A very common condition we see affecting both young and old is patellofemoral pain syndrome also knows as runners knee. The repetitive stress associated with running or repetitive loaded movements like squatting can irritate the kneecap where it articulates with the femur. It is most often due to poor kneecap alignment and the way it tracks over the femur that can cause increased stress of the joint. The pain can vary from sharp to dull and can be constant or intermittent.

The Most Common Causes Are:
• Poor control or balance between the inner and outer quadriceps muscles in the front of the thigh
• Tightness of the soft tissues structures around the kneecap
• Overpronation of the feet
• Poor mobility of the ankle and joints of the foot
• Increasing training volumes with out correct progression
• Changing footwear or the surface trained on
• Poor lower limb/spinopelvic biomechanics

Role of a Sports Chiropractor:
A full examination including gait analysis, orthopaedic, neurological and muscle testing paired with a thorough history can be used to identify contributing factors. Generally training load and volume management is key through the treatment process. Cause dependent – modalities such as strapping, dry needling, soft tissue therapies, joint manipulation/ mobilisation will be used to normalise the structures with the key for long term relief and management being rehabilitation of the quadriceps muscles and correct lower limb biomechanics . When symptoms have dissipated a progressive return to play can occur.

At Basham Chiropractic you can claim on the spot with any private health insurance that covers Chiropractic. We are the designated preferred providers in Nowra for a range of private health insurers that allow additional benefits to their members. These include;

HCF - HCF "More for Backs program". This provides eligible members with a fully covered initial consultation for eligible musculoskeletal conditions, whether for a new health condition or flare up of an existing condition.

https://www.hcf.com.au/members/no-gap-services

BUPA - As a BUPA members first Chiropractor members are able to claim 3 Physio or Chiro consultations per calander year as well as the ability to put bonus credit towards other consultations.

http://www.bupa.com.au/find-a-provider

Medibank - Being a Members Choice Network preferred Chiropractor allows for a larger percentage to claim back than a non preferred Chiropractor.

https://www.medibank.com.au/health-insurance/members-choice/

Injuries to the rotator cuff are common in both athletes and the general public. They can come on suddenly due to injury (acute) or can develop over time (chronic). The rotator cuff is made up of 4 muscles that act to stabilise the ball of the humerus into the socket or glenoid of the scapula which makes up your shoulder joint. Due to the large amount of movement available at the shoulder the muscle of the rotator cuff have to function well to allow both suitable movement and appropriate stability.

The most common injuries we see in clinic are:
• Impingment syndromes
• Tears of the rotator cuff
• Rotator cuff tendinopathies

Classically a rotator cuff condition will present with shoulder pain when your arm is around shoulder height and above, muscle weakness and or pain when lifting or reaching and is often painful to lay on. Some of the common causes include lifting heavy objects, trauma, poor scapula control, slouched forward posture, muscular imbalances between the chest and back, overuse and general wear and tear.

Role of a Sports Chiropractor:
Once a diagnosis is made to your specific rotator cuff injury (which may warrant imaging) a course of treatment and rehab can commence. Depending on severity, some conditions may be referred for surgical evaluation. Although each different condition requires a slightly different treatment, the aim will be to restore the full range of motion to the shoulder, develop proper scapular function, strengthen the rotator cuff and correct any postural issues affecting shoulder function.

With our winter sports well and truly under way we would hope the niggly pre-season issues that seem to pop up every year would be under control. Unfortunately one condition that can and often does linger is shin splints. Shin splints or medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS) is a pain along the inner edge of the tibia or shin bone which is associated with overuse and/or poor lower limb biomechanics. Shin splints often present as a slight discomfort at the commencement of training or sport and can progress to a constant severe pain.

The Most Common Causes Are:
• Overtraining or increased training without proper progression
• Training on hard surfaces
• Overpronation of the feet
• Poor mobility of the ankle and joints of the foot
• Weakness of the core and/or glutes
• Back and/or hip issues which alter lower limb biomechanics
• Incorrect footwear

Role of a Sports Chiropractor:
Just like most acute injuries shin splints can be managed with rest and ice (15-20 minutes on every 2-3 hours) usually for the first 24 – 48 hours. This is good to reduce the symptoms, but to fix the problem identifying the cause is key. A full examination including gait analysis, orthopaedic, neurological and muscle testing paired with a thorough history can be used to identify contributing factors. From here various techniques can be used to help normalise function including orthotic prescription, dry needling, strapping techniques, joint manipulation/ mobilisation, soft tissue therapies, rehabilitation and other movement/exercise therapies. Once these issues have been addressed a sport specific progressive exercise plan can be put together to allow a safe return to play.