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track-running

MY KNEE HURTS BUT I CAN’T FIGURE OUT WHY

Fitness

Now that Spring is here, many of us are out running on the trails after a long winter off. It’s not uncommon for many people to increase their mileage excessively once it’s nice out (after all it’s a lot more fun to run outside than around a track or on a treadmill). Thus, a variety of overuse injuries can creep up on us. Over the coming weeks we will be outlining a few of the most common ones and providing some simple yet effective preventative solutions.

Pain located around the front of the knee is a common issue in both athletes and the general population. Oftentimes it comes on gradually, without any specific trauma or incident that may provide clues as to what caused it. The healthcare world calls this “patellofemoral pain syndrome” (PFPS) with the “patella” referring to the knee-cap and “femoral” to the thigh bone.

Commonly, the pain is aggravated by running, stair climbing and even prolonged sitting (Moviegoer’s sign). Conversely, it often feels better when the knee is kept straight and aggravating activities are avoided.

It’s important to understand that an issue with one area of the body can easily cause an issue for another area, and sometimes these areas aren’t even directly connected. In this sense, we view the body as a “kinetic chain”, where if one link isn’t functioning properly, the adjacent joints and tendons can be compromised.

This is often the case with PFPS, where causes can include poor hip strength and mobility, biomechanical foot dysfunction and inefficient running form. As you can see, when the structures above and below the knee aren’t behaving, the knee will follow suit.

Tight hip muscles, in particular the rectus femoris and glutes (and it’s tendon the iliotibial band) can affect the “tracking” of the patella. Typically, tight glutes, ITBand and lateral quads will cause increased

lateral pull on the patella causing it to ride more laterally in the grove and ultimately resulting in pain on the outside and it’s undersurface.

The Bretzel stretch below is one of many mobility exercises that can aid in restoring optimal length in these structures. It’s an efficient exercise as you can see that both legs are being stretched at the same time. You should feel it on the bottom thigh (outside and anterior) and on the top glute and lateral hip. Rotating the upper body to the floor will also provide a stretch to the mid-thorax.

Adequate hip strength, in particular, the hip abductors, extensors and lateral rotators are important in maintaining adequate lower quadrant function. Weakness in these muscles can lead to knee valgus and internal rotation which can negatively impact patellofemoral mechanics and lead to PFPS.

The runner’s side plank is a terrific trunk and hip strengthening/stabilizing exercise. Lay on one side with the bottom knee bent and lift the trunk to maintain a neutral trunk position. While maintaining that position, alternately flex and extend the top leg in a running motion.

Lastly, the step-up is an excellent closed kinetic chain exercise to improve neutral lower quadrant mechanics. Step up onto a box or stair while maintain a straight line between the hip, knee and 2nd toe. Slowly lower yourself and then step back up again.

To prevent PFPS before it strikes, be sure to follow a properly periodized training regimen to include active recovery days in your fitness routine. Also include some lower kinetic chain strengthening and mobility drills. Our YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCECP0IZIh-NsGSuzTbtciIg) features many great activities for these recovery days – check it out!

Petersen, W., Ellermann, A., Gosele-Koppenburg, A., Best, R., Rembitzki, I., Bruggemann, G., & Liebau, C. (2014). Patellofemoral pain syndrome. Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy, 22(10), 2264-2274.

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advantagesportmedyeg

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Jul 6

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Behind the scenes with ASM South pistol squat challenge!

And the winner is…. KOJI!

How many can you do?!
Remember to listen to your body when attempting the above.

Hey @advantagesportmedstalbert show us what you got! #yeg #yegphysio #yegphysicaltherapy #yeglift #yeghealthandwellness #yeghealth #yegathlete #edmontonlife #edmontonathlete #stalbert #stalbertphysio #stalbertfitness #physicaltherapy #physio #edmonton

advantagesportmedyeg

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Jul 4

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Mobility Monday!

It’s time to kick off the week and get moving. Put your hip mobility to the test with this week’s mobility challenge above.

Don’t forget to listen to your body when attempting the above. #yeg #yegphysio #yegphysicaltherapy #yeglift #yeghealthandwellness #yeghealth #yegathlete #edmontonlife #edmontonathlete #stalbert #stalbertphysio #stalbertfitness #physicaltherapy #physio #edmonton

advantagesportmedyeg

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Jul 1

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As we come to the end of Athletic Therapist Month, check out the video above to learn more about what athletic therapists do and how they can help you.

Looking to get back into sport? Call us to book in for to an athletic therapy appointment! ☎️ #yeg #yegphysio #yegphysicaltherapy #yeglift #yeghealthandwellness #yeghealth #yegathlete #edmontonlife #edmontonathlete #stalbert #stalbertphysio #stalbertfitness #physicaltherapy #physio #edmonton #yegAT #yegathletictherapy #athletictherapist #hypopressives

advantagesportmedyeg

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Jun 30

Open
‼️In case you missed it ‼️

Welcome to pelvic floor 101, our live introduction to pelvic floor physiotherapy! Kimberly went live to talk the what, who, when, and hows of pelvic floor physiotherapy. She covers common symptoms and conditions that may benefit from working with a pelvic health PT, as well as, what to expect at an assessment.. and more!

Head to the link in our bio to learn more or to book your assessment today!

#yeg #yegphysio #yegphysicaltherapy #yeglift #yeghealthandwellness #yeghealth #yegathlete #edmontonlife #edmontonathlete #stalbert #stalbertphysio #stalbertfitness #physicaltherapy #physio #edmonton
#pevichealth #pelvicfloor #pelvicfloorphysicaltherapy #pelvicfloorexercises

advantagesportmedyeg

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Jun 28

Open
💥 Instagram Live Q&A coming soon! 💥

Join Kimberly Dice, our pelvic health physiotherapist, on our instagram live Wednesday as she introduces you to pelvic floor physiotherapy and answers any questions you may have! 

Feeling curious about pelvic health physiotherapy but having some questions? 

Join us here on Wednesday, June 29th, at 730 pm to learn and ask more!  #yeg #yegphysio #yegphysicaltherapy #yeglift #yeghealthandwellness #yeghealth #yegathlete #edmontonlife #edmontonathlete #stalbert #stalbertphysio #stalbertfitness #physicaltherapy #physio #edmonton
#pevichealth #pelvicfloor #pelvicfloorphysicaltherapy #pelvicfloorexercises

advantagesportmedyeg

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Jun 27

Open
Happy Monday!

Looking for a whole body stability and mobility challenge to get the week going?
Try our challenge above!

Objective: Try to keep you foot firmly planted on the wall throughout the entire movement! 

Remember to listen to your body when attempting the above! #yeg #yegphysio #yegphysicaltherapy #yeglift #yeghealthandwellness #yeghealth #yegathlete #edmontonlife #edmontonathlete #stalbert #stalbertphysio #stalbertfitness #physicaltherapy #physio #edmonton

advantagesportmedyeg

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Jun 23

Open
💭 Feeling curious about pelvic health physiotherapy but having some questions? 
💭 What is pelvic health? 
💭 What symptoms can it help me address? 
💭 Is pelvic floor physiotherapy right for me? 
💭 Think pelvic floor physiotherapy may help a friend or family member?

Join Kimberly Dice, our pelvic health physiotherapist, right here on our instagram live next Wednesday as she introduces you to pelvic floor physiotherapy and answers any questions you may have! 

Join us here on Wednesday, June 29th, at 730 pm to learn and ask more!  #yeg #yegphysio #yegphysicaltherapy #yeglift #yeghealthandwellness #yeghealth #yegathlete #edmontonlife #edmontonathlete #stalbert #stalbertphysio #stalbertfitness #physicaltherapy #physio #edmonton
#pevichealth #pelvicfloor #pelvicfloorphysicaltherapy #pelvicfloorexercises

advantagesportmedyeg

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Jun 22

Open
PELVIC HEALTH Q&A COMING SOON!

A lot of people suffer from pelvic health conditions and it is time to reduce the stigma. 

At Advantage Sport Medicine and Physio, we want to increase your self-esteem to be able to do social and physical activities that are meaningful to you!

Join Kimberly Dice, our pelvic health physiotherapist, right here on our instagram live next Wednesday, June 29 at 7:30pm as she introduces you to pelvic floor physiotherapy and answers any questions you may have! 

 #yeg #yegphysio #yegphysicaltherapy #yeglift #yeghealthandwellness #yeghealth #yegathlete #edmontonlife #edmontonathlete #stalbert #stalbertphysio #stalbertfitness #physicaltherapy #physio #edmonton
#pevichealth #pelvicfloor #pelvicfloorphysicaltherapy #pelvicfloorexercises

advantagesportmedyeg

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Jun 20

Open
Mobility Monday! 🏋️‍♂️🏋️‍♀️

Looking for a shoulder mobility challenge? 
Try our mobility challenge of the week! #yeg #yegphysio #yegphysicaltherapy #yeglift #yeghealthandwellness #yeghealth #yegathlete #edmontonlife #edmontonathlete #stalbert #stalbertphysio #stalbertfitness #physicaltherapy #physio #edmonton

Don’t forget to listen to your body when attempting the above.

advantagesportmedyeg

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Jun 17

Open
❕NOW OFFERING PELVIC FLOOR PHYSIOTHERAPY❕

Did you know that Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy can help with:
▫️bladder and bowel leakage
▫️frequent restroom breaks 
▫️pain with intercourse
▫️pelvic prolapse 
▫️pre and post partum 

Call today to book your assessment!
📞 ASM South: 780-299-0174
📞 ASM North: 780-460-9977

advantagesportmedyeg

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Jun 15

Open
Our TEAM, Your ADVANTAGE

They say it takes a team to build a village; or in this case, an athlete 👟 

Our team of physiotherapists, kinesiologists, and athletic therapists are high skilled in getting athletes   back to what they love and achieve their athletic goals.

Visit our team today at Advantage Sport Medicine to get back on track with doing the things you love

advantagesportmedyeg

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Jun 13

Open
Mobility Monday has a new challenge for you!

Think you have what it takes? We challenge YOU to the mobility exercise above! 👟 

Swipe for an extra challenge and for some bloopers 🎬
❕Remember to listen to your body when attempting the above 

#yeg #yegphysio #yegphysicaltherapy #yeglift #yeghealthandwellness #yeghealth #yegathlete #edmontonlife #edmontonathlete #stalbert #stalbertphysio #stalbertfitness #physicaltherapy #physio #edmonton

advantagesportmedyeg

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Jun 9

Open
✍️ NEW BLOG ALERT: 
How can physiotherapy help with my low back pain?

Low back pain is a common condition that affects a large portion of the population. Physiotherapy can play a large role in identifying the impairments that may be causing pain or that increase the likelihood of developing pain. 

At Advantage Sport Medicine, we can help you determine what the best course of action is for your condition!

See the LINK in our bio for the full blog post 🧑‍💻👩‍💻 #yeg #yegphysio #yegphysicaltherapy #yeglift #yeghealthandwellness #yeghealth #yegathlete #edmontonlife #edmontonathlete #stalbert #stalbertphysio #stalbertfitness #physicaltherapy #physio #edmonton #student

advantagesportmedyeg

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Jun 6

Open
Mobility Monday!

Calling all Monday coffee drinkers! ☕️ 
We challenge YOU to the mobility exercise above.
Remember to listen to your body when attempting the above.
Swipe right for our bloopers and more attempts! 🎬  #yeg #yegphysio #yegphysicaltherapy #yeglift #yeghealthandwellness #yeghealth #yegathlete #edmontonlife #edmontonathlete #stalbert #stalbertphysio #stalbertfitness #physicaltherapy #physio #edmonton

advantagesportmedyeg

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Jun 1

Open
‼️ Fact of the day: Not all pain is the same!

It is important to be able to differentiate between pain and post activity muscle soreness. While pain should be listened to and can help guide activity tolerance, post activity muscle soreness is an indication of muscle activation and strength building. 💪 

Being able to differentiate between pain and muscle soreness is an important part of any strength training and the rehabilitation process! #yeg #yegphysio #yegphysicaltherapy #yeglift #yeghealthandwellness #yeghealth #yegathlete #edmontonlife #edmontonathlete #stalbert #stalbertphysio #stalbertfitness #physicaltherapy #physio #edmonton

advantagesportmedyeg

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May 30

Open
Mobility Monday presents:
Downwards Dog 🐶 

While commonly used as a yoga position, downwards dog is an excellent way to actively improve thoracic extension!

Not as flexible as Finnegan? Swipe to see the human version of the exercise and our  modified version against the wall! #yeg #yegphysio #yegphysicaltherapy #yeglift #yeghealthandwellness #yeghealth #yegathlete #edmontonlife #edmontonathlete #stalbert #stalbertphysio #stalbertfitness #physicaltherapy #physio #edmonton
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EDMONTON

302, 575 100 St SW

Edmonton, T6X 0S8

Phone: (780) 229 0174

Fax: (780) 498 6024

Clinic Hours:

Mon-Thursday 7am-7pm

Friday: 7am–4pm

Saturday: 8am-3pm

Sunday: Closed

ST. ALBERT

#101, 190 Carleton Dr.

St. Albert, AB T8N 6W2

Phone: (780) 460 9977

Fax: (780) 460 9978

Clinic Hours:

Monday-Thursday: 7am-7pm

Friday: 7am-4pm

Saturday: 8am-3pm

Sunday: Closed

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