Case Study: Neck and Knee Pain

Luke Is An International Water Polo Player That Came In With Persistent Neck and Knee Pain

Osteopathy enabled Luke's body to heal from neck and knee pain. Read the details of this case study below...

Please Note: The real patients name has been changed to Luke for the purpose of this case study.

During a consultation with Luke, a promising 16-year-old water polo player for the national team, I leared about his persistent neck pain affecting his ability to perform, particularly during goal attempts. His pain had become a significant barrier, not only to his athletic performance but also to his everyday activities. As a dedicated athlete, Luke was eager to find a solution that would allow him to continue competing at a high level without the ongoing discomfort.

Upon further discussion, Luke revealed that he had also experienced intermittent knee pain in the past, though he hadn’t connected it to his current issues. Observing Luke’s posture and movement, it was clear that he had significant joint flexibility. A thorough physical examination confirmed that he exhibited signs of hypermobility, a condition where joints can move beyond the normal range of motion. This hypermobility often goes unnoticed until it manifests in symptoms like pain or instability, as it had with Luke.

The examination also highlighted that Luke’s neck pain was likely exacerbated by the repetitive strain of water polo, which involves frequent and forceful movements. Additionally, the hypermobility was not just contributing to his neck issues but had also played a role in his previous knee discomfort. Palpation of the neck and surrounding muscles revealed tension and sensitivity, which aligned with the hypermobility diagnosis.

Sports injuries are among the most common causes of injury worldwide

Given Luke’s athletic commitments, it was crucial to devise a treatment plan for his neck and knee pain that addressed both the immediate pain and the underlying causes. We started with manual therapy to relieve the tension in his neck muscles, improve joint alignment, and reduce inflammation. This initial phase was focused on providing quick relief and enabling Luke to continue his training with less discomfort.

Once the acute symptoms were managed, we shifted our attention to a customized rehabilitation program aimed at strengthening the muscles around Luke’s neck and knees. Strengthening these muscles was essential to provide better support and stability, helping to compensate for the excessive flexibility in his joints. This approach would not only alleviate his current symptoms but also reduce the risk of future injuries by improving his overall joint health and muscular balance.

Over the following weeks, Luke adhered to the program, which included a combination of strength training, flexibility exercises, and proprioceptive drills to enhance his joint awareness. As his strength and stability improved, he noticed a significant reduction in his pain levels and an enhancement in his athletic performance. This case underscores how osteopathy can be a vital tool for athletes, providing not only immediate relief but also long-term strategies to manage conditions like hypermobility, ultimately supporting their journey to peak performance and well-being.

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