Medial Collateral Ligament Injury of the Knee

by Patrick Kuhn | Aug 28, 2025 | Media Post

MCL Injuries

The Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) is one of the key stabilisers of your knee. Running along the inside of the joint, it prevents the knee from collapsing inwards during movement. Because of its role, the MCL is commonly injured in sports and activities that involve twisting, sudden changes in direction, or direct impact.

What causes MCL injuries?

MCL injuries usually occur when a force is applied to the outside of the knee, causing the joint to bend inward. This is particularly common in sports like soccer, football, and skiing, where collisions, awkward landings, or sharp turns put the knee under extra stress.

They can also happen from degenerative causes, where tears in the ligament can slowly develop over time due to repetitive stress and natural wear and tear on the knee.

Common symptoms of an MCL injury:

Localised pain or tenderness on the inner side of the knee
Swelling or stiffness along the joint line
A feeling of instability in the knee
Difficulty weight-bearing or changing direction

Why early assessment matters

Many people try to “walk off” a knee injury, but ignoring pain can delay healing or increase the risk of further damage. Early assessment ensures that the injury is properly diagnosed, and a tailored rehabilitation plan can be put in place.

How we can help

Our osteopaths provide hands-on treatment to reduce pain and swelling, improve mobility, and restore proper movement patterns. We’ll guide you through a structured rehab program to help strengthen and stabilise your knee, so you can return to sport or daily activities with confidence.

If you’ve injured your knee or are experiencing inner knee pain, don’t wait it out – getting the right care early makes all the difference.

If you have questions about MCL strains and how our osteopaths might be able to help, please call us on 03 5968 6889 or email info@emeraldosteopathy.com.au. We would love to work with you!

Ligament Sprains

by Patrick Kuhn | Jul 30, 2025 | Media Post

Ligament Sprains

Ligament Sprains – What they are and tips to prevent them

Rolled your ankle or twisted your knee? You might be dealing with a ligament sprain – an injury where the bands that stabilise your joints get overstretched or torn.

Why do sprains happen?

Sudden twists, falls, or awkward landings
Poor warm-up or muscle fatigue
Unstable surfaces or improper footwear

Common signs include:

Swelling
Bruising
Pain when moving or bearing weight
Feeling of instability

Tips to prevent sprains:

Strengthen muscles around your joints
Improve balance and proprioception
Warm up properly before activity
Wear supportive footwear

If you’ve had a sprain before, you’re more likely to get another—so early rehab and proper recovery are key.

Feeling unstable or sore? Let us help you get back on track with the right treatment and movement advice.

If you have questions about Ligament Sprains and how our osteopaths might be able to help, please call us on 03 5968 6889 or email info@emeraldosteopathy.com.au. We would love to work with you!

Muscle Strains

by Patrick Kuhn | Jul 24, 2025 | Media Post

Muscle Strains:

Why They Happen & How to Prevent Them

Muscle strains – those sudden pulls or tears – are common in both athletes and weekend
warriors. They often happen when a muscle is overloaded or overstretched.

Common causes include:
 Skipping warm-ups
 Poor movement mechanics
 Muscle fatigue or weakness
 Overtraining
 Sudden bursts of movement such as sprinting or lifting too heavy too soon

Prevent muscle strains with these tips:
 Warm up with dynamic movement
 Build strength gradually
 Include flexibility & mobility work
 Rest and recover between sessions
 Pay attention to technique

Feeling tight, sore, or unsure if you’ve strained something? Our osteopaths are here to help!
To make an appointment book online at emeraldosteopathy.com.au or call us at 03 5968
6889 today!

L5-S1 Disc Bulge Injury

by Patrick Kuhn | May 13, 2025 | Media Post

L5-S1 Disc Bulge Injury

What is a disc injury?
Disc injuries refer to damage or dysfunction of the intervertebral discs, which are the soft, cushion-like pads between the bones (vertebrae) of your spine. These discs act as shock absorbers and allow flexibility in your back. Disc injuries are common, especially in the lumbar spine (lower back).

L5/S1 disc injuries affect the disc located between the 5th lumbar vertebra (L5) and the 1st sacral vertebra (S1) – the junction between the spine and pelvis. This area is a common site for disc herniation and degeneration because it bears significant weight and endures a lot of mechanical stress, especially during bending and lifting.

What causes disc injuries?

Disc injuries can be categorized into two main causes:

Degeneration – normal age-related wear and tear to the disc
Mechanical/Traumatic causes, which can include:
- Heavy lifting or repetitive bending, especially with poor technique
- Sudden trauma or impact – falls, car accidents, sports injuries
- Prolonged sitting or poor posture
- Overuse and repetitive stress – jobs involving heavy physical labor, heavy weightlifting etc.

Other risk factors:

Obesity
Poor core strength
Family history/Genetic predisposition

What are the symptoms of L5/S1 disc injuries?

Lower back pain at the base of the spine
Sciatic pain (sharp or burning pain down the buttock, leg and foot)
Numbness and tingling in the back of the leg and foot
Weakness in the leg and foot

How can osteopathy help?

Our Osteopaths can help with the management of disc injuries in multiple ways, including:

Assessment and diagnosis of your condition
Manual therapy to relieve pain and improve mobility
Exercise prescription to improve strength and muscle imbalances that may be contributing to your pain
Education and advice on pain management and lifestyle modification to help manage your condition

If you have questions about disc injuries and how our osteopaths might be able to help, please call us on 03 5968 6889 or email info@emeraldosteopathy.com.au. We would love to work with you!

Patella Tracking Dysfunction

by Patrick Kuhn | Feb 6, 2025 | Media Post

Patella Tracking Dysfunction

What is patella tracking dysfunction?

The patella, or kneecap, plays a critical role in your knee joint, gliding up and down in a groove on your femur (thigh bone) as you bend and straighten your leg. A patella tracking injury – also known as patellofemoral pain syndrome or “runner’s knee” – occurs when the kneecap moves out of its natural alignment during these movements, causing pain and discomfort in the knee.

What causes patella tracking dysfunction?

Patella tracking issues often result from an imbalance in the muscles and tissues surrounding the knee. Common causes include:

Muscle Imbalances: Weakness in the quadriceps or tightness in the outer thigh (the IT band) can pull the patella off course.
Overuse or Repetitive Strain: Activities like running, cycling, or squatting can place extra stress on the kneecap.
Injury or Trauma: A direct impact or fall
Postural or Structural Abnormalities: Factors like flat feet, a high-riding patella (patella alta), or knee valgus (knock-knees) can contribute to patella tracking problems.

What are the symptoms?

The most common symptoms include:

Pain around the kneecap, especially during activities like running, climbing stairs, squatting, or prolonged sitting.
Popping or clicking sounds when bending or straightening the knee.
Swelling or tenderness around the knee joint.
Feeling of instability as if the knee might “give way.”

How can osteopathy help?

Our Osteopaths can help with the management of patella tracking injuries in multiple ways, including:

Assessment and diagnosis of your condition
Manual therapy to relieve pain and improve mobility
Exercise prescription to improve strength and muscle imbalances that may be contributing to your pain
Education and advice on pain management and lifestyle modification to help manage your condition

If you have questions about patella tracking injuries and how our osteopaths might be able to help, please call us on 03 5968 6889 or email info@emeralosteopathy.com.au. We would love to work with you!

Medial Collateral Ligament Injury of the Knee

MCL Injuries

Ligament Sprains

Ligament Sprains

Muscle Strains

Muscle Strains:

Why They Happen &amp; How to Prevent Them

L5-S1 Disc Bulge Injury

L5-S1 Disc Bulge Injury

Patella Tracking Dysfunction

Patella Tracking Dysfunction

Main Menu

Why They Happen & How to Prevent Them