What is Osgood-Schlatters?
In this video, Matt Clark explains a condition called Osgood-Schlatters and how the Strickland Protocol is used to help improve the condition and ease discomfort.
Osgood-Schlatters is commonly found in children going through their middle school years. As the child goes through a “growth-spurt”, they may be experiencing pain just below the knee. Their bones are growing faster than their muscles can adapt so tension on the muscle can often pull at the bone causing pain.
Treatment and Pain Relief for Osgood-Schlatters
To ease the pain, there is a procedure called Strickland Protocol. This is a simple and easy routine for someone of any age to attempt at home, or with a Horizon Physical Therapist.
-
Lean against a door and swat down until you first start to feel pain in your knee.
-
Mark the door (or have someone else mark it) above your head, as low as you can go when you first feel a pain
-
Stand up and find a table or bed to lay on
-
Pull your opposite knee into your chest. You’ll start to feel a little bit of stretch on your thigh.
-
Hold the stretch for 15 – 20 seconds. Repeat that several times.
-
Allow that leg to hang over a edge of a table or flat surface you are on, and massage it with your hand, working from the top down. Apply really deep pressure, trying to loosen up the tight muscles.
-
Consider using a massage gun, working from the top down, and trying to relax those muscles. Repeat massaging with either your hand or massage gun for 5 – 10 minutes
-
Go back to the wall, repeat the same test, and see if you’re able to get any lower.
You may be surprised with the results.
These Strickland Protocol exercises will stretch the front of the thigh and quadricep to alleviate a lot of that pain. If you’re unable to help yourself, or your child on your own at home, or have any questions, please call and we’ll be happy to talk you through the process.