Horse Riding Patella Syndrome
Horse riding is one of the most painful sports around the patella. This pain is felt in the front of the knee without being able to accurately locate it. How do we explain the emergence of these symptoms? What are the treatment options? What can physical therapy do? Here are some explanations...
Riding patella syndrome: causes and manifestations of pain?
The pain usually appears gradually. They unfortunately can permanently settle.
why ?
First of all, when the feet of the rider or rider are placed in stirrups, the knees find themselves in a "semi-flexed" position. This immediately increases pressure on the patella.
Then, the entire posterior muscle chain is "under pressure". Indeed, the heels are in a vacuum, and then the calf muscles (triceps) permanently contract. The bust often bends forward, which also increases the tension in the posterior muscle chain (hamstrings, glutes and back muscles).
Finally, the frequent tremors force the rider to cushion the muscles. Each contraction significantly increases the compressive forces experienced by the patella.
However, the knee joint is designed to withstand these stresses. So the patella should not hurt!
If pain appears, there is a malfunction within the joint itself. He lost the balance necessary for the fluidity of movement. One could say that the joint "moves poorly" as a whole. The elbows, especially at the back of the joint, may be responsible for these joint imbalances.
How do you treat patella syndrome?
First of all, you should know that patella syndrome (also called patellofemoral syndrome) can settle permanently if not treated. It is not uncommon to see people suffer for several years.
You will also have to be patient because patella syndrome is long and complex to treat, especially if the discomfort has been present for several months.
The goals of treatment will be:
- adhesion removal
- Find balance around the joint
- Look for fluidity in movement
- Improving the distribution of stresses (loads) on the ball joint
- Strengthening the thigh and pelvic muscles
- Looking for good movement coordination
- Many exercises can be done.
Continue riding if the discomfort is relatively mild. On the other hand, it will be necessary to know how to limit the practice in the opposite case in order to avoid the installation of significant inflammation inside the joint.
Our advice: listen to your body, recovery will be easier!
Physio-patellar syndrome
We highly recommend consulting a physical therapist to get relief from patella pain.
The physiologist is already one of the leading specialists in this type of pathology. It will allow you to follow a complete follow-up program, directed and customized to your dysfunction.
He will establish a comprehensive assessment (posture, mechanical chains, list of structural abnormalities, etc.) and will offer you a personalized treatment.
We have already outlined above, be patient as recovery may take time. Patellar syndrome is not due to a simple 'blockage'. The body needs time to adjust its structure and restore a flexible and painless joint.