
Each session typically lasts between 15 and 30 minutes. The exact duration would be determined by the severity of the condition and the specific manual therapy procedures being used.
Remember, while manual therapy can offer relief, it's essential to address the root cause of OSD, which is often related to overuse or specific activities that place repetitive stress on the growth plate in the knee.
Why Choose Our Approach for Osgood-Schlatter Disease Treatment
Our comprehensive approach to treating Osgood-Schlatter Disease consistently delivers a 90% success rate in reducing pain and improving knee function. Here's why our method stands out:
Established Expertise: Developed by Dr. Brian Abelson, our Motion-Specific Release (MSR) methodology is backed by over 30 years of clinical experience and the successful treatment of more than 25,000 patients. You’ll receive top-tier care that you can trust.
Thorough Assessments: We conduct detailed evaluations to identify all contributing factors, including muscle imbalances and tightness in the quadriceps, which are often linked to Osgood-Schlatter Disease.
Advanced MSR Procedures: Our MSR techniques focus on relieving fascial tension and improving tissue quality around the knee, targeting the exact areas that are causing discomfort and inflammation.
Customized Exercise Programs: We design personalized exercise programs to strengthen the quadriceps and hamstrings, improve flexibility, and promote proper knee alignment, aiding in a smooth recovery.
Logical, Evidence-Based Approach: Our treatment plans combine manual therapy with functional exercises, offering a comprehensive and scientifically backed solution to reduce symptoms and enhance knee function.
Choose our proven, patient-focused approach for lasting relief from Osgood-Schlatter Disease. Start your recovery journey with confidence and get back to the activities you love.
References
Gholve, P. A., Scher, D. M., Khakharia, S., Widmann, R. F., & Green, D. W. (2007). Osgood Schlatter syndrome. Current Opinion in Pediatrics, 19(1), 44-50.
Kaya, D. O., Toprak, U., Baltaci, G., Yosmaoglu, B., & Ozer, H. (2013). Long-term functional and sonographic outcomes in Osgood-Schlatter disease. Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy, 21(5), 1131-1139.
Demirag, B., Ozturk, C., Yazici, Z., & Sarisozen, B. (2004). The pathophysiology of Osgood-Schlatter disease: a magnetic resonance investigation. Journal of Pediatric Orthopaedics B, 13(6), 379-382.
Circi, E., & Atalay, Y. (2017). Conservative treatment of Osgood-Schlatter disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis. European Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery & Traumatology, 27(6), 729-736.
Sousa, T., & Castro, M. (2019). Osgood-Schlatter Disease: A comprehensive review. EFORT Open Reviews, 4(11), 633-639.
Vaishya, R., Azizi, A. T., Agarwal, A. K., & Vijay, V. (2016). Apophysitis of the Tibial Tuberosity (Osgood-Schlatter Disease): A Review. Cureus, 8(9), e780.
Weiss, J. M., Jordan, S. S., Andersen, J. S., & Lee, B. M. (2007). The use of a pneumatic leg brace in Osgood-Schlatter disease: a prospective, randomized study. The American Journal of Sports Medicine, 35(3), 316-320.
Nakase, J., Goshima, K., Numata, H., Oshima, T., Takata, Y., & Tsuchiya, H. (2015). Precise risk factors for Osgood-Schlatter disease. Archives of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, 135(9), 1277-1281.
Emery, C. A., Whittaker, J. L., Mahmoudian, A., Lohmander, L. S., Roos, E. M., Bennell, K. L., & Toomey, C. M. (2019). Establishing outcome measures in early knee osteoarthritis. Nature Reviews Rheumatology, 15(7), 438-448.
Disclaimer:
The content on the MSR website, including articles and embedded videos, serves educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice; only certified MSR practitioners should practice these techniques. By accessing this content, you assume full responsibility for your use of the information, acknowledging that the authors and contributors are not liable for any damages or claims that may arise.
This website does not establish a physician-patient relationship. If you have a medical concern, consult an appropriately licensed healthcare provider. Users under the age of 18 are not permitted to use the site. The MSR website may also feature links to third-party sites; however, we bear no responsibility for the content or practices of these external websites.
By using the MSR website, you agree to indemnify and hold the authors and contributors harmless from any claims, including legal fees, arising from your use of the site or violating these terms. This disclaimer constitutes part of the understanding between you and the website's authors regarding the use of the MSR website. For more information, read the full disclaimer and policies in this website.
DR. BRIAN ABELSON, DC. - The Author
With over 30 years of clinical practice and experience in treating over 25,000 patients with a success rate of over 90%, Dr. Abelson created the powerful and effective Motion Specific Release (MSR) Treatment Systems.
As an internationally best-selling author, he aims to educate and share techniques to benefit the broader healthcare community.
A perpetual student himself, Dr. Abelson continually integrates leading-edge techniques into the MSR programs, with a strong emphasis on multidisciplinary care. His work constantly emphasizes patient-centred care and advancing treatment methods. His practice, Kinetic Health, is located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
Join Us at Motion Specific Release
Enroll in our courses to master innovative soft-tissue and osseous techniques that seamlessly fit into your current clinical practice, providing your patients with substantial relief from pain and a renewed sense of functionality. Our curriculum masterfully integrates rigorous medical science with creative therapeutic paradigms, comprehensively understanding musculoskeletal diagnosis and treatment protocols.
Join MSR Pro and start tapping into the power of Motion Specific Release. Have access to:
Protocols: Over 250 clinical procedures with detailed video productions.
Examination Procedures: Over 70 orthopedic and neurological assessment videos and downloadable PDF examination forms for use in your clinical practice are coming soon.
Exercises: You can prescribe hundreds of Functional Exercises Videos to your patients through our downloadable prescription pads.
Article Library: Our Article Index Library with over 45+ of the most common MSK conditions we all see in clinical practice. This is a great opportunity to educate your patients on our processes. Each article covers basic condition information, diagnostic procedures, treatment methodologies, timelines, and exercise recommendations. All of this is in an easy-to-prescribe PDF format you can directly send to your patients.
Discounts: MSR Pro yearly memberships entitle you to a significant discount on our online and live courses.
Integrating MSR into your practice can significantly enhance your clinical practice. The benefits we mentioned are only a few reasons for joining our MSR team.