Date of Award

2009

Document Type

Scholarly Project

Degree Name

Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)

Department

Physical Therapy

First Advisor

Mark Romanick

Keywords

Bursitis -- therapy; Knee Joint; Case Reports

Abstract

Background/Purpose: This case study describes a 28-year-old woman’s six physical therapy visits over a period of four weeks for treatment of right pes anserine bursitis. The purpose of this case study is to describe the treatment of an individual with pes anserine bursitis using hamstring stretching, quadriceps strengthening, and iontophoresis and to describe the outcomes.

Case Description: Following a fall down eight steps in her home with her right knee underneath her. The patient presented with increased pain, swelling, loss of range of motion, and tenderness at the pes anserine. Treatment consisted of iontophoresis, hamstring stretches, and quadriceps strengthening.

Outcomes: The patient improved by 85% to 90% since initial visit as indicated by patient visual analog scale ranking and was able to return to all work activities and exercise on the elliptical at home. She had increased range of motion and no swelling at the bursa. The patient responded well to treatment and was able to return to all activities.

Discussion: Current literature provides protocols, case studies, and individual doctor’s papers about pes anserine bursitis but no evidence based practice for interventions. This case study is an initiative that randomized controlled trials need to be performed to determine what the best treatment of pes anserine bursitis.

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