What does the latest research have to say about VMO strengthening exercises? I blogged awhile back on how weak gluteal (butt) muscles may cause patellofemoral syndrome (knee cap arthritis otherwise known as chondromalacia patella). The exercise prescription usually given to patients with knee cap tracking issues is VMO strengthening exercises (VMO=vastus medialis obliquus muscle-inside of the big quadriceps thigh muscle). There are many different ways to strengthen this muscle, but few of these have research to support that they really work the VMO harder. A recent research study weighed in on different squat techniques used for VMO strengthening exercises. This study used EMG (real time recording of the electrical activity in the VMO muscle) and had patients perform squat exercises with the hip abducted (knees slightly out), neutral (knees in line with hips), and knees adducted (slightly inside). The winner? The squat exercises with hips adducted (knees closer together) produced about double the VMO activity as did the conventional neutral squat. In addition, the hip adduction squat also worked the butt muscles which also need to be strengthened to protect the knee cap from being forced too hard into it’s groove. The example above shows a squat with a small ball between the knees where the knees are being brought in as the squat happens. You can also do this without the ball and just keep your knees together while you squat, focusing your attention on the inside of the thigh muscle near the knee (the VMO). The upshot? If you have knee cap pain or chondromalacia, consider adding knees together squats to your VMO strengthening exercises.
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Chris Centeno, MD is a specialist in regenerative medicine and the new field of Interventional Orthopedics. Centeno pioneered orthopedic stem cell procedures in 2005 and is responsible for a large amount of the published research on stem cell use for orthopedic applications.
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Regenerative procedures are commonly used to treat musculoskelatal trauma, overuse injuries, and degenerative issues, including failed surgeries.
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Many Shoulder and Rotator Cuff injuries are good candidates for regenerative treatments. Before considering shoulder arthroscopy or shoulder replacement, consider an evaluation of your condition with a regenerative treatment specialist.
Many spine injuries and degenerative conditions are good candidates for regenerative treatments and there are a number of studies showing promising results in treating a wide range of spine problems. Spine surgery should be a last resort for anyone, due to the cascade of negative effects it can have on the areas surrounding the surgery. And epidural steroid injections are problematic due to their long-term negative impact on bone density.
Knees are the target of many common sports injuries. Sadly, they are also the target of a number of surgeries that research has frequently shown to be ineffective or minimally effective. Knee arthritis can also be a common cause for aging athletes to abandon the sports and activities they love. Regenerative procedures can be used to treat a wide range of knee injuries and conditions. They can even be used to reduce pain and delay knee replacement for more severe arthritis.
Many spine injuries and degenerative conditions are good candidates for regenerative treatments and there are a number of studies showing promising results in treating a wide range of spine problems. Spine surgery should be a last resort for anyone, due to the cascade of negative effects it can have on the areas surrounding the surgery. And epidural steroid injections are problematic due to their long-term negative impact on bone density.
Hand and wrist injuries and arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and conditions relating to overuse of the thumb, are good candidates for regenerative treatments. Before considering surgery, consider an evaluation of your condition with a regenerative treatment specialist.
Hand and Wrist Arthritis
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Trigger Finger
Thumb Arthritis (Basal Joint, CMC, Gamer’s Thumb, Texting Thumb)
Hip injuries and degenerative conditions become more common with age. Do to the nature of the joint, it’s not quite as easy to injure as a knee, but it can take a beating and pain often develops over time. Whether a hip condition is acute or degenerative, regenerative procedures can help reduce pain and may help heal injured tissue, without the complications of invasive surgical hip procedures.
Foot and ankle injuries are common in athletes. These injuries can often benefit from non-surgical regenerative treatments. Before considering surgery, consider an evaluation of your condition with a regenerative treatment specialist.
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