Knee pain is frustrating, especially when it starts to compromise form and hinder you from performing at your best. If you have a sports related knee injury, treat it now. Don’t wait. Your body needs knees to function properly.
As the age-old song implies, your knees are indeed connected to the rest of your body. And the longer you try to push through the knee pain, the more likely you’ll be to find yourself seeking treatment later on for compensatory pain in your neck, shoulder, back, hip, arch, foot or toe.
Your plan will depend on your specific injury. Mild to moderate issues will often get better on their own. To speed the healing, you can:
1. Rest your knee. Take a few days off from intense activity.
2. Ice your knee to curb pain and swelling. Do it for 15 to 20 minutes every 3 to 4 hours. Keep doing it for 2 to 3 days or until the pain is gone.
3. Compress your knee. Use an elastic bandage, straps, or sleeves to wrap the joint. It will keep down swelling or add support.
4. Elevate your knee with a pillow under your heel when you’re sitting or lying down to cut down on swelling.
5. Take anti-inflammatory medications. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or naproxen will help with pain and swelling. Follow the instructions on the label. These drugs can have side effects, so you should only use them until the swelling is reduced.
6. Practice stretching and strengthening exercises if your doctor recommends them. You may want to do physical therapy, too.
7. Massage therapy is a great way to treat and better understand the root of your knee pain.
Massage therapists try to unravel and release structures around your knee that are likely to exacerbate pain. Techniques like effleurage, petrissage, muscle stripping, trigger point therapy, myofascial release, cross-fiber friction, and ischemic compression are used to restore integrity and balance to the knee joint.
There are lots of contributing factors making every person’s knee injury unique. Some people with knee pain need more help. For instance, if you have bursitis, your doctor may need to draw out extra fluid from the bursa in your knee. If you have arthritis, you may need an occasional corticosteroid shot to settle down inflammation. And if you have a torn ligament or certain knee injuries, you may need surgery.
Massage Therapy for knee pain is ideal in conjunction with a corrective exercise plan designed by a chiropractor with a sports injury specialty or a physical therapist.
Body & Soul Massage in Salem Ma offer Therapeutic Massage for pain relief. Stop living with knee pain. Schedule Your Appointment Today! Call 978-825-0040 or visit www.bodysoulsalem.com