grit physio and podiatry
Book Now
Search

Osgood-Schlatter Disease Treatment in Glen Iris

Physiotherapy for Osgood-Schlatter disease and adolescent knee pain — in-clinic and in-home across Glen Iris.

Book an Appointment

Suffering From Osgood-Schlatter Disease in Glen Iris?

Osgood-Schlatter Disease is not a true disease but rather an overuse injury affecting the area just below the kneecap. Specifically, it involves the tibial tuberosity, a bony bump on the shinbone (tibia) where the patellar tendon attaches. During periods of rapid growth, the growth plates at the ends of bones are made of cartilage, which is softer and less resilient than mature bone. Repetitive stress on this area, often from physical activity, can lead to irritation, inflammation, and pain in the growth plate and the patellar tendon. This irritation can cause the tibial tuberosity to become more prominent and tender.

Common Symptoms & Causes Of Osgood-Schlatter Disease

  • Knee pain and tenderness at the tibial tuberosity: Localized pain to the bony bump just below the kneecap.
  • Swelling at the tibial tuberosity: Visible swelling or a noticeable bump in the affected area.
  • Pain with activity: Worsened by activities such as running, jumping, squatting, kneeling, and climbing stairs.
  • Relief with rest: Pain typically subsides with rest from aggravating activities.
  • Tight muscles: Tightness in the quadriceps and hamstring muscles can contribute to the condition.
  • Pain in one or both knees: Often more severe in one knee, though both can be affected.

Our Osgood-Schlatter Disease Treatment Approach

Every patient is different. We start with a thorough assessment to understand exactly what’s causing your pain — then build a personalised treatment plan around your goals, lifestyle, and timeline.

  • Comprehensive Assessment: Detailed assessment of posture, spinal alignment, and contributing movement patterns.
  • Manual Therapy & Spinal Mobilisation: Hands-on techniques to restore thoracic and lumbar mobility and reduce stiffness.
  • Postural Strengthening Program: Progressive deep core, scapular, and cervical strengthening to support upright posture.
  • Dry Needling: Trigger point release for tight postural muscles including upper trapezius and levator scapulae.
  • Ergonomic Assessment: Workstation and daily activity assessment to reduce sustained postural loading.
  • Education & Self-Management: Guidance on posture habits, movement breaks, and home exercises.

In-Clinic & In-Home Available

We treat patients both at our Glen Iris clinic and in the comfort of your own home — ideal for patients who find it difficult to travel.

NDIS Participants Welcome — We work with self-managed and plan-managed NDIS participants. Contact us to discuss your funding options.

Book Online Now

Frequently Asked Questions

Osgood-Schlatter Disease is a common cause of knee pain in growing adolescents, characterized by inflammation and pain at the tibial tuberosity, just below the kneecap. It’s an overuse injury resulting from repetitive stress on the patellar tendon during activities like jumping and running.
Recovery time varies, but most individuals experience significant improvement within 6-12 weeks with appropriate management. The condition is often self-limiting, resolving as growth plates mature, though symptoms can persist longer if untreated or poorly managed.
While primarily a condition of adolescence, Osgood-Schlatter Disease can recur or persist into adulthood if left untreated during growth. Adult cases often require more direct intervention, including specialized podiatric management, to alleviate symptoms and restore function.
Physiotherapy is crucial for Osgood-Schlatter Disease, focusing on pain relief, activity modification, and progressive exercise. We utilize targeted load management, strengthening, stretching, and biomechanical assessment to address underlying causes and facilitate a safe return to activity.
Yes, custom orthotics can be highly beneficial, especially when biomechanical factors like foot posture contribute to increased stress on the knee. They help optimize lower limb alignment, reduce abnormal forces on the patellar tendon, and support overall recovery.
‘One-percenter’ treatments are advanced, evidence-based interventions that give our patients an edge in recovery. For Osgood-Schlatter Disease, this can include shockwave therapy for chronic cases, 3D gait analysis to correct biomechanics, and specific taping techniques for immediate pain relief, all part of our commitment to clinical excellence.

Ready to Get Started?

Book an appointment for osgood-schlatter disease treatment at our Glen Iris clinic today.

Book an Appointment

Or call us: (03) 9999 7271