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Chondromalacia Patellae and Physiotherapy

Chondromalacia patellae (abbreviated to CMP) usually referred to 'soft cartilage under the knee cap', and it tends to affect young and healthy athletes/active individuals.

causes of chondromalacia patellae

The main cause of chondromalacia patellae is simple the irritation beneath kneecap surface.

Usually, the cartilage under the kneecap glides smoothly and without kinks, but in some individuals, the knee cap may rub/friction against side of the knee joint, leading to irritation and inflammation in the cartilage surface.

Gradually, pain will develop.

The thing is, pain in and under the knee caps is pretty common in young adults, especially with individuals who play soccer, who enjoys cycling/rowing/volleyball/marathon/runners/ballet dancers/dancers/etc.

Chondromalacia patellae pain is usually experienced after a period of resting/immobility e.g. after sitting in for a meal/drink/movie, then trying to stand.

Skateboarders  also often get chondromalacia patellae injury and pain in their non-dominant leg because of the way skateboarding is: constant kicking and twisting motion that the non-dominant legs has to go through during skateboarding (same for Muay Thai/kicking/soccer etc)

But of course, this condition can also be caused by direct or indirect traumatic force, like

• an acute injury e.g. a fall, vehicle accident or a hit, or
  
• by long term pressure at the patella and the femoral groove where it passes during motion of the knee flexion-extension (running, sprinting, cycling, ball games etc).
  

Some other possible causes and aggravators of chondromalacia patellae pain may be

• iliotibial band (ITB) tightness
• weak or unstable core muscles
  
• misalignment of the knee
  
• traumatic forces
  
• neuromas

chondromalacia patellae physiotherapy

Physiotherapy interventions during the acute phase:

• getting the patient to rest the painful/injured knee as much as possible,
  
• applying cold packs (cold therapy)
  
• compression + elevation to decrease inflammation, swelling and pain
• on top of their pain and anti-inflammatory medication from the physician.

After the acute stage and as the swelling and pain subsides, our senior physiotherapists will start active physiotherapy intervention doing

• joint manipulation and mobilization
• deep tissue release and stretching
  
• scar tissue management
• strength training
• ultrasound therapy to accelerate soft tissue healing
• gradually progress to sports/life-specific exercises
  

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book a physiotherapy appointment today

• Email your preferred physiotherapy appointment slot to contact@phoenixrehabgroup.com or
• WhatsApp / SMS your name, preferred date, time and clinic location to +6588001830 (Novena).
• Clinic locations: see how to get to us here

Phoenix Rehab Singapore Core Services And Specializations

Phoenix Rehab Group works with specialist physiotherapists and specialist rehab therapists who are highly trained, qualified, experienced and passionate to provide high level of expert care to our patients.

PHYSIOTHERAPY & PHYSICAL THERAPY General Orthopedic Physio Back and Neck Physio Sports Physio Post-surgery Physio Women's Health Physio Indiba (Radio-Frequency) Physiotherapy Dry Needling Physio

HAND THERAPY &  SPLINTING Patients who sustained injuries to their elbows, forearms, hands, wrists (sprains and fractures) and fingers, and requires Hand Therapy to increase the function of their hand following injuries or post-operations and custom made hand splints.

CLINICAL PILATES & WELLNESS PILATES Clinical Pilates is a form of physical exercise that focuses on posture, core stability, balance, control, strength, flexibility, and breathing. It is a system of safe and effective exercises, which meet specific individual needs, to treat a wide range of injuries and conditions.

TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE (TCM) Pain Management TCM Acupuncture TCM Gua Sha TCM Cupping TCM

DEEP TISSUE RELEASE & SPORTS MASSAGE THERAPY Sports and deep tissue release massage helps to increase nutrient-rich blood flow to tired , tight and tense muscles to accelerate recovery and shorten downtime. It also helps prevents muscles from scar tissue micro-tears (and future ruptures), and increases muscle performance. When done regularly it will keeps your muscles and you healthy and fit and have body/movement-confidence.

PERSONAL TRAINING Having a dedicated personal trainer/personal training helps you get faster and better health, fitness and wellness results. You can expect better fat loss and muscle gain, have reduced risks of injury, establish effective exercise and health habits as well as overcome those annoying "flatline plateus" to breakthrough to your next level of fitness and weight loss.

All our allied health therapists and TCM physicians are fully insured and registered with Allied Health Professions Council (AHPC) and Traditional Chinese Medicine Board (TCMB).

See our entire team here by location and specialization.

At the first session, our specialist physiotherapists will carry out a thorough assessment, helping them to select the most appropriate treatment to help you recover as well as provide treatment in the same session. 

Follow up sessions are inline to provide expert treatment for your pain as well as prescribing specific exercises to reduce your risk of re-injury and giving you a long term solution.

do Tell Your Family, Friends And Colleagues About Us =)

We appreciate you as a patient and want you to know that the #1 (and only) way we grow as a clinic is through word of mouth referrals from valued patients like yourself.

We do not rely on advertising - instead, we prefer and appreciate the goodwill and positive reinforcement from patients. When you have the opportunity, please take the time to tell your family, friends and physicians about the positive results and experience you have had in our clinic.

book a physiotherapy appointment today

• Email your preferred physiotherapy appointment slot to contact@phoenixrehabgroup.com or
• SMS your name, preferred date, time and clinic location to +6588001830 (Novena).
• Clinic locations: see how to get to us here