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Physio with knee specialism?

by Tjuice
Fri, Feb 21, 2014 12:52
6

This may be futile, but worth a go...

I am trying to find a physio / sports injury specialist who has a real specialism for knee problems. In central (or SW) London.

I am guessing that a number of the readers of this forum have suffered knee issues, so I am hoping someone will have a particularly relevant suggestion - I have not had all that much success with the physios I have seen so far... Anyone have any really strong recommendations for a physio that has helped them overcome some kind of complicated knee-related issue? Work provides me with health insurance, so private is fine (assuming the physio is approved by the insurance provider).

I have been struggling through knee issues for the past couple of years - first my right knee, now my left. I got the right knee mostly sorted so I could cycle and run a bit if I was careful, but my left knee has been a serious problem since August last year (left knee problem came on during a two week holiday where I was cycling in the mountains every other day) - have not been able to ride since then!

I am fairly sure this is a muscular issue (rather than the knee itself being a problem) - I have identified one strand of muscle in my quad that goes from near the top down towards the inside of my knee (further round the front than ITB) that tightens up after exercise, and that seems to cause the issue - lots of massage and rolling on the foam roller have a positive impact, but this is not a lasting solution and it will always tighten up again if I exercise the quad.

Thanks all.

If you're new please join in and if you have questions pop them below and the forum regulars will answer as best we can.

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6 comments

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Jimmy Ray Will | 10 years ago
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There are two things going on here... one, you have an issue with your knees which needs sorting, but two, you have a functional/set up challenge that is making you susceptible to knee injuries/muscle tightness.

You need to address both. I never had any joy with Physios over the years as they could/would only ever treat the symptoms presented to them. The better physios would even say "you know, this is only dealing with immediate challenge, we need to have another conversation if you want to look at the bigger picture". At the time, I didn't really understand what they meant, but following some decent bike fittings, long term work with a Chiropractor, I understand that you have to treat the body as a whole, not as a series of individual parts.

I'd be keen to know details of a decent London based physio too, but in the meantime, would strongly recommend touching base with Cyclefit and ensuring your position is nailed.

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rcdavies | 10 years ago
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I have flat feet and associated persistent patella tendonitis. I was referred privately (through insurance) to BodyFactor in Covent Garden. I can't recommend them highly enough.

http://blog.snowandrock.com/2012/02/bodyfactor-positive-physical-wellbeing/

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movingtarget | 10 years ago
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What you're describing sounds like the sartorius muscle which extends from the hip across the thigh to the inner/medial aspect of the knee. Do you also have medial knee pain or swelling? The anserine tendon and anserine bursa are both near where the sartorius attaches to the knee and can cause sartorius inflammation. All of them can become injured from overuse. A good physio can get you set up with stretches as well as muscle strengthening for opposing muscle groups but you might also need someone to take a look at your pedal stroke motion as it may not purely have been caused by an overuse episode. Just a thought.

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Tjuice replied to movingtarget | 10 years ago
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movingtarget wrote:

What you're describing sounds like the sartorius muscle which extends from the hip across the thigh to the inner/medial aspect of the knee. Do you also have medial knee pain or swelling?

That sounds like a very good description of where I feel there is an issue. Medial knee pain, yes; swelling, not as far as I can tell.

Thank you movingtarget - very helpful to have someone give me an explanation which resonates! Now just have to find someone who would do a good job of helping me get over the problem.

rcdavies, helpful suggestion re: BodyFactor - I will look them up.

Many thanks to all those that have replied - much appreciated.

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sullto | 10 years ago
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Hi Tjuice,

If you're happy with your bike set up it will most likely be hip flexor related. These are always tight in cyclists, if your job is desk based that won't help either. So it's probable that 2 weeks in the mountains worked it that bit too much.

I'd be happy to have a look, I'm a physio in Balham at ReCentre.

Cheers,

Toby

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Tinternet_tim replied to sullto | 10 years ago
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sullto wrote:

Hi Tjuice,

If you're happy with your bike set up it will most likely be hip flexor related.

Cheers,

Toby

I've also been suffering for the last month or so with tight/painful knees and put it down to getting older and the cold weather.
After reading Toby's note on 'hip flexors' I thought I'd try a bit self help and youtubed 'hip flexor stretches' and viewed a few vids (yes, I know not always the best solution).

However, after just a couple of days of stretches I can't believe the difference/improvements.

Thanks Toby for the suggestion!!

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