Common knee problems, Runners Knee,  Iliotibial Band Friction Syndrome. Prepatellar Bursitis  (knee Bursitis). Patellar Tendonitis (Jumper’s Knee). Goosefoot (Pes Anserine) Bursitis of the Knee, Tendonitis Treatment. Meniscus injury.Meniscal Tears. Meniscus Tears. Symptoms of Knee Injury Knee  Ligament  Injury, Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL),  Anterior Curciate  Ligament (ACL),Posterior Circulate Ligament (PCL), Lateral Collateral Ligament (LCL).Ligament Injury and  Knee injury Diseases and Conditions,   Chondromalacia,Pellegrini-Stieda syndrome, Baker cyst, Arthritis, Running injuries; Runners Knee – Iliotibial Band Friction Syndrome,  Cold or low level laser therapy and treatment.

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Runner’s Knee Explained

Runner’s Knee is the common term for Iliotibial Band Friction Syndrome. Runner’s Knee is a painful overuse knee injury that affects the outer part of the knee. It is common in runners and cyclists. It affects around 5% of all runners, while knee injuries in cyclists 20% are diagnosed as Runner’s Knee.

Runner’s Knee to understand this condition its necessary to be familiar with the anatomy of the outer side of the thigh and knee. The Ilio Tibial Band is a tough length of fascia that attaches to the outer side of the pelvis (The Ilium), goes down the outer side of the thigh and inserts into the outer side of the shin bone (Tibia). The Ilio Tibial Band forms a length of taught fibrous tissue that connects the hip and knee.

The Lateral Epicondyle is a bony prominence that is the widest point of the thigh bone. When the knee is straight the Ilio Tibial Band is in front of the Lateral Epicondyle of the thigh bone and when the knee is fully bent the ITB is behind the Lateral Epicondyle of the thigh bone. During movements of the knee, the Ilio Tibial Band moves over the Lateral Epicondyle of the thigh, with maximum friction at 30 degrees of knee bend.

During activities such as running and cycling, where there is repeated bending and straightening of the knee joint, the Ilio Tibial Band can ‘impinge’ upon the Lateral Epicondyle and the resultant friction can lead to inflammation of the tissues. If the Ilio Tibial Band is tight then the degree of friction is increased and a tight Ilio Tibial Band can predispose people to Runner’s Knee.

Between the Ilio Tibial Band and the thigh there is a sac of fluid, called a bursa, which is meant to prevent friction. However, where there are repeated knee bending movements with a tight Ilio Tibial Band, the bursa can become impinged between the Ilio Tibial Band and the Lateral Epicondyle of the thigh. The bursa itself, as well as the Ilio Tibial Band, can become inflamed and painful.

Runner’s Knee Symptoms

Typically there is pain located on the outer side of the knee joint. This pain may radiate up the thigh or down the outer side of the shin and is exacerbated by running or cycling activities. Usually, the pain from Runner’s Knee is only present during activity and settles when the person rests. However, in some cases it can also be extremely uncomfortable going up or down stairs.

There is often severe tenderness when the Lateral Epicondyle of the thigh bone is palpated. There is usually maximum friction at the area of the Lateral Epicondyle when the knee is bent to around 30 degrees.

The  Knee.       

The knee and what is its function?    

The knee is a joint which has three parts. The thigh bone (femur) meets the large shin bone (tibia) forming the main knee joint. This joint has an inner (medial) and an outer (lateral) compartment. The kneecap (patella) joins the femur to form a third joint, called the patellofemoral joint.

The knee joint is surrounded by a joint capsule with ligaments strapping the inside and outside of the joint (collateral ligaments) as well as crossing within the joint (curciate ligaments). These ligaments provide stability and strength to the knee joint.

The meniscus is a thickened cartilage pad between the two joints formed by the femur and tibia. The meniscus acts as a smooth surface for the joint to move on. The knee joint is surrounded by fluid-filled sacs called bursae, which serve as gliding surfaces that reduce friction of the tendons. Below the kneecap, there is a large tendon (patellar tendon) which attaches to the front of the tibia bone. There are large blood vessels passing through the area behind the knee (referred to as the popliteal space). The large muscles of the thigh move the knee. In the front of the thigh, the quadriceps muscles extend the knee joint. In the back of the thigh, the hamstring muscles flex the knee. The knee also rotates slightly under guidance of specific muscles of the thigh.

The knee functions to allow movement of the leg and is critical to normal walking. The knee flexes normally to a maximum of 120 degrees and extends to 0 degrees. The bursae, or fluid-filled sacs, serve as gliding surfaces for the tendons to reduce the force of friction as these tendons move. The knee is a weight-bearing joint. Each meniscus serves to evenly load the surface during weight-bearing and also aids in disbursing joint fluid for joint lubrication.

Knee Pain there are three compartments in the knee joint

Knee pain can be caused by injury, degeneration, arthritis, infrequently infection, and rarely bone tumors. The knee joint is the most commonly involved joint in rheumatic diseases, immune diseases that affects various tissues of the body including the joints to cause arthritis.

Ligaments within the knee (cruciate ligaments) and on the inner and outer sides of the knee (collateral ligaments) stabilize the joint.

Surgical repair of ligament injury can involve suturing, grafting, and synthetic graft repair. Routine x-rays do not reveal meniscus tears, but can be used to exclude other problems of the bones and other tissues.

Knee Injury and Symptoms.

Knee Injury can affect any of the ligaments, bursae, or tendons surrounding the knee joint. Injury can also affect the ligaments, cartilage, menisci (plural for meniscus), and bones forming the joint. The design of the knee joint and that it is an active weight-bearing joint are factors in making the knee one of the most injured joints of the human body.

(View our Cold or Low Level Laser Therapy)

Ligament Knee Injury and Treatment.

Trauma can cause a severe injury to the ligaments on the inner portion of the knee), the outer (lateral) portion of the knee (lateral collateral ligament), or within the knee (cruciate ligaments). Injuries to these areas are noticed as immediate knee pain, but are difficult to localize. A collateral ligament injury is felt on the inner or outer portion of the knee. A collateral ligament injury is tenderness over and around the area of the ligament involved. A cruciate ligament injury is felt within the knee. It is sometimes noticed with a “popping” sensation with the initial trauma. A ligament injury to the knee is painful and may be swollen the knee pain is usually worsened by bending the knee, putting weight on the knee, or even walking. The severity of the injury can vary from minor stretching or tearing of the ligament, such as a sprain to severe and complete tear of the ligament the knee can have more than one area injured in a single traumatic event.

Ligament injuries are initially treated with ice packs and immobilization, with rest and elevation. It is generally initially recommended to avoid bearing weight on the injured joint, and crutches may be required for walking. Some patients are placed in splints or braces to immobilize the joint to decrease pain and promote healing. Arthroscopic or open surgery may be necessary to repair severe injuries. Cold or low level laser therapy, has a five star rating for treating  knee inflammation, injuries and Conditions, by accelerating the healing process, thus reducing both pain and convalescing.

 (View our Cold or Low Level Laser Section.)

Meniscus Tears and Treatment.

The meniscus can be torn with the shearing forces of rotation that are applied to the knee during sharp, rapid motions. This is especially common in sports such as football and other rapid motion activities. There is a higher incidence with aging and degeneration of the underlying cartilage. Several tears can be present in an individual meniscus. A meniscal tear may have a rapid onset of a popping sensation with a certain activity or movement of the knee. Occasionally, it is associated with swelling in the knee It is also associated with locking or an unstable sensation in the knee joint. X-rays while they do not reveal a meniscal tear can be used to exclude other problems of the knee. The meniscal tear can be diagnosed in one of three ways: arthroscopy, arthrography, or an MRI. Arthroscopy is a surgical technique by which a small diameter video camera is inserted through tiny incisions on the sides of the knee for the purposes of examining and repairing internal knee joint problems.

Tendonitis and Treatment.

Knee Pain and tendonitis of the knee occurs in the front of the knee below the kneecap at the patellar tendon (patellar tendonitis) or in the back of the knee at the popliteal tendon (popliteal tendonitis). Tendonitis is an inflammation of the tendon, which often occurs by a strain or impacted sport such as jumping. Patellar tendonitis also has the name “jumper’s knee.” Tendonitis is diagnosed based on the presence of pain and tenderness localized to the tendon. It is treated with ice packs, and cold/Low Level laser therapy {View our cold or low level laser section} cortisone injections, which can be given for tendonitis elsewhere, are generally avoided in patellar tendonitis because there are reports of risk of tendon rupture as a result of corticosteroids in this area. In severe cases, surgery can be required. A rupture of the tendon below or above the kneecap can occur. This may lead to bleeding within the knee joint and severe pain with knee movement. Surgery of the ruptured tendon is often necessary. Cold or Low Level Laser Therapy has a five star rating for the treatment of knee inflammation, injuries and Conditions, by accelerating the healing process, thus is reducing both pain and convalescing.

(View cold or low level laser therapy section).

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Diseases or Conditions.

Diseases or conditions that involve the knee joint, the soft tissues and bones surrounding the knee, or the nerves that supply sensation to the knee area can result in knee pain. In fact, the knee joint is the most commonly affected joint in rheumatic diseases, immune diseases that involve various tissues of the body including the joints to cause arthritis.

Arthritis is inflammation within a joint. The causes of knee joint inflammation range from types of arthritis such as osteoarthritis, which is a degeneration, or wear and tear, of the cartilage of the knee, to inflammatory types of arthritis (such as rheumatoid arthritis or gout). Treatment of the arthritis is directed according to the nature of the specific type with cold laser being one of the most effective types of treatment in managing the inflammation.

Baker cyst is another common cause of pain at the back of the knee resulting from swelling of the knee joint from arthritis leading to a localized collection of fluid accumulating in a cyst behind the knee.

Tumors and Infections of the bone or joint can rarely be a serious cause of knee pain and have associated signs of infection including fever, extreme heat, warmth of the joint, chills of the body, and may be associated with puncture wounds in the area around the knee.

Pellegrini-Stieda syndrome is a calcification of the collateral ligament on the inside of the knee joint. With this condition, the knee can become inflamed and can be treated conservatively with ice packs, immobilization, and rest. Infrequently, it requires a local injection of corticosteroids.

Chondromalacia refers to a softening of the cartilage under the kneecap (patella). It is a common cause of deep knee pain and stiffness in young women and can be associated with pain and stiffness after prolonged sitting or climbing stairs. Treatment with anti-inflammatory medications, ice packs and rest may help.

Bursitis of the knee occurs on the inside of the knee (anserine bursitis) and the front of the kneecap (patellar bursitis, or commonly known as “housemaid’s knee”). Bursitis is generally treated with ice packs, immobilization, and anti-inflammatory medications or Cold or Low level laser therapy, has a five star rating in the treatment of  knee inflammation, injuries and Conditions, by accelerating the healing process, thus is reducing both pain and convalescing.

 (View our Cold or Low Level Laser Therapy Section).

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Cold or low level laser Therapy/Treatment

The lasers used at Central Chiropractic, Physiotherapy Clinic are certified as Cold or low level Laser.  For the past 30 years the technology of Cold Therapy (also known as Low Level Laser Therapy) has been formally accepted in North America and in many other parts of the world such as Europe, Russia and Japan.  In all this time there have been no recorded long-term adverse effects from low level laser therapy.  It is considered to be non-invasive, painless and safe.

Cold or low level Laser Therapy uses laser light energy to stimulate cells to function optimally.  In the body, light sensitive chromophores and other elements within the cell absorb energy initiating a series of important photochemical changes such as increased production of ATP. The mitochondria and Kreb’s Cycle stimulation initiates the production of ATP, providing the cell with the extra energy needed to accelerate the healing process and positively influence pain.  These activities can occur in all types of cells and includes ligament, nerves, cartilage and muscle.

Cold or Low level laser therapy (LLLT) is a handheld, non-invasive, light-emitting medical device which is used over different areas of the body. It provides an unmatched advantage in the treatment of conditions such as;

Athletic and Sports Injuries.

Shoulder conditions and injuries.  Ruptures. Tears. Ligaments. Tendons.

Knee Ankle and foot Pain Conditions and injuries. Hip, Knee Bursitis.

Achilles Tendonitis. Bursitis.  Plantar Fasciitis. Stress Fractures. Shin Splints.

Meniscus tears. Runners Knee Iliotibial Band Friction Syndrome

Chronic Neck and Back pain.

Whiplash (WAD) injury/ Neck Pain. Cervical Disc injury.

Upper and Lower Back Pain

Slipped disc. Prolapsed disc. Herniated disc. Bulging disc.

Trapped  nerves.

Hip Pain Sacroiliac joint inflammation

Shoulder Injuries and conditions.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
Arthritic Pain Relief.

Muscle Spasm
Relief of Muscle and Joint Pain
Skin infections. 

Wound Management including Skin Ulcers, Pressure Sores and Burn.

Soft Tissue Injuries including Sprains and Strains, Tendonitis and Haematomas.

Joint Disorders including Arthritic pain relief and Tenosynovitis

Chronic pain such as Trigeminal Neuralgia and Chronic Neck and Back

Pain. “Whiplash” (WAD) injury. Neck Pain and injuries.

For further in depth information on Hip knee Leg or Ankle pain including Back and Lower Back Pain, Sciatica. Please go to top left corner under “Pain” or “Conditions”. 

Physiotherapy for Knee ligament injuries;  Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) and two Collateral ligaments. Meniscal tears. Meniscus injuries.

There are four major ligaments in the knee: the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) and two collateral ligaments. These ligaments work together to stabilize the knee during motion. The most commonly injured ligament is the anterior cruciate ligament with tears occurring on twisting or sporting activities such as netball, basketball, tennis and football. This ligament can also get injured as a result of direct blow to the knee such as those that occur in football or rugby.

An ACL tear usually occurs suddenly and is often accompanied by a “popping” sound. The tera will be accompanied by swelling of the joint that can last up to 1 hour. The movement of the knee will also be uncomfortable and joint would feel unstable. Physical examination performed by chiropractor would usually confirm the diagnosis.  Magnetic resonance image (MRI) scan can also be used. In case of complete tears, the anterior cruciate ligament cannot repair itself and thus the ligament function is lost.

Meniscus injuries

There are two menisci in each knee. The menisci are the cartilages shaped like a crescent and positioned between thigh bone (femur) and knee bone (tibia). The menisci function as shock absorbers and stabilizers of the knee joint. The meniscus on the inside of the knee is medial meniscus and the outside of the knee is called lateral meniscus. The medial meniscus absorbs some of the load around 25% in the inner compartment and the lateral meniscus absorbs around half of the load in the outer compartment.

Meniscal Tears

The meniscal tear usually occurs when menisci are trapped between the moving bones of the femur and tibia. The menisci cartilage only gets blood supply to the outer third of the outer zone thus limiting ability to heal if torn. Most tears occur in the centre of the meniscus because this is the part of the meniscus that gets trapped between the moving bones. These inner tears and many of the outer tears do not heal.

Symptoms

Pain on the inside of the joint or behind the joint is the most common symptom of a meniscal tear. Meniscal tear can also be accompanied by catching and occasionally locking of the joint. Swelling always means there is something wrong inside the knee and is commonly associated with meniscal tears.

Knee Pain ligament injuries for further in depth information on knee pain and injury, please go to top left corner under “Pain” or “Conditions” and for Cold Laser Therapy please go to “Treatments”.

Physiotherapy for Knee Pain Injuries and Symptoms,Cold Laser Treatment of Ligaments, Meniscus Tears, Tendonitis, Arthritis, Diseases, Conditions, Baker Cyst, Chondromalacia, Pellegrini-Stieda Syndrome, Cold Laser Treatment, TOG GaitScan.

The knee and what is its function?

The knee is a joint which has three parts. The thigh bone (femur) meets the large shin bone (tibia) forming the main knee joint. This joint has an inner (medial) and an outer (lateral) compartment. The kneecap (patella) joins the femur to form a third joint, called the patellofemoral joint.

 The knee is a joint which has three parts. The thigh bone (femur) meets the large shin bone (tibia) forming the main knee joint. This joint has an inner (medial) and an outer (lateral) compartment. The kneecap (patella) joins the femur to form a third joint, called the patellofemoral joint. 

The knee joint is surrounded by a joint capsule with ligaments strapping the inside and outside of the joint (collateral ligaments) as well as crossing within the joint (cruciate ligaments). These ligaments provide stability and strength to the knee joint.

The meniscus is a thickened cartilage pad between the two joints formed by the femur and tibia. The meniscus acts as a smooth surface for the joint to move on. The knee joint is surrounded by fluid-filled sacs called bursae, which serve as gliding surfaces that reduce friction of the tendons. Below the kneecap, there is a large tendon (patellar tendon) which attaches to the front of the tibia bone. There are large blood vessels passing through the area behind the knee (referred to as the popliteal space). The large muscles of the thigh move the knee. In the front of the thigh, the quadriceps muscles extend the knee joint. In the back of the thigh, the hamstring muscles flex the knee. The knee also rotates slightly under guidance of specific muscles of the thigh.

The knee functions to allow movement of the leg and is critical to normal walking. The knee flexes normally to a maximum of 120 degrees and extends to 0 degrees. The bursae, or fluid-filled sacs, serve as gliding surfaces for the tendons to reduce the force of friction as these tendons move. The knee is a weight-bearing joint. Each meniscus serves to evenly load the surface during weight-bearing and also aids in disbursing joint fluid for joint lubrication.

Knee Pain 

Knee pain can be caused by injury, degeneration, arthritis, infrequently infection, and rarely bone tumours. The knee joint is the most commonly involved joint in rheumatic diseases, immune diseases that affect various tissues of the body including the joints to cause arthritis.

Ligaments within the knee (cruciate ligaments) and on the inner and outer sides of the knee (collateral ligaments) can be sprained or torn.

Surgical repair of ligament injury can involve suturing, grafting, and synthetic graft repair. Routine x-rays do not reveal ligament or meniscus tears, but can be used to exclude other problems of the bones and other tissues.

Injury and Symptoms

Injury can affect any of the ligaments, bursae, or tendons surrounding the knee joint. Injury can also affect the ligaments, cartilage, menisci (plural for meniscus), and bones forming the joint. The design of the knee joint and that it is an active weight-bearing joint are factors in making the knee one of the most injured joints of the human body.

(see cold laser section under conditions treated).

Ligament Injury and Treatment

Trauma can cause a severe injury to the ligaments on the inner (medial) portion of the knee, the outer (lateral) portion of the knee (lateral collateral ligament), or within the knee (cruciate ligaments). Injuries to these areas are noticed as immediate knee pain, but are difficult to localize. A collateral ligament injury is felt on the inner or outer portion of the knee. A collateral ligament injury is tenderness over and around the area of the ligament involved. A cruciate ligament injury is felt within the knee. It is sometimes noticed with a “popping” sensation with the initial trauma. A ligament injury to the knee is painful and may be swollen the knee pain is usually worsened by bending the knee, putting weight on the knee, or even walking. The severity of the injury can vary from minor stretching or tearing of the ligament, such as a sprain to severe and complete tear of the ligament the knee can have more than one area injured in a single traumatic event.

Ligament injuries are initially treated with ice packs and immobilization, with rest and elevation. It is generally initially recommended to avoid bearing weight on the injured joint, and crutches may be required for walking. Some patients are placed in splints or braces to immobilize the joint to decrease pain and promote healing. Arthroscopic or open surgery may be necessary to repair severe injuries.

(See our cold laser section. Conditions treated)

Meniscus Tears and Treatment

The meniscus can be torn with the shearing forces of rotation that are applied to the knee during sharp, rapid motions. This is especially common in sports such as football and other rapid motion activities. There is a higher incidence with aging and degeneration of the underlying cartilage. Several tears can be present in an individual meniscus. A meniscal tear may have a rapid onset of a popping sensation with a certain activity or movement of the knee. Occasionally, it is associated with swelling in the knee It is also associated with locking or an unstable sensation in the knee joint. X-rays while they do not reveal a meniscal tear can be used to exclude other problems of the knee. The meniscal tear can be diagnosed in one of three ways: arthroscopy, arthrography, or an MRI. Arthroscopy is a surgical technique by which a small diameter video camera is inserted through tiny incisions on the sides of the knee for the purposes of examining and repairing internal knee joint problems. Micro instruments can be used during arthroscopy to repair the torn meniscus.

(See cold laser section under Conditions treated)

Arthrography is a radiology technique whereby a contrast liquid is directly injected into the knee joint and internal structures of the knee joint thereby become visible on x-ray film. An MRI scan is another radiology technique whereby magnetic fields and a computer combine to produce two- or three-dimensional images of the internal structures of the body. It does not use x-rays, and can give accurate information about the internal structures of the knee when considering a surgical intervention. Meniscal tears are often visible using an MRI scanner. MRI scans have largely replaced arthrography in diagnosing meniscal tears of the knee. Meniscal tears are generally repaired arthroscopically.

(See cold laser therapy section under Conditions treated).

Tendonitis and Treatment

Knee Pain and tendonitis of the knee occurs in the front of the knee below the kneecap at the patellar tendon (patellar tendonitis) or in the back of the knee at the popliteal tendon (popliteal tendonitis). Tendonitis is an inflammation of the tendon, which often occurs by a strain or impacted sport such as jumping. Patellar tendonitis also has the name “jumper’s knee.” Tendonitis is diagnosed based on the presence of pain and tenderness localized to the tendon. It is treated with ice packs, and cold laser therapy {see our cold laser section} cortisone injections, which can be given for tendonitis elsewhere, are generally avoided in patellar tendonitis because there are reports of risk of tendon rupture as a result of corticosteroids in this area. In severe cases, surgery can be required. A rupture of the tendon below or above the kneecap can occur. This may lead to bleeding within the knee joint and severe pain with knee movement. Surgery of the ruptured tendon is often necessary.

(See cold laser therapy section under Conditions treated).

Diseases or Conditions

Diseases or conditions that involve the knee joint, the soft tissues and bones surrounding the knee, or the nerves that supply sensation to the knee area can result in knee pain. In fact, the knee joint is the most commonly affected joint in rheumatic diseases, immune diseases that involve various tissues of the body including the joints to cause arthritis.

Arthritis is inflammation within a joint. The causes of knee joint inflammation range from types of arthritis such as osteoarthritis, which is a degeneration, or wear and tear, of the cartilage of the knee, to inflammatory types of arthritis (such as rheumatoid arthritis or gout). Treatment of the arthritis is directed according to the nature of the specific type with cold laser being one of the most effective types of treatment in managing the inflammation.

Baker cyst is another common cause of pain at the back of the knee resulting from swelling of the knee joint from arthritis leading to a localized collection of fluid accumulating in a cyst behind the knee.

Tumours and Infections of the bone or joint can rarely be a serious cause of knee pain and have associated signs of infection including fever, extreme heat, warmth of the joint, chills of the body, and may be associated with puncture wounds in the area around the knee.

Pellegrini-Stieda syndrome is a calcification of the collateral ligament on the inside of the knee joint. With this condition, the knee can become inflamed and can be treated conservatively with ice packs, immobilization, and rest. Infrequently, it requires a local injection of corticosteroids.

Chondromalacia refers to a softening of the cartilage under the kneecap (patella). It is a common cause of deep knee pain and stiffness in young women and can be associated with pain and stiffness after prolonged sitting or climbing stairs. Treatment with anti-inflammatory medications, ice packs and rest may help.

(See our Cold Laser Therapy Section under Inflammatory conditions.) Bursitis of the knee occurs on the inside of the knee (anserine bursitis) and the front of the kneecap (patellar bursitis, or commonly known as “housemaid’s knee”). Bursitis is generally treated with ice packs, immobilization, and anti-inflammatory medications or Cold laser therapy.

(See our Cold laser section under inflammatory conditions.)

TOG GaitScan™

Our GaitScan™ System is a revolutionary diagnostic tool for assessing patient’s foot biomechanics. GaitScan™ has an industry high 4096 sensors and scans at an industry high 300Hz (scans per second).  These measurements provide today’s Chiropractors with a sophisticated explanation of foot mechanics and assists them with orthotic and/or shoe solutions.

Orthotics are custom made shoe inserts designed to correct faulty foot biomechanics. Orthotics may be helpful in relieving your knee pain by reducing stress and strain through the knee joint.

For further in depth information please go to top left corner under “Pain” or “Conditions”, treatments can include Tog GaitScan this is below. Also cold laser therapy is excellent in treating foot Injuries and pain.

(Cold laser therapy top left under “Treatments” for in depth information).

Cold laser Therapy/Treatment

The lasers used at Central Chiropractic Physiotherapy Clinic are certified as Cold Laser.  For the past 30 years the technology of Cold Laser Therapy (also known as Low Level Laser Therapy) has been formally accepted in North America and in many other parts of the world such as Europe, Russia and Japan.  In all this time there have been no recorded long-term adverse effects from low level laser therapy.  It is considered to be non-invasive, painless and safe.

Cold Laser Therapy uses laser light energy to stimulate cells to function optimally.  In the body, light sensitive chromophores and other elements within the cell absorb energy, initiating a series of important photochemical changes such as increased production of ATP. The mitochondria and Kreb’s Cycle stimulation initiates the production of ATP, providing the cell with the extra energy needed to accelerate the healing process and positively influence pain.  These activities can occur in all types of cells and includes ligament, nerves, cartilage and muscle.

Low Level Cold Laser Therapy (LLLT) is a Handheld, non-invasive, light-emitting medical device which is used over different areas of the body. It provides an unmatched advantage in the treatment of conditions such as;

Athletic and sports injuries. Cold laser therapy accelerating the healing process.

Soft Tissue Injuries including Fractures, Sprains and Strains, Tendonitis, conditions and disorders.

Chronic Back and Neck Pain. Upper and Lower Back Pain. Sciatica 

Disc Injuries. Slipped discs, Prolapsed discs, Herniated discs, Bulging discs.

Shoulder Pain Injuries. Biceps, Triceps, Muscle Tears, Rotator Cuff Tear.

Knee Pain. Ligaments, Runners Knee, Bursitis, conditions and disorders.

Hip Pain. Sacroiliac Joint inflammation

Ankle. Foot and Heel Pain and injuries

Achilles tendonitis.

Plantar Fasciitis.

Trapped nerve.

“Whiplash”(WAD) Neck Pain and injury

Tendons, Ligaments Tendons and Fractures

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

Muscle Spasm. Relief of Muscle and Joint Pain

Skin infections. including cold sores

Wound Management; including Skin Ulcers, Pressure Sores and Burns

Soft Tissue Injuries; including Sprains and Strains, Tendonitis and Haematomas

Joint Disorders; including Arthritic pain relief and Tenosynovitis

Chronic pain; such as Trigeminal Neuralgia and Chronic Neck and Back pain.

For further in depth information please go to top left corner under “Pain” “Injuries” and “Conditions”

The knee and what is its function?

The knee is a joint which has three parts. The thigh bone (femur) meets the large shin bone (tibia) forming the main knee joint. This joint has an inner (medial) and an outer (lateral) compartment. The kneecap (patella) joins the femur to form a third joint, called the patellofemoral joint.

The knee is a joint which has three parts. The thigh bone (femur) meets the large shin bone (tibia) forming the main knee joint. This joint has an inner (medial) and an outer (lateral) compartment. The kneecap (patella) joins the femur to form a third joint, called the patellofemoral joint. 

The knee joint is surrounded by a joint capsule with ligaments strapping the inside and outside of the joint (collateral ligaments) as well as crossing within the joint (cruciate ligaments). These ligaments provide stability and strength to the knee joint.

The meniscus is a thickened cartilage pad between the two joints formed by the femur and tibia. The meniscus acts as a smooth surface for the joint to move on. The knee joint is surrounded by fluid-filled sacs called bursae, which serve as gliding surfaces that reduce friction of the tendons. Below the kneecap, there is a large tendon (patellar tendon) which attaches to the front of the tibia bone. There are large blood vessels passing through the area behind the knee (referred to as the popliteal space). The large muscles of the thigh move the knee. In the front of the thigh, the quadriceps muscles extend the knee joint. In the back of the thigh, the hamstring muscles flex the knee. The knee also rotates slightly under guidance of specific muscles of the thigh.

The knee functions to allow movement of the leg and is critical to normal walking. The knee flexes normally to a maximum of 120 degrees and extends to 0 degrees. The bursae, or fluid-filled sacs, serve as gliding surfaces for the tendons to reduce the force of friction as these tendons move. The knee is a weight-bearing joint. Each meniscus serves to evenly load the surface during weight-bearing and also aids in disbursing joint fluid for joint lubrication.

Knee Pain 

Knee pain can be caused by injury, degeneration, arthritis, infrequently infection, and rarely bone tumours. The knee joint is the most commonly involved joint in rheumatic diseases, immune diseases that affect various tissues of the body including the joints to cause arthritis.

Ligaments within the knee (cruciate ligaments) and on the inner and outer sides of the knee (collateral ligaments) can be sprained or torn.

Surgical repair of ligament injury can involve suturing, grafting, and synthetic graft repair. Routine x-rays do not reveal ligament or meniscus tears, but can be used to exclude other problems of the bones and other tissues.

Injury and Symptoms

Injury can affect any of the ligaments, bursae or tendons surrounding the knee joint. Injury can also affect the ligaments, cartilage, menisci (plural for meniscus), and bones forming the joint. The design of the knee joint and that it is an active weight-bearing joint are factors in making the knee one of the most injured joints of the human body.

Ligament Injury and Treatment

Trauma can cause a severe injury to the ligaments on the inner (medial) portion of the knee, the outer (lateral) portion of the knee (lateral collateral ligament), or within the knee (cruciate ligaments). Injuries to these areas are noticed as immediate knee pain, but are difficult to localize. A collateral ligament injury is felt on the inner or outer portion of the knee. A collateral ligament injury is tenderness over and around the area of the ligament involved. A cruciate ligament injury is felt within the knee. It is sometimes noticed with a “popping” sensation with the initial trauma. A ligament injury to the knee is painful and may be swollen the knee pain is usually worsened by bending the knee, putting weight on the knee, or even walking. The severity of the injury can vary from minor stretching or tearing of the ligament, such as a sprain to severe and complete tear of the ligament the knee can have more than one area injured in a single traumatic event.

Ligament injuries are initially treated with ice packs and immobilization, with rest and elevation. It is generally initially recommended to avoid bearing weight on the injured joint, and crutches may be required for walking. Some patients are placed in splints or braces to immobilize the joint to decrease pain and promote healing. Arthroscopic or open surgery may be necessary to repair severe injuries.

Meniscus Tears and Treatment

The meniscus can be torn with the shearing forces of rotation that are applied to the knee during sharp, rapid motions. This is especially common in sports such as football and other rapid motion activities. There is a higher incidence with aging and degeneration of the underlying cartilage. Several tears can be present in an individual meniscus. A meniscal tear may have a rapid onset of a popping sensation with a certain activity or movement of the knee. Occasionally, it is associated with swelling in the knee It is also associated with locking or an unstable sensation in the knee joint. X-rays while they do not reveal a meniscal tear can be used to exclude other problems of the knee. The meniscal tear can be diagnosed in one of three ways: arthroscopy, arthrography, or an MRI. Arthroscopy is a surgical technique by which a small diameter video camera is inserted through tiny incisions on the sides of the knee for the purposes of examining and repairing internal knee joint problems. Micro instruments can be used during arthroscopy to repair the torn meniscus.

Arthrography is a radiology technique whereby a contrast liquid is directly injected into the knee joint and internal structures of the knee joint thereby become visible on x-ray film. An MRI scan is another radiology technique whereby magnetic fields and a computer combine to produce two- or three-dimensional images of the internal structures of the body. It does not use x-rays, and can give accurate information about the internal structures of the knee when considering a surgical intervention. Meniscal tears are often visible using an MRI scanner. MRI scans have largely replaced arthrography in diagnosing meniscal tears of the knee. Meniscal tears are generally repaired arthroscopically.

Tendonitis and Treatment

Knee Pain and tendonitis of the knee occurs in the front of the knee below the kneecap at the patellar tendon (patellar tendonitis) or in the back of the knee at the popliteal tendon (popliteal tendonitis). Tendonitis is an inflammation of the tendon, which often occurs by a strain or impacted sport such as jumping. Patellar tendonitis also has the name “jumper’s knee.” Tendonitis is diagnosed based on the presence of pain and tenderness localized to the tendon. It is treated with ice packs, and cold laser therapy {see our cold laser section} cortisone injections, which can be given for tendonitis elsewhere, are generally avoided in patellar tendonitis because there are reports of risk of tendon rupture as a result of corticosteroids in this area. In severe cases, surgery can be required. A rupture of the tendon below or above the kneecap can occur. This may lead to bleeding within the knee joint and severe pain with knee movement. Surgery of the ruptured tendon is often necessary.

Diseases or Conditions

Diseases or conditions that involve the knee joint, the soft tissues and bones surrounding the knee, or the nerves that supply sensation to the knee area can result in knee pain. In fact, the knee joint is the most commonly affected joint in rheumatic diseases, immune diseases that involve various tissues of the body including the joints to cause arthritis.

Arthritis is inflammation within a joint. The causes of knee joint inflammation range from types of arthritis such as osteoarthritis, which is a degeneration, or wear and tear, of the cartilage of the knee, to inflammatory types of arthritis (such as rheumatoid arthritis or gout). Treatment of the arthritis is directed according to the nature of the specific type with cold laser being one of the most effective types of treatment in managing the inflammation.

Baker cyst is another common cause of pain at the back of the knee resulting from swelling of the knee joint from arthritis leading to a localized collection of fluid accumulating in a cyst behind the knee.

Tumors and Infections of the bone or joint can rarely be a serious cause of knee pain and have associated signs of infection including fever, extreme heat, warmth of the joint, chills of the body, and may be associated with puncture wounds in the area around the knee.

Pellegrini-Stieda syndrome is a calcification of the collateral ligament on the inside of the knee joint. With this condition, the knee can become inflamed and can be treated conservatively with ice packs, immobilization, and rest. Infrequently, it requires a local injection of corticosteroids.

Chondromalacia refers to a softening of the cartilage under the kneecap (patella). It is a common cause of deep knee pain and stiffness in young women and can be associated with pain and stiffness after prolonged sitting or climbing stairs. Treatment with anti-inflammatory medications, ice packs and rest may help.

Bursitis of the knee occurs on the inside of the knee (anserine bursitis) and the front of the kneecap (patellar bursitis, or commonly known as “housemaid’s knee”). Bursitis is generally treated with ice packs, immobilization, and anti-inflammatory medications or Cold laser therapy.