The patient (28 years old, professional ice hockey player, forward) presents with acute pain at the tip of the patella, which has been present for about five weeks. The symptoms occurred during intensive training weeks and the play-off phase. He reports pain (VAS 7 / 10) under load, e.g. during training, when sitting with bent legs and night pain. In the treatment history, he received several cortisone injections to reduce/control pain during the play-offs.
Diagnosis After a thorough functional diagnosis and imaging procedures, patellar tendinitis (jumper’s knee) was diagnosed.
Treatment plan Due to the previous cortisone injections, an alternative form of therapy was sought to alleviate the symptoms and support healing. However, the possibility of using shockwave therapy was ruled out because it is contraindicated within six weeks of a cortisone injection.
1. HIGH PEAK POWER LASER THERAPY
- Goal: Reduction of inflammation and pain relief.
- Application: The laser is positioned on the affected area. Daily sessions (5 x) of 19 minutes
Anti-inflammatory treatment protocol (EMS 905 nm High Peak Power Laser):
1. Wavelength: the 905 nm wavelength is in the near infrared range and is the best compromise with the least absorption in the tissue.
2. Application: Laser therapy is used for pain relief (Mezawa et al.; Arch Oral Biol 1988;33:693–694), inflammation reduction (Bjordal et.al; Br J Sports Med 2006;40:76–80) and in combination with other therapeutic procedures (e.g. shockwave therapy).
2. NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS Phytopharmaceuticals
- Aim: to improve tissue regeneration and reduce inflammation.
- How to use: 1 x daily, mix one shake with 10 g of powder in 200 ml of water (Insumed PHYTOSHAKE mit Curcumin, Boswellia und Bromelain)
1. Anti-inflammatory effect: Curcumin has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce swelling and pain associated with sports injuries.
2. Pain relief: Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, curcumin can also help relieve pain. It can reduce the need for painkillers and provide a natural alternative for treating pain.
3. Support healing: Curcumin promotes the healing processes in the body by supporting the regeneration of tissue and cells. This can speed up the recovery process after injuries and make it easier to return to sport.
4. Antioxidant properties: Curcumin acts as an antioxidant and can help reduce oxidative damage to cells that can result from injuries and inflammation.
Outcome
After one week of combined therapy, the player reported significant pain relief (VAS 1 / 10). A follow-up examination showed a significant reduction in the signs of inflammation in the affected area. In close consultation with the athletic trainer, he was able to return to full training and then full return to competition without pain. The intake of the nutritional supplement was continued (a total of 30 shakes).
Conclusion
The combination of High Peak Power Lasertherapie and PHYTOSHAKE proved to be an effective and conservative treatment method for patellar tip syndrome for the athlete. This treatment protocol enabled a faster recovery and return to competitive sports.
Autoren
ist Physiotherapeut, OMPT-DVMT | HP-PT und international anerkannter Manualtherapeut (IFOMPT) mit eigener Praxis in Landshut (TMPHYSIO Mühleninsel).
